2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2025 Nissan Armada

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its distinctive retro-inspired design, reminiscent of the 1986-1991 Lancia Delta, particularly in the high-performance Ioniq 5 N variant. Hyundai's mid-cycle refresh introduced subtle changes to the lower front fascia while retaining the iconic "Parametric Pixel" headlights and taillights, round wheel arches, and a high rear spoiler. 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. The Ioniq 5's interior remained largely unchanged, offering a minimalistic and modern feel typical of Hyundai EVs. The XRT trim added a rugged touch with its dark interior and all-weather floor mats.

The 2025 Nissan Armada showcased a bold design with a high beltline, similar to its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80. The grille and front fascia appeared taller, accentuated by the SUV's higher ground clearance. The PRO-4X trim featured a skid plate and a unique front lighting signature with C-shaped LED lines. The Armada's side profile exuded a business-like appearance, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar accents. The PRO-4X trim added rugged elements like black plastic cladding and Lava Red accents. The Armada's rear featured C-shaped LED taillights and a fashionable red lightbar on higher trims. Wheel options ranged from 18-inch to 22-inch, with the PRO-4X offering all-terrain tires. Inside, the Armada provided a premium feel, with leather seats and customizable interior options, including the luxurious Chestnut with Rye theme in the Platinum Reserve trim.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT offered a Terrain Mode button on the steering wheel, allowing drivers to cycle through Snow, Mud, and Sand modes. These modes adjusted throttle mapping, wheel slip, power distribution, and regenerative braking. The XRT handled off-road conditions well, with its all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration providing confidence and control. The Ioniq 5's battery capacity increased for 2025, offering a range of up to 318 miles in rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration. 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 2025 Nissan Armada featured a new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the old seven-speed, and the PRO-4X trim was exclusively 4WD. The Armada PRO-4X boasted dedicated 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an electronic locking rear differential. The adaptive electronic air suspension, shared with the Platinum Reserve, provided a 33-degree approach angle and 9.6 inches of ground clearance. The Armada's towing capacity reached 8,500 pounds, with standard trailer sway control and other towing aids. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering offered a balanced feel, while the adaptive air suspension enhanced comfort and off-road capability.

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 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 charging convenience.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad. The Armada's "Zero Gravity" seats provided comfort, with power adjustment options varying by trim. Heated front seats became standard on the SL trim, with additional features like front-row seat cooling and second-row seat heating available on higher trims. The Armada offered a three-row seating configuration, with power one-touch folding for the third row. Cargo volume increased across the board, with 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 97.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Armada's headroom and legroom measurements varied depending on the presence of a sunroof.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and digital instrumentation, with improved functionality and faster processing speeds. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard, along with a Bose Premium Audio system 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 started at the SEL trim level.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured dual screens, with 12.3-inch displays on lower trims and 14.3-inch screens on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with six USB-C ports. The SL trim added a wireless charging pad and Google Built-In, allowing native Google Maps integration. A head-up display was optional starting at the SL trim level, and a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System became standard on higher trims.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 continued to receive high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. New standard safety features included an enhanced driver attention system, reverse and forward parking-distance warning, and a surround-view monitor on higher trims. Highway Driving Assist 1 and 2 were available, with the latter offering lane-changing capability and machine learning.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came with Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite, with varying levels of advanced driver-assistance technologies. ProPILOT Assist 1.1 added proactive speed management, while ProPILOT Assist 2.1 offered hands-free highway-driving assist. Nissan Safety Shield 360 included features like traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. Higher trims offered a surround-view camera and Nissan's 3D Around View Monitor.