2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2025 Ford Explorer

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued to build on its previous redesign, maintaining its rear-wheel-drive platform that contributed to its balanced proportions and sleek appearance. The refreshed model featured a restyled front end, giving it a wider and more ruggedly handsome look. New LED taillights and a strip of trim connecting them added to its modern aesthetic. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements with upgraded materials, colors, and displays, making it more competitive in its segment. Ford streamlined the trim levels to four, including the new base trim called Active, the sporty ST-Line, the luxurious Platinum, and the performance-tuned ST, with prices ranging from $39,755 to $55,505.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its distinctive retro-inspired design, reminiscent of the Lancia Delta, with only minor updates in its mid-cycle refresh. The lower front fascia saw slight 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. The Ioniq 5's color palette expanded, and new wheel designs were introduced, enhancing its rally-inspired aesthetic. Inside, the cabin maintained its minimalistic and modern feel, with minor updates to the center console for improved functionality.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options. Most trims, except the ST, came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer ST and optionally the Platinum trim featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 delivering 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. All models had a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with an optional four-wheel-drive system. The ST-Line test vehicle averaged 23.8 mpg with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Explorer's driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport, Slippery, Trail, Tow/Haul, and Deep Snow/Sand for 4WD models. The ST-Line's performance was enhanced with larger wheels and performance brakes, providing a delightful ride and handling experience.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT featured a Terrain Mode button with Snow, Mud, and Sand options, adjusting throttle mapping, wheel slip, power distribution, and regenerative braking. The XRT handled off-road conditions well, with AWD as standard. The Ioniq 5's battery capacity increased for 2025, offering a range of up to 318 miles in RWD configuration, while AWD models had slightly reduced ranges. Power output varied with the powertrain choice, with RWD models producing up to 225 hp and AWD models delivering 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque. Despite its weight, the Ioniq 5 provided an enjoyable driving experience with instant electric torque.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six people in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line trim featured a heated steering wheel, heated power-adjustable front seats, and an optional Premium Package with ambient lighting, massage seats, and a power-folding third-row seat. The front seats were comfortable with breathable fabric, while the second-row captain's chairs offered similar comfort. The third row was less comfortable for adults but suitable for children. Cargo space was competitive, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 85.8 cubic feet.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 addressed previous complaints by adding a rear windshield wiper. The interior featured a movable center console with fore-and-aft cupholders and a wireless charging pad. Heated front seats were standard, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and front seat ventilation available on higher trims. Interior dimensions remained unchanged, with generous head and legroom. Cargo space measured 26.3 cubic feet with rear seats up and 58.5 cubic feet with them folded down, plus an additional .85 cubic feet in the frunk. The Ioniq 5 transitioned to the North American Charging System, allowing access to Tesla's Supercharger network.

The 2025 Ford Explorer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a new 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Ford Digital Experience. This system included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot was available, and the system was user-friendly with Google Maps and Google Assistant integration. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems by Bang & Olufsen, with 10 speakers in the ST-Line and 14 speakers in the Platinum and ST trims.

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. The Bose Premium Audio system was available on the XRT and Limited trims, while SE and SEL trims had a six-speaker system. The Ioniq 5 featured standard navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and multiple USB-C ports. A head-up display was available on the Limited trim, and a wireless charging pad was included from the SEL trim level.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came with Ford CoPilot 360+, which included adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist and other driver assistance systems. The ST-Line trim and higher featured Ford CoPilot 360 2.0 with a surround-view camera system and BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise performed well in testing, though it occasionally struggled with tight curves and heavy traffic. The NHTSA had not fully rated the 2025 Explorer, but it received five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its high safety standards, earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA. New safety features included an enhanced driver attention system and parking-distance warnings. The Ioniq 5 XRT and Limited trims offered a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Highway Driving Assist 1 and 2 were available, with HDA 2 providing lane-changing capability and machine learning for improved performance.