2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a classic appeal with its styling, although the M Sport treatment was not universally appreciated, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch “741M” wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, with various trim packages and equipment options available. The xDrive50e M Sport specification test vehicle came with Brooklyn Grey paint and a comprehensive set of equipment packages, priced at $88,075. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh and introduced the BMW Curved Display, modernizing the interior while retaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its distinctive appearance, drawing retro comparisons to the Lancia Delta, with minor revisions to the lower front fascia. The Ioniq 5 XRT trim stood out with red tow hooks and black plastic bumper cladding featuring a “digital camouflage” pattern. The XRT also offered exclusive colors, Ultimate Red and Cosmic Blue Pearl, while the color palette expanded with Atlas White Matte and Ecotronic Gray Matte. New wheel designs were introduced, with 19-inch wheels standard on SE and SEL trims, 20-inch on the Limited, and 18-inch rally-style wheels exclusive to the XRT. The interior saw minimal changes, maintaining an open and modern feel, with a revised center console for functionality. The XRT trim featured a dark interior with all-weather floor mats and the XRT logo debossed in the seats.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with a significant upgrade to its electric range and power output. It boasted a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, doubling the maximum AC charging rate to 7.4 kW. The xDrive50e offered 38 miles of electric-only driving and 22 mpg in combined driving, with a total output of 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV was praised for its driving dynamics, with adaptive damping air suspension and excellent handling on various terrains. It achieved an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg during a 95.5-mile evaluation drive, showcasing its efficiency and performance.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT added a Terrain Mode button on the steering wheel, offering Snow, Mud, and Sand modes for off-road adventures. The XRT handled loose sand surfaces well, with regenerative braking eliminating the need for hill-descent control. The Ioniq 5 offered AWD in the XRT trim, with RWD available in other trims. The 2025 model featured increased battery capacity, providing a range of up to 318 miles in RWD configuration and 259 miles in the AWD XRT. Power output varied with the powertrain choice, with RWD models producing up to 225 horsepower and AWD models delivering 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. Despite its weight, the Ioniq 5 offered an enjoyable driving experience with instant torque.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e provided ample space for five passengers in two rows, with a cargo area of 33.1 cubic feet, expandable to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design offered convenience but required stretching to reach deep cargo. The test vehicle featured Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, standard sport seats, and the Climate Comfort Package, which included 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, four-zone automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. The X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 addressed previous complaints by adding a rear windshield wiper and revising the center console for improved functionality. Heated front seats were standard, with a heated steering wheel available from the SEL trim level. The Limited trim offered front seat ventilation and driver’s seat memory, while heated rear seats were not available. Interior dimensions remained unchanged, with generous head and legroom, and cargo space measuring 26.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up, expandable to 58.5 cubic feet. The Ioniq 5 transitioned to the North American Charging System, allowing access to the Tesla Supercharger network, and included a CCS adapter for public and fast charging.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, connected services, and over-the-air updates. The test vehicle included a Harman Kardon sound system, but the Intelligent Personal Assistant struggled with voice recognition, leading to inaccurate directions. The head-up display effectively conveyed data, and an augmented video function enhanced navigation, though the assistant’s performance was disappointing.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its dual 12.3-inch screens, with improved functionality and faster processing speeds. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard, and the Bose Premium Audio system was available on the XRT trim. The Ioniq 5 offered standard navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and Bluetooth connectivity for two devices. Five USB-C ports were included, with a central port offering customizable functionality. A head-up display was available on the Limited trim, and a wireless charging pad was standard from the SEL trim level.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, effective in dense or light traffic but less so in moderate traffic. The system occasionally engaged brakes unexpectedly, but driver aids operated subtly and effectively. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, though lower headlight ratings prevented an IIHS safety award. The NHTSA gave the X5 a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and received a five-star rating from the NHTSA. New safety features included an enhanced driver attention system, reverse and forward parking-distance warning, and a surround-view monitor on the XRT trim. Highway Driving Assist 1 and 2 were available, with HDA 2 offering lane-changing capability and machine learning for improved performance.