2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from its predecessor, the original Ioniq. It was the first model under the new Ioniq sub-brand, which focused solely on electric vehicles. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a blend of minimalism and complexity, featuring a unique Parametric Pixel design that gave it a concept car-like appearance. The vehicle's lighting elements, including headlights and taillights, were crafted with pixelated designs, creating a futuristic look. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a calming "Living Space" theme with sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, emphasizing comfort and eco-friendliness.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid maintained a more traditional luxury SUV appearance, with subtle differences between its hybrid and non-hybrid models. The RX 350h Luxury model featured elegant Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance model had a sportier look with blacked-out styling elements and artificial suede interior accents. The RX's design was not groundbreaking, but it offered a clean and minimalistic interior with modern infotainment technology. The RX's exterior design was more conservative, with a focus on comfort and luxury rather than bold innovation.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, including rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. The extended-range models, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, had a larger 168-kW motor delivering 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 303 miles. The AWD variant boasted a dual-motor system with a total output of 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 Sport mode for added excitement, but it wasn't designed for driving enthusiasts.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two hybrid models: the RX 350h and the RX 500h F Sport Performance. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a hybrid powertrain producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. It accelerated to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and a Direct4 AWD system, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. However, its fuel economy was lower at 27 mpg. The RX 500h offered a more engaging driving experience with adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering, but its infotainment system's Drive Mode selection was cumbersome.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), providing a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. It offered 133.7 cubic feet of 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 smaller at 27.2 cubic feet. The interior featured a moveable center console and comfortable leatherette seats, enhancing the "Living Space" theme.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable and luxurious interior, especially in the RX 350h Luxury trim with ten-way power-adjustable front seats and premium leather. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had sportier seats with larger bolsters and standard-grade leather. The RX's battery placement under the rear seat improved leg support but reduced rear headroom. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. While it improved over the previous model, it still lagged behind some competitors in cargo capacity.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured advanced technology, including a high-voltage energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5's infotainment system 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 even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. It offered Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant. However, the system had limitations, such as displaying only one screen menu at a time and suffering from reflections. The available head-up display (HUD) with dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel was problematic for users wearing polarized sunglasses, as it hindered visibility.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. It featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. It also had Proactive Driving Assist, which maintained safe following distances and recharged the battery through regenerative braking. The RX's safety features were generally effective, though some, like the curve-speed reduction tech, were less refined. The Traffic Jam Assist system allowed for low-speed, hands-free driving, but it was not tested.