Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 combined the retro charm of a 1980s hatchback with the modern flair of a crossover SUV, creating a unique and appealing design. Its profile was distinctly hatchback-like, yet larger than typical models like the Volkswagen GTI or Toyota Corolla. Angular lines and a character line rising from the rear wheels to the front doors defined its triangular shape, while dark cladding around the wheels and lower body added a crossover touch. The front featured a visor slit with rectangular headlights and a small grille, while the rear boasted an integrated spoiler and darkened panels. The XRT model stood out with unique 18-inch alloys, pixel-patterned cladding, and a more rugged, rally car-like appearance. Inside, the Ioniq 5 leaned towards a utilitarian design with a focus on technology, offering cloth or synthetic leather upholstery and a pair of 12.3-inch screens for a modern, albeit sterile, look.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of trims and powertrains, including the TX 350, 500h hybrid, and 550h+ plug-in hybrid. The 550h+ featured a panoramic glass roof and striking Matador Red Mica paint. Its design retained a large grille reminiscent of the older spindle shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting. Roof rails added practicality, while the interior provided luxury features like multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled seats, and a spacious third row. However, material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics present. Redesigned door handles offered a novel approach, but some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail. The TX's interior was functional, with thoughtful touches like ambient lighting and a variety of seating configurations, though some controls were less intuitive.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, starting with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive setup producing 168 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in the base SE Standard Range trim, or 220 hp in other trims. A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive option increased output to 320 hp and 446 lb-ft. The Ioniq 5 N performance model boasted a dual-motor powertrain with up to 641 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. The Limited and XRT trims, both with dual-motor powertrains, delivered quiet and robust power, achieving an estimated 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds. The Ioniq 5 featured five regenerative braking settings and a smooth ride, though its handling was not overly agile. The XRT trim offered a more rugged experience with increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and terrain modes for off-road adventures.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid generated 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system, while the base model produced 317 hp from a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The TX offered various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The 550h+ provided a quiet and smooth ride, seamlessly switching between gas and electric power. Its AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, and a Trail Mode maintained traction on slippery surfaces. The TX's suspension absorbed bumps effectively, making it ideal for long road trips.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured spacious front seats with standard eight-way power adjustments for the driver and front passenger in most trims. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilated seats and a "Relaxation" seat for the driver in the Limited trim. The rear seat offered 39.4 inches of legroom, accommodating two adults comfortably. Cargo space was slightly smaller than average for a compact crossover, with 26.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58.5 cubic feet with the second row folded. A small front trunk added 0.85 cubic feet of storage.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ provided standard luxury features like multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. A one-touch button facilitated third-row access, though folding the second row flat was more complex. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row flat and 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. All TX models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and built-in navigation. Higher trims included a wireless smartphone charger and a head-up display. The Ioniq 5 also offered a Wi-Fi hotspot, MyHyundai smartphone app, and Hyundai Pay for charging station payments. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with voice commands and separate climate controls.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch touchscreen, though some features lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were not labeled, requiring drivers to rely on the gauge cluster display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. The TX offered a backup camera with a bird’s-eye view and an Advanced Park system. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, device connectivity was ample.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitors, parking sensors, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included a surround-view camera system and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Ioniq 5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS but lacked NHTSA crash-test ratings.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, lane centering, and traffic sign recognition. Adaptive cruise control worked well, though setup was confusing. The TX 350 and 500h received five-star NHTSA ratings, while the TX earned mixed IIHS scores.