2022 Lexus NX vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a remarkable addition to Hyundai’s lineup, marking a significant shift from the original Ioniq model launched in 2016. While the original Ioniq offered three electrified variants, the Ioniq 5 emerged as the vanguard of Hyundai's standalone electric vehicle (EV) brand. Its sharp, polished exterior boasted minimalistic character lines and what Hyundai called the "Parametric Pixel" design. This pixel motif extended across all LED lighting elements, including headlights, taillights, daytime running lights, and turn signals. The unconventional pixel-heavy design made the Ioniq 5 look like a concept car but was a production-ready marvel on showroom floors.

Despite its futuristic exterior, the Ioniq 5's interior was a stark contrast, focusing on a “Living Space” theme with a simple, mellow ambiance. Available in black, gray, and dark green, the cabin was designed for relaxation, even featuring a "Relaxation" mode for the driver’s seat. The interior design included sustainable materials, with stain-resistant cloth seats, recycled fibers for door inserts, and bio-materials incorporated throughout the cabin. The interior felt comfortable and spacious, prioritizing passenger comfort over flashy aesthetics.

When it came to the 2022 Lexus NX, the redesigned model came in multiple trims, offering a mix of non-electrified and hybrid variants. The NX's exterior echoed Lexus's bold design philosophy, especially with its signature spindle grille. The new block lettering on the tailgate and other refined styling details gave it a modern yet recognizable Lexus look. The F Sport variants stood out with unique mesh-pattern grilles, body-color fender trims, and glossy 20-inch black wheels.

Inside, the NX adopted a minimalist approach compared to the previous model, which was deemed necessary but perhaps overly executed. The interior offered a blend of simulated and real leather, along with wood trim in higher trims. The F Sport variant included sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, and an exclusive F Sport steering wheel. Overall, the interior aimed to be more intimate and cozy, providing a comfortable ride with luxurious touches.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came in three trims—SE, SEL, and Limited—with three powertrain options. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) was standard, but all trims offered an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option. The base SE Standard Range trim featured a 128-kW rear motor producing 168 horsepower and offered a 220-mile range. The extended-range models boasted a 168-kW rear motor with 225 horsepower and a range of 303 miles for RWD. The dual-motor AWD system, available across the extended-range lineup, provided 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque but reduced the range to 256 miles.

The Ioniq 5 delivered a middle-of-the-road driving experience typical for a midsize crossover. Its RWD configuration was purported to offer better dynamics. In Sport mode, the Ioniq 5 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in under 5 seconds but at the cost of battery range. The paddle shifters allowed for regenerative braking adjustments, adding an element of gamification to the driving experience. NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels were impressively low, thanks to the car's acoustic tires, sound-deadening materials, and aerodynamic design.

On the other hand, the 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid, which had a combined 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, delivering 302 horsepower and 36 miles of electric-only range. The NX 350 featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD.

The NX 350 provided a rewarding driving experience, particularly in F Sport trim, which included additional driving modes such as Sport S and Sport+, alongside an adaptive variable sports suspension. Handling was smooth and responsive, though the turbocharged engine sound wasn’t as refined as those in German luxury rivals. The new NX was a step up in terms of dynamic performance but still exhibited some road and wind noise despite extensive noise-dampening efforts.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized Hyundai's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which maximized interior space and utility. With a wheelbase of 118.1 inches, longer than even the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade, the Ioniq 5 offered generous interior volume. The Ioniq 5’s total interior volume was 133.7 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. Its rear cargo space was 27.2 cubic feet, favoring passenger comfort with a passenger volume of 106.5 cubic feet.

The interior design of the Ioniq 5 was practical, with soft touch points and a large center armrest cubby. The sliding center console and retro front bench seat design added to the vehicle's usability and comfort, offering flexible entry and exit options. The seats were supportive, balancing cushion firmness for both slim and larger drivers.

Conversely, the 2022 Lexus NX provided increased interior room compared to its predecessor, but it didn’t necessarily feel more spacious from the driver’s seat. The new dashboard design created a more intimate environment, though the NX was comfortable, especially with features like heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed ample room, air vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The panoramic sunroof extended over the back seats, enhancing the sense of space.

The NX offered a cargo capacity of 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which expanded to 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Although the NX didn't provide as much cargo space as some rivals, it made up for it with a luxurious and comfortable interior experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured cutting-edge technology, boasting an advanced high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. This allowed the car to charge other EVs, homes, or appliances. With support for up to 800 volts, fast charging was a breeze, reaching 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes. Hyundai partnered with Electrify America to offer two years of free 30-minute charging sessions. The Ioniq 5’s charging flexibility meant it could utilize both 350-kW chargers, gaining 68 miles in 5 minutes, and 400-volt stations without additional adapters.

Infotainment-wise, the Ioniq 5 came with two 12.3-inch screens, one for the instrument cluster and another for the infotainment system. These screens were not only elegant but also functional, with anti-glare coatings for improved readability. The redesigned Blue Link app offered EV-specific features like charge management, scheduling, and station locations.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch upgrade available. This system incorporated wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Voice Assistant, and several connected service subscriptions. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and a 10-speaker sound system was standard, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson setup.

The Lexus Voice Assistant responded to natural commands, and the Intelligent Assistant leveraged cloud data for navigation and music streaming. With a complimentary three-year subscription to Drive Connect services, NX drivers enjoyed advanced navigation, destination assist, and more. The optional digital mirror and head-up display further enhanced the driving experience, though the 14-inch screen was prone to fingerprints and glare.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a comprehensive safety suite featuring blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and collision avoidance systems. Each Ioniq 5 included Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. This system adapted to individual driving habits, contouring itself to the driver's tendencies. Additionally, the Ioniq 5 offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays.

Although specific crash-safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were pending, Hyundai had a strong track record with numerous IIHS Top Safety awards over the past five years.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured an expansive list of safety technologies in its standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. This included advanced features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Oncoming Pedestrian Detection. Curve Speed Management adjusted the vehicle's speed on curves when adaptive cruise control was in use. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a halt if the driver was incapacitated.

Standard safety features also included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist with digital-latch door releases. The NX could also warn and prevent unsafe left turns and detect various road users to prevent collisions. Premium trims added rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking, while the Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system and lane-change assistance.