2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the original Ioniq, by establishing itself as a standalone brand focused solely on electric vehicles. This new model showcased a futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics. The exterior was a blend of minimalistic character lines and intricate lighting details, creating a concept car-like appearance. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene "Living Space" environment with sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, emphasizing comfort and eco-friendliness.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus RX maintained its modern and sporty design, with sharp character lines and angular features that exuded an aggressive exterior styling. The F Sport models added a touch of athleticism with larger wheels and unique front fascia. Inside, the RX offered a luxurious cabin with a mix of NuLuxe synthetic leather and semi-aniline leather options, along with various trim pairings. However, the centre stack felt dated, and the seats, particularly in the F Sport, lacked the expected comfort and support.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, including a base model with a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant featured a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and a range of 488 km. The AWD option provided a dual-motor system with 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 414 km. The Ioniq 5 excelled in handling and control, with four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's quiet cabin and noise-reducing features enhanced the driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 came with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h added electric motors for a combined output of 308 hp. Despite its F Sport designation, the RX lacked the expected sporty performance, with a subdued engine note and unimpressive acceleration. The adaptive variable suspension and drive modes, including Sport+, failed to deliver significant changes in driving dynamics. However, the RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, making it a pleasant companion for long drives.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. It provided 3,786 litres of total interior volume, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort with features like a moveable centre console and flat floor, while the leatherette seats offered excellent support and comfort.

The 2022 Lexus RX, with a passenger volume of 2,826 litres, comfortably accommodated four adults, though the rear middle seat was best for short trips. The three-row L models shared the same wheelbase, resulting in limited cargo space. The RX offered thoughtful interior features like a smartphone slot, adjustable cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net. However, the rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the high load-in height posed challenges for loading cargo.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities and ultra-fast charging. It supported 800-volt charging infrastructures and offered a redesigned Blue Link app for EV management. The Ioniq 5 boasted 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, providing clear and intuitive displays with anti-glare coating.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available for higher trims. Despite the 2020 refresh, the touchscreen's positioning remained ergonomically unfriendly, and the touchpad was hypersensitive and unintuitive. However, the RX offered a range of tech features, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and premium audio systems, enhancing connectivity and entertainment.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving 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 2022 Lexus RX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RX received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS with optional triple-beam LED headlights but scored four stars overall from the NHTSA.