2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from its predecessor, the original Ioniq. It was the first model in Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand, dedicated solely to electric vehicles. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a blend of minimalistic lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, giving it a futuristic yet somewhat polarizing appearance. The interior, however, was a sanctuary of calm, featuring a "Living Space" design with sustainable materials and a focus on comfort, including a unique "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a bold statement in black-on-black aesthetics, with a design that harked back to its earlier models. Despite its modern touches, the GX retained a classic SUV look, with a tall and narrow stance. Inside, the GX offered a luxurious cabin with high-quality materials and a focus on comfort, though some elements felt dated. The Black Line Special Edition added unique touches like NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim, enhancing its premium feel.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, catering to different driving preferences. It came in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 128-kW motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models boasted a 168-kW motor producing 225 hp and a 303-mile range. The AWD variant delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though its range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was solid for a midsize crossover, with a focus on comfort and composure rather than sporty dynamics. It featured four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, provided a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The GX's performance was more about refinement and capability than speed, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. Its Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System improved stability and off-road capability, though its fuel economy was a modest 16 mpg combined. The GX excelled in off-road situations, especially with the optional Off-Road Package, which added features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform, offering a spacious interior with a long wheelbase. It provided 133.7 cubic feet of total interior volume, 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 at 27.2 cubic feet. The interior featured a moveable center console and comfortable leatherette seats, enhancing its "Living Space" theme.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered a commanding driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and excellent visibility. Its interior was comfortable, with NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim in the Black Line Special Edition. However, the GX's design was narrow and short, making rear seat access challenging. The third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space, with only 11.6 cubic feet available behind it. Folding the third row increased capacity to 46.7 cubic feet, but the side-swinging tailgate made loading cumbersome.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% capacity in 18 minutes, and offered two years of free fast-charging sessions with Electrify America. The Ioniq 5's infotainment system included a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and 12.3-inch screens with anti-glare coating. It also supported over-the-air updates and virtual assistants.

The 2022 Lexus GX introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was user-friendly, with a dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition. However, the placement of stereo controls was awkward, and the system retained some outdated elements like a CD player. The GX also featured Lexus Enform connected services and a WiFi hotspot, though the Mark Levinson audio system was optional.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The Ioniq 5 also offered Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. While crash-test ratings were not available, Hyundai's strong safety record suggested high marks for the Ioniq 5.

The 2022 Lexus GX featured Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. It also offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the GX lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems. Despite this, the GX's straightforward safety features contributed to a positive driving experience.