2025 Vexus DVX22 Review...8/27/2025

The 2025 has the newer Mercury Verado 400 V-10 motor, and it's made all the difference in the world for saving me money.  The hole shot is much better, it can take regular gas (87), instead of having to use the "Premium" formula, and it uses almost half the gas as the older model, too. I can say that, because I know how many gallons it would use to run to and from the same locations, and the V-10 definitely drinks less.

I do use the recommended Mercury additive, however, to keep her in tip top condition.

The Minn-Kota Quest Ulterra is an improvement over the older models, as far as quality, dependability, and ease of use go.  I just know that I have more confidence in the Quest model, than I had in the older model.  If the stow feature were to stop working, they've made it much easier to get it stowed again. The older model was a pain in the butt, and not very safe, if you were trying that in rough conditions.

I switched from Humminbirds to Garmin this season, and I have been pleasantly surprised at how much more I like them over my H'Birds. I had always used the Helix models, and besides having issues with the 2023 models several times for the 23/24 seasons, they discontinued them.  So, when my dealer suggested running Garmin's, I took the opportunity to do so.  

The Garmin's are all connected, with the dash unit being the master, and the bow and stern units being the recipients of its info. The bow unit also has a Live Scope transducer connected, so as soon as the unit comes up, while I'm in the Get-Ready lane, I disable the sonar at the dash, and it disables all the connected units, too.

Then, when I launch, and I'm in the water, I can "Enable All Connected...", then go to the front, to turn off the Live Scope transducer, individually. It would be bad to let that thing ping for hours out of the water...it would probably kill it. 

Moving back in the bow...

There are buckle-down straps on both sides of the bow, that would normally secure someone's rods, but I use them to strap down my two nets...one on each side.

The windshield is an upgrade from the 2023 model, too. It's the same great quality, that can hold a lot of weight, but they added some pretty cool lighting on the sides of it. So, when the interior lights are on, the windshield lights come on, too. It has the DVX logo and says, "Advanced Marine Performance" below it...and that all lights up.   I get to the boat launches early, when it's still dark out, so I get to see it lit up...it's pretty cool looking...it's a little thing that makes me happy. :)

As far as any remodel from the 2023 boat, I don't see anything that stands out. The storage is still outstanding and the most I've ever had in a boat, so there are no complaints from me.  I'm still enjoying the boat's cooler being in the back port corner, for easy access.  My Rangers always had it in front of the passenger's windshield, where not only did it shorten the storage compartment in front of it, but I had to climb in and out of the boat anytime I wanted to get something from it, or put something in it.

The 60" tracks for the rod holders are solid as a rock. I was told that Vexus puts a steel (or aluminum) plate under the gunnel, so when the tracks are added, they attach to the plate. Making it very strong. This also helps keep screws from backing out of the fiberglass, and adds more strength to the rod holders themselves.  I used to have to tell people not to lean on the rod holders, but now I don't have to worry about that at all. 

I have a set of 6 Cisco Rod Holders on each side, with the starboard side also sporting a 7th cradle for my FishHawk rod.  I have the new Hybrid Tube/Cradle rod holders on risers (15", 10", 5", and the last one doesn't use a riser), for use with trolling rods, using the Off Shore boards.  

The dipsey rods use just the "Short Cradle" rod holders with no risers (2 on each side).

What I really like about the hybrid tube is that it allows me to keep the reel facing inside the boat, rather than spinning around and facing out.  I can also keep rods in them while running from spot to spot. Yes, I know you can do that with regular tubes, but my previous holders were all cradles, and impossible to keep a rod in it while running, unless I took the time to bungee cord them in the holder, and that's not something I wanted to do.  The hybrids were the solution to my problem, and it has worked out very well. 

I'm running three "Miller Tech" Lithium batteries for the Ulterra, and two 31 AGMs for the motors and accessories. The lithiums have been holding up very well, and again, I have no complaints. They are doing what they were designed to do, and that's to keep me on the water without any worries. 

The overall performance of this boat is very similar to the 2023 boat, except for having better hole-shot, due to the new V-10. The speed was the same. The top end is 70, I'm guessing.  The reason I say, "I'm guessing," is because I got it up to 68mph, but backed off, even though she still had more in her to go.  I'm guessing, she would have hit 70 with some more trimming, and the throttle all the way down. I just don't like to go that fast. 

I'm pretty sure they may have added a little more foam in the hull near the dash, because it seems quieter than my old boat in that area. I like it!

The Bennett Trim Tabs make driving easier, by keeping the boat from listing to one side, or the other. No complaints!

(This next one is not an issue, but rather, just an annoyance)...

In the 2025 boat, the battery charger was mounted in the battery compartment, instead of the rear starboard corner compartment, like it had been in the 2023 boat. 

I preferred it in the corner for two reasons. 

First, it makes it easy to check on it, and two, I could easily prop the lid of the compartment open on hot days, so the charger didn't overheat. 

Even though the boat is under a large carport, it can still get very warm under there, so propping the lid open is just preventative. Having it in the battery compartment is less convenient...thus, "annoying". ;)

If anyone is considering a new Vexus DVX22, and wants to test one on the water first, just contact me, or Kenny Grimes, and we can set that up for you.

I checked the Fisherman's Central Marine's website, and I see that they have the new 2026 on the floor at the New Franklin store, if you want to go in and check it out. Here's a link to it on their website:

If you made it through my review...Thanks, for reading it!

Have a great day!