2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its distinctive and retro-inspired appearance, reminiscent of the 1986-1991 Lancia Delta, particularly in its high-performance Ioniq 5 N variant. Hyundai kept the styling largely unchanged through its mid-cycle refresh, with only mild revisions to the lower front fascia. The vehicle retained its signature "Parametric Pixel" headlights and taillights, round wheel arches, and a high rear spoiler. The new XRT trim stood out with red tow hooks and black plastic bumper cladding featuring a "digital camouflage" pattern. Exclusive colors like Ultimate Red and Cosmic Blue Pearl were introduced, along with new wheel designs that emphasized a rally style. Inside, the Ioniq 5's cabin remained minimalistic and modern, with minor changes to the center console for improved functionality. The XRT trim added a rugged touch with its dark interior and all-weather floor mats.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, was priced at $75,000 and featured an exclusive Incognito paint job with orange brake calipers. Despite these unique touches, the RX's design was considered unremarkable, with a large front grille and a dramatic rear haunch swell. The RX lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different power outputs and fuel efficiencies. The RX 500h, with its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, provided a more dynamic driving experience. Inside, the RX offered a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting. However, some ergonomic issues, such as the loud climate system fan and uncomfortable front seats, detracted from the overall luxury experience.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT was designed with off-road capabilities in mind, featuring a Terrain Mode button that allowed drivers to switch between Snow, Mud, and Sand modes. These modes adjusted throttle mapping, wheel slip, power distribution, and regenerative braking. The XRT handled off-road conditions well, with its all-wheel-drive system providing confidence and control. On-road performance was expected to be similar to the Limited trim, with the added road noise from all-terrain tires. The Ioniq 5 offered various powertrain options, with RWD models producing 168 to 225 horsepower and AWD models delivering 320 horsepower. The vehicle's range varied depending on the configuration, with the AWD XRT offering 259 miles on a single charge.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with distinct powertrains. The RX 350h was the most efficient, with 246 horsepower and a hybrid powertrain. The RX 450h+ PHEV provided 304 horsepower and a 6.2-second 0-60 mph time. The RX 500h, with its turbocharged engine, delivered 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, offering better acceleration but lower fuel economy. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned suspension, adaptive damping, and performance brakes, providing a rewarding driving experience. However, its fuel efficiency was lower than expected, and the drivetrain occasionally hesitated during city driving. The RX 500h excelled on twisty roads but lacked communication between the driver and the road, making it more about sporty appearance than dynamic capability.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 addressed previous complaints by adding a rear windshield wiper. Inside, the movable center console featured improved cupholders and a wireless charging pad. Heated front seats were standard, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and front seat ventilation available on higher trims. The Ioniq 5 offered generous interior dimensions, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Cargo space measured 26.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 58.5 cubic feet with them folded down. The transition to the North American Charging System (NACS) allowed Ioniq 5 owners to access the Tesla Supercharger network, enhancing charging convenience.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h F Sport Performance featured heated and ventilated front seats, though they were not very comfortable for long drives. The rear seats offered ample space and comfort, with optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated features. The RX provided 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage area under the load floor. Folding down the second row created 46.2 cubic feet of cargo volume, which was relatively modest for a midsize SUV.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens for its infotainment system and digital instrument cluster. Hyundai improved functionality with faster processing speeds and enhanced GPS accuracy. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Bose Premium Audio system was available on higher trims. The Ioniq 5 offered standard navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and multiple USB-C ports. A head-up display was available on the Limited trim, and the wireless charging pad was included from the SEL trim level.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid met luxury expectations with its high-tech features. However, some expected features, like digital key functionality and a camera-based digital rearview mirror, were optional. The RX 500h featured a 14-inch touchscreen display with a user-friendly Lexus Interface infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to cloud-based navigation. The RX also offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, though the steering wheel controls were distracting and difficult to use while driving.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 received top safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA. The vehicle's safety suite included an enhanced driver attention system, reverse and forward parking-distance warning, and Highway Driving Assist 1 and 2. The Ioniq 5 XRT featured a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor, though blind-spot collision-avoidance assist was removed from the base trim.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included advanced driver assistance systems like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX also featured Predictive Driving Assist, which monitored forward progress and used braking or steering input to ensure safe distances. The RX earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it poorly for occupant protection in frontal-impact tests.