2021 Lexus RX vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic that was quintessentially Lexus, featuring a large grille, angular headlamps, and a floating roof. The interior was luxurious, with sumptuous seating and perforated leather upholstery, although the center console design was considered bland and dated. Lexus offered the RX in five variants, including the RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, each catering to different preferences, from performance-focused to extended body versions with a third row of seating. The exterior boasted standard 18-inch aluminum wheels and LED lighting, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The F Sport Appearance package added sporty elements, while the interior offered a range of features from standard NuLuxe-trimmed seats to available semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated seats.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, marking the debut of the Ioniq as a standalone EV brand. Its exterior design was a mix of minimal character lines and a unique Parametric Pixel design, giving it a concept car feel. The Ioniq 5's lighting was a standout feature, with pixelated LEDs used throughout. The interior embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow and relaxing environment with sustainable materials. The cabin featured stain-resistant cloth or leatherette upholstery, recycled fibers, and bio-materials. The Ioniq 5's interior was designed for comfort, with a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat and a focus on passenger space over cargo capacity.

The 2021 Lexus RX was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid models combined a V6 with three electric motors, producing 308 horsepower. The RX offered a comfortable ride with tuning adjustments for improved dynamics, though it wasn't the sportiest option. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive suspension and sportier features. The RX's fuel economy varied, with the FWD RX 350 achieving 23 mpg combined, while the RX Hybrid managed up to 31 mpg in the city. The RX's top speed was limited to 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations, three trims, and three powertrains. The base SE Standard Range featured a single 128-kW motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models had a 168-kW motor producing 225 horsepower and a 303-mile range. The AWD variant boasted 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a 256-mile range. The Ioniq 5's performance was middle-of-the-road for its segment, with a 0-60 mph time of under 5 seconds in AWD. It featured four drive modes, including Sport, and paddle shifters for regenerative braking adjustments. The Ioniq 5 prioritized a quiet ride with noise-reducing features and offered a smooth driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus RX was a functional SUV with seating for five in the two-row models and six or seven in the three-row RXL versions. Front and second-row seating provided ample space, while the third row was tight. Cargo space was limited, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The three-row version offered just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform, offered a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. It provided 133.7 cubic feet of total interior volume, prioritizing passenger space over cargo capacity. The Ioniq 5 featured a moveable center console and a modern take on the front bench seat, allowing for easy entry and exit. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to various driver sizes.

The 2021 Lexus RX came with standard technology, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch screen, wireless charging, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system. The infotainment system was functional but dated, with a Remote Touch controller that took up center console space. The RX lacked wireless smartphone integration.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities and ultra-fast charging. It supported 800-volt charging infrastructures and offered unlimited fast-charging sessions for two years. The Ioniq 5's multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and anti-glare, providing clear visibility.

The 2021 Lexus RX received a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS and four out of five stars from NHTSA. It came with a suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, blind-spot monitoring, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0. However, it lacked hands-off piloting-like software found in some competitors.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, offering features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and Highway Drive Assist I. This Level 2 semi-autonomous system learned driver habits for a personalized experience. The Ioniq 5 also featured a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting. Safety ratings were not yet available, but Hyundai's track record suggested high marks.