2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a nostalgic nod to the past, with its design largely unchanged since its 2010 redesign. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a robust and stable appearance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model enhanced this rugged persona with underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires, making it seem ready for any terrain. However, the interior showed its age with outdated technology and styling, featuring an analog instrument panel and a small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. While some might find its retro charm appealing, others could mistake it for a well-preserved older model. The interior materials, including hard plastics and vinyl-like upholstery, were typical for off-road vehicles, prioritizing durability over luxury.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its distinctive and modern design, drawing retro comparisons to the Lancia Delta but standing out with its unique styling. The mid-cycle refresh brought subtle changes to the front fascia while retaining the signature "Parametric Pixel" lights and high rear spoiler. The new XRT trim added off-road flair with red tow hooks and digital camouflage-patterned cladding. The interior remained minimalistic and modern, with a revised center console for improved functionality. The Ioniq 5's cabin was open and uncluttered, offering a comfortable and contemporary feel. The XRT trim leaned towards a rugged aesthetic with dark interiors and all-weather floor mats.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While these figures were competitive with rivals like the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's five-speed automatic transmission held it back in terms of acceleration and fuel efficiency. The TRD Pro model came standard with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, making it capable off-road. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt sluggish, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration and a loud engine and exhaust. The soft suspension, while beneficial for off-roading, resulted in body roll and floatiness on highways.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT, on the other hand, offered a different kind of performance. It featured a Terrain Mode button with options for Snow, Mud, and Sand, adjusting throttle mapping and power distribution for off-road conditions. The Ioniq 5's electric powertrain provided instant torque, with AWD models producing 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. The Ioniq 5's range varied depending on the configuration, with the AWD XRT offering 259 miles on a single charge. The Ioniq 5 excelled in off-road conditions, handling loose sand with ease and offering a smooth driving experience on twisty mountain roads.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior was functional but dated, with large climate-control dials and sturdy handles for off-road stability. It offered ample space for front passengers, though taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach limited. The second row provided generous legroom, but headroom was restricted due to the elevated rear bench. The 4Runner's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 89.7 cubic feet available when the rear seats were stowed. However, the lack of remote seat releases and a powered liftgate were drawbacks. The sliding glass rear window and party speakers added convenience and entertainment.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 addressed previous complaints with the addition of a rear windshield wiper and a revised center console. The interior dimensions remained unchanged, offering generous headroom and legroom. Cargo space measured 26.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 58.5 cubic feet with them folded down. The Ioniq 5's transition to the North American Charging System (NACS) allowed access to Tesla's Supercharger network, enhancing its charging capabilities. The inclusion of a CCS adapter further expanded charging options for Ioniq 5 owners.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, though road noise often obscured its quality. Additional terrain controls were available, but their pictogram labels required consulting the owner's manual for full understanding. The Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems enhanced off-road capabilities, while differential controls maximized traction.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted a pair of 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and digital instrumentation, with improved functionality and faster processing speeds. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, enhancing connectivity. The Bose Premium Audio system was available on higher trims, while all models featured navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and multiple USB-C ports. The Ioniq 5's head-up display and wireless charging pad added to its tech offerings, providing a modern and convenient driving experience.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests but noted "Marginal" and "Poor" results in the small overlap frontal test. The 4Runner came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. However, some alerts were overly sensitive, requiring adjustments for optimal performance.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS and five stars from NHTSA. Its safety suite included enhanced driver attention systems, forward attention warning, and parking-distance warnings. The Ioniq 5 XRT featured a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor, while Highway Driving Assist 1 and 2 provided advanced adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping capabilities. The Ioniq 5's safety features remained comprehensive and competitive.