Lexus RZ vs Hyundai IONIQ 5
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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.
Hyundai IONIQ 5: we're still completing kerb weight, seat count, 0-100km/h, warranty and ground clearance, plus 1 other.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
The Lexus RZ starts from $84,500 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 opens at $64,500. That makes the Hyundai IONIQ 5 the more affordable entry point by $20,000.
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 $92,950 and $70,950 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
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
74.7kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 150kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
58kWh 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 Lexus RZ features a 14-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lexus RZ stands out with head-up display, heated front seats, power tailgate and Mark Levinson audio that you will not find on the Hyundai IONIQ 5. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 counters with wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Lexus RZ gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 offers wool blend / leather appointed combination.
Drivetrain
The Lexus RZ uses a Electric Motor producing 280kW and 538Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.6 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 responds with a Electric making 125kW and 350Nm, paired to a single speed reduction gear driving the rear wheels.
The Lexus RZ has the clear power advantage at 280kW vs 125kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 74.7kWh (Lexus RZ) vs 58kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 5), giving WLTP ranges of 460km and 384km.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus RZ measures 4,805mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 170mm longer than the Hyundai IONIQ 5 at 4,635mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 522L in the Lexus RZ and 527L in the Hyundai IONIQ 5, giving the Hyundai IONIQ 5 a 5L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 leads with a 750kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m diameter
Average
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.7 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus RZ if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Lexus RZ takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus RZ and Hyundai IONIQ 5?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the cheapest at $64,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus RZ by $20,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Lexus RZ has the most range at 460km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Lexus RZ accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Lexus RZ all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has the largest boot at 527L.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus RZ makes the most power at 280kW.
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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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