2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2024 Toyota RAV4

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was designed to project a rugged and aggressive demeanor, with its frowning front and angular gray body cladding. Despite its tough exterior, the performance didn't quite match the visual promise, as the dual exhaust outlets suggested more power than the vehicle delivered. The TRD Off-Road model, priced at $41,925 with options, featured Army Green paint, a digital rearview mirror, and advanced technology packages. While the RAV4's interior was utilitarian, with easy-clean surfaces and practical storage solutions, higher trims offered more luxurious touches. The SUV's cabin was spacious enough for four adults comfortably, and its cargo capacity was competitive, with 37.6 cubic feet expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its distinctive retro-inspired design, reminiscent of the Lancia Delta, with minor updates to the front fascia and new color options. The XRT trim stood out with red tow hooks and digital camouflage cladding, adding a rugged aesthetic. The interior remained minimalistic and modern, with a revised center console for improved functionality. The Ioniq 5 offered generous head and legroom, though cargo space was slightly less than some competitors. The transition to the North American Charging System (NACS) was a significant update, allowing access to Tesla's Supercharger network, enhancing the vehicle's practicality for long-distance travel.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine required high revs to access its full power, and the eight-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with an optional torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system. The TRD Off-Road model featured exclusive off-road suspension tuning, an underbody skid plate, and all-terrain tires. Despite its off-road enhancements, the RAV4's ground clearance and approach angles were not significantly improved. The SUV's fuel economy was rated at 28 mpg combined, with the test vehicle averaging 26.6 mpg during evaluation.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT offered a Terrain Mode with Snow, Mud, and Sand settings, adjusting throttle mapping and power distribution. The XRT handled off-road conditions well, with regenerative braking reducing the need for manual braking. The Ioniq 5's AWD models produced 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 259 miles for the XRT. RWD models offered 168 to 225 horsepower, depending on the battery configuration, with ranges up to 318 miles. The Ioniq 5's electric powertrain provided instant torque, making it enjoyable to drive despite its weight.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4's interior focused on practicality, with ample storage options and oversized control knobs. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex upholstery and optional heated and ventilated front seats. The driver's seat was comfortable, with excellent visibility aided by an optional digital rearview mirror. The rear seat offered good legroom and footroom, though it felt low and lacked leg support. The RAV4's cargo area was spacious, with 37.6 cubic feet expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

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 available on higher trims. The interior dimensions remained unchanged, offering generous head and legroom. Cargo space was 26.3 cubic feet with the seats up, expanding to 58.5 cubic feet with them folded. The Ioniq 5's transition to the NACS charging system was a significant functional improvement, providing access to Tesla's Supercharger network.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Various connected services were available, including Service Connect and Safety Connect for ten years. The system offered cloud-based navigation and a digital voice assistant, though some usability issues were noted. A JBL premium audio system was optional, and the test vehicle included a digital rearview mirror.

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 were standard, and the Bose Premium Audio system was available on higher trims. The Ioniq 5 offered standard navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and multiple USB-C ports. A head-up display was available on the Limited trim, and the wireless charging pad was included from the SEL trim level.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. However, the base LE trim lacked blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems were adequate but not flawless. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to lower ratings in recent crash tests.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its Top Safety Pick+ status from the IIHS and received a five-star rating from the NHTSA. New safety features included an enhanced driver attention system and parking-distance warnings. The Ioniq 5 offered Highway Driving Assist 1 and 2, with the latter providing lane-changing capability and machine learning for improved performance.