Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs Lexus NX
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 19 Sep 2026, price 21 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$68,200RRP
- no option data for this car
$71,700RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Hyundai IONIQ 5 & Lexus NX
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 starts from $68,200 before on-road costs, while the Lexus NX opens at $71,700. That makes the Hyundai IONIQ 5 the more affordable entry point by $3,500.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $75,020 and $78,870 respectively.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Lexus NX does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Lexus NX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 91% for the Lexus NX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Hyundai IONIQ 5, against 6 on the Lexus NX.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 8 in the Lexus NX.
Recalls on our record
Hyundai IONIQ 5
- REC-006224 · published 20 Dec 2024Due to a software issue in the Integrated Charging Control Unit, the auxiliary 12 Volt battery may not charge as intended, resulting in battery drainage and loss of motive power.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2024
- REC-005942 · published 16 Apr 2024Due to a software issue in the Integrated Charging Control Unit, the auxiliary 12 Volt battery may not charge as intended, resulting in battery drainage and loss of motive power.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2024
- REC-005940 · published 11 Apr 2024Due to a manufacturing issue, the driveshaft may brake under load.Year range on the notice: 2023
- 1 more on the model page.
Lexus NX
- REC-006214 · published 13 Dec 2024Due to a programming issue, the Adaptive High Beam System (AHS) LED units (high beam) and AHS ECUs (Electronic Control Unit) may incorrectly detect the signals for switching from low beam to high beam.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005731 · published 20 Jul 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the DC-DC converter that supports charging the 12V battery may short circuit and overheat resulting in a vehicle fire.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- REC-005525 · published 12 Sep 2022Due to a software issue, the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- 7 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
84kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (10.5kW AC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Lexus NX gets a 9.8-inch display and 8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 stands out with Apple CarPlay and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus NX. The Lexus NX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, heated front seats, power tailgate, Mark Levinson audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai IONIQ 5 gets wool blend / leather-appointed combination upholstery while the Lexus NX offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 uses a Electric producing 168kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed reduction gear to a RWD layout.
The Lexus NX responds with a Hybrid making 179kW and 239Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.
The Lexus NX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 168kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 measures 4,655mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 5mm shorter than the Lexus NX at 4,660mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 520L in the Lexus NX.
For towing, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai IONIQ 5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus NX). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus NX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus NX if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Lexus NX: Top CarSorted Score, 79 vs 76, but the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is $3,500 cheaper
The Lexus NX comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (79 vs 76), taking 1 of 4 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Lexus NX ahead by 11), performance (Lexus NX ahead by 6), reliability (Lexus NX ahead by 3). The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Lexus NX?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the cheapest at $68,200 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus NX by $3,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus NX uses the least fuel at 5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Lexus NX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus NX makes the most power at 179kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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