2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Lexus GX presented a bold departure from its predecessor, the GX 470, with its geometric styling and less pronounced spindle grille. The new design featured standard triple-beam LED headlights and a more vertical front end, giving it an aggressive look. The flat hood rose above the front wheels, aiding off-road driving awareness. The side profile appeared as if carved from metal, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for enhanced visibility. The GX was available in six trims, with the Premium+ expected to be the best-seller. Luxury trims focused on opulence with features like 22-inch wheels and ambient lighting, while the Overtrail trims emphasized off-roading with 18-inch wheels and eco-friendly upholstery. The interior combined luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its distinctive retro-inspired appearance, reminiscent of the Lancia Delta, with minor updates in its mid-cycle refresh. The XRT trim stood out with red tow hooks and digital camouflage cladding, offering exclusive colors like Ultimate Red and Cosmic Blue Pearl. New wheel designs were introduced, with the XRT's 18-inch wheels drawing rally-style inspiration. The interior remained open and modern, with a revised center console for functionality. The XRT trim featured a dark interior with all-weather mats, while the cabin retained its minimalistic feel. The Ioniq 5's refresh included a rear windshield wiper and improved center console, enhancing practicality and convenience.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided impressive low-end torque, enhancing off-road capabilities. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for stability on and off-road. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD, and a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for improved wheel articulation. The GX demonstrated controlled on-road behavior and effective braking, despite its weight exceeding 5,000 pounds. Off-road testing was limited due to weather conditions, but the GX's capabilities were evident.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT featured a Terrain Mode button with Snow, Mud, and Sand options, adjusting throttle mapping, wheel slip, and power distribution. The XRT handled loose sand well, utilizing regenerative braking for control. The Ioniq 5 offered AWD in the XRT trim, while other trims had RWD with optional AWD. Battery capacity increased, providing a range of up to 318 miles in RWD configuration. Power output varied, with RWD models producing up to 225 horsepower and AWD models reaching 320 horsepower. Despite its weight, the Ioniq 5's instant torque made for an enjoyable driving experience.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior embraced a minimalist and sophisticated design, reducing physical buttons while retaining essential controls. It offered comfortable seating for six-foot adults in the first and second rows, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row was tight, suitable only for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 addressed previous complaints by adding a rear windshield wiper and revising the center console. Heated front seats were standard, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and front seat ventilation available in higher trims. Interior dimensions remained unchanged, with generous legroom of 41.7 inches in the front and 39.4 inches in the rear. Cargo space measured 26.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up, expanding to 58.5 cubic feet when folded. The Ioniq 5's transition to the North American Charging System (NACS) allowed access to Tesla's Supercharger network, enhancing charging convenience.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included Drive Connect and Remote Connect services, offering voice assistance and remote vehicle functions. A 10-speaker audio system was standard, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available in higher trims. Subscription costs applied after initial trial periods, impacting long-term ownership costs.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its dual 12.3-inch screens, with improved processing speeds and GPS accuracy. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard. The Bose Premium Audio system was available in the XRT trim, while other trims had a six-speaker system. The Ioniq 5 offered navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and five USB-C ports. A head-up display was exclusive to the Limited trim, and a wireless charging pad was available from the SEL trim.

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant safety upgrades with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. Proactive driving assist enhanced safety during highway turns. While crash-test ratings were pending, the GX's modern architecture and ADAS features inspired confidence in its safety.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its high safety standards, earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. New safety features included an enhanced driver attention system and parking-distance warnings. Highway Driving Assist 1 and 2 were available, offering adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Ioniq 5's safety suite remained comprehensive, though some features were removed from the base trim.