2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in three model series: B5, B6, and Recharge T8. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid, offered the most power and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. All models came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). Volvo offered the XC90 in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The Recharge T8 in Ultimate trim, priced at $89,145, included luxurious features like massaging front seats, a premium headliner, and a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued, earthy color palette and various wheel designs up to 21 inches, while the interior boasted rich materials and customizable options.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its distinctive retro-inspired appearance, reminiscent of the 1986-1991 Lancia Delta, with minor styling updates in its mid-cycle refresh. The lower front fascia received subtle revisions, but the iconic "Parametric Pixel" headlights and taillights, round wheel arches, and high rear spoiler remained. The new XRT trim stood out with red tow hooks and black plastic bumper cladding featuring a "digital camouflage" pattern. Exclusive colors like Ultimate Red and Cosmic Blue Pearl were available for the XRT, while the overall 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 rally-style 18-inch wheels exclusive to the XRT. The interior retained its minimalistic and modern feel, with minor changes to the center console for improved functionality.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model's supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Recharge T8 offered 32 miles of electric-only driving in Pure mode, with an average of 27 mpg in hybrid mode. Power mode enabled a five-second sprint from 0 to 60 mph. Charging the battery took about 12 hours with a standard outlet, or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. However, the XC90's electric performance waned as the battery approached its minimum charge, and the gas engine would assist when necessary. The SUV's handling was not particularly thrilling, with a firm ride and less-than-ideal steering feedback.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT featured a Terrain Mode button on the steering wheel, offering Snow, Mud, and Sand modes that adjusted throttle mapping, wheel slip, power distribution, and regenerative braking. The XRT handled off-road conditions well, with all-terrain tires providing confidence and control. The Ioniq 5's battery capacity increased for 2025, offering a range of up to 318 miles in single-motor, RWD configuration, while AWD models had slightly reduced ranges. Power output varied with the powertrain choice, with RWD models producing up to 225 horsepower and AWD models delivering 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. The Ioniq 5's instant torque provided a fun driving experience, despite its weight.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 offered a well-equipped interior, even in Core trim, with features like power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, while higher trims included additional amenities like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The XC90 seated seven or six with optional captain's chairs, with a comfortable second-row bench and a more accommodating third row than expected. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use but expanded to 65.5 cubic feet with it folded and 85.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

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. The Limited trim offered front seat ventilation and driver's seat memory, but heated rear seats were unavailable. Interior dimensions remained unchanged, with generous legroom and cargo space measuring 26.3 cubic feet with rear seats up and 58.5 cubic feet with them folded. The Ioniq 5's transition to the North American Charging System (NACS) allowed access to Tesla's Supercharger network, with a Combined Charging System (CCS) adapter included.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were complimentary for four years, with subscription payments required afterward. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with optional premium sound systems available. The infotainment system was more intuitive than previous versions, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its 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, with a Bose Premium Audio system available on the XRT and Limited trims. The SE and SEL trims featured a six-speaker sound system, with standard navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Ioniq 5 also included a head-up display on the Limited trim and a wireless charging pad starting at the SEL trim.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was known for its safety, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA in most assessments and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS in 2023. However, its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were not as innovative as some rivals, lacking a hands-free driving assistance system. The XC90 included Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, but it struggled with certain road conditions and made a significant error during testing.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 received top safety ratings, including a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Its safety suite was comprehensive, with new features like 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 to adapt to the driver's style.