2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2023 Lexus GX

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 video games, which was evident in its extensive use of LED lighting elements. The exterior design was a mix of minimalistic lines and intricate details, creating a unique visual appeal. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene "Living Space" environment with sustainable materials and a focus on comfort, including features like a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX exuded a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille and elevated ground clearance. The GX's design was more traditional, with a focus on off-road capability, as evidenced by its short wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The interior, while luxurious, was marred by an abundance of plastic materials, which detracted from its premium image. Despite this, the GX offered several luxury touches, such as heated and cooled front seats and a power-retracting steering wheel, maintaining its status as a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a base model featuring a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant boasted a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version, with a dual-motor system, delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though its range dropped to 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its smooth handling and four drive modes, including a Sport mode for added excitement. The vehicle's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, added an engaging element to the driving experience.

The 2023 Lexus GX, powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivered 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful in its class, the GX's V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.3 on the highway. The GX's towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was respectable, but its weight and older design limited its agility. The vehicle's 4WD system, with a Torsen limited-slip differential, enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it suitable for challenging terrains.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior with a wheelbase of 3,000 millimetres, surpassing even the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. With a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, the Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort over cargo space, providing a flat floor and a moveable centre console for added versatility. The leatherette seats were both comfortable and supportive, catering to a wide range of driver sizes.

The 2023 Lexus GX, while offering ample cubby space and practical features like hard buttons, fell short in terms of interior space. The third-row seats were cramped, suitable only for occasional use, and the side-hinged rear door posed challenges in tight spaces. The GX's cargo capacity was limited, with just 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,322 litres with the third row folded. Despite these limitations, the GX provided a comfortable second row and adjustable centre console for added convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring a high-voltage system capable of ultra-fast charging and vehicle-to-load capabilities. The Ioniq 5 supported 800-volt charging infrastructures, allowing it to reach 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes. Its infotainment system, with 12.3-inch screens, offered seamless integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a redesigned Blue Link app for EV management.

The 2023 Lexus GX, despite a recent infotainment update, lagged behind its competitors. The 10.3-inch touchscreen, while an improvement, lacked the crispness and responsiveness of newer systems. The GX's tech offerings included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and a CD player, but its real strength lay in its off-road capabilities. The GX featured a robust 4WD system, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), and various off-road technologies, making it a formidable choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system that adapted to the driver's habits through machine learning. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record with IIHS Top Safety awards suggested high expectations for the Ioniq 5.

The 2023 Lexus GX, though not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, benefited from the Lexus Safety System+ and other safety features. These included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. Despite its older design, the GX's safety systems were up-to-date, providing a reassuring level of protection for its occupants.