2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX carried forward the brand's signature design elements, offering a sharp and sculpted exterior that was reminiscent of its siblings, the smaller UX and larger RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were noted for their familiar dimensions akin to the Toyota RAV4, featuring standard power-folding mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added a sportier flair with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport models boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and a choice of interior color schemes, including the bold Circuit Red. The interior was praised for its excellent material fit and finish, though the design of the gauge cluster and center stack appeared somewhat dated compared to more modern competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 introduced a fresh take on electrified mobility with its minimalist yet intricate Parametric Pixel design. The exterior was a blend of polished simplicity and complex lighting elements, featuring pixelated LEDs across all lighting components. The Ioniq 5's aerodynamic wheels and unique design touches gave it a concept car-like appearance. Inside, the cabin embraced a "Living Space" theme with a mellow color palette and sustainable materials, offering a relaxing environment. The interior was spacious, thanks to the Electric Global Modular Platform, and featured innovative elements like a moveable center console and a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat, enhancing comfort and usability.

The 2021 Lexus NX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission, which was adequate but not as smooth as the more modern multi-speed options. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds, providing a relatively quiet ride except under hard acceleration. The F Sport model included Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note, though some considered it a gimmick. The NX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available, allowing up to 50% of torque to be transferred to the rear axle. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The NX also featured an adaptive-suspension system for improved ride comfort and three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive available. The base SE Standard Range model had a 128-kW motor producing 168 horsepower, while the extended-range variants featured a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The AWD version boasted 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was middle-of-the-road for its segment, with a focus on comfort and control rather than sporty dynamics. It featured four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The Ioniq 5's single-speed transmission and paddle shifters allowed for regenerative braking adjustments, enhancing the driving experience. The vehicle was also equipped with noise-reducing features for a quiet cabin environment.

The 2021 Lexus NX offered a comfortable and upscale interior, with ample room for front passengers and decent legroom for rear-seat occupants. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats featured a 60/40 split-folding design. However, the NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The SUV came with a power liftgate option and available power-folding rear seats.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform, maximized interior space with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. It offered a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort with 106.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, though its cargo space was slightly less than rivals. The interior featured soft touchpoints and a moveable center console, enhancing usability. The leatherette seats provided comfort and support, catering to various driver sizes.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 10.3-inch display with the Navigation package. This package included predictive traffic information and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the Lexus system was criticized for its complexity. Other features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system was standard, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system. The Lexus Enform Remote app allowed remote control of various vehicle functions.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and offered two years of free fast-charging sessions with Electrify America. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and over-the-air updates. The interior housed 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, finished with an anti-glare coating for clear visibility.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included features like lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It was backed by a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring and collision avoidance. It also offered Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 introduced a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting. While official safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.