2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, was a stylish SUV. Its subtle yet effective design changes conveyed sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided making the RDX look like an off-roader, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping capabilities. The A-Spec trim added sporty interior features like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and unique gauges, although the red-on-silver gauge markings were hard to read.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 presented a polished exterior with minimal character lines, utilizing a Parametric Pixel design that gave it a concept car feel. The Ioniq 5's exterior was a mix of fascinating and frustrating design elements, with extensive use of LED pixels in all lighting casings. Inside, the Ioniq 5's cabin was low-key and comfortable, featuring sustainable materials and a "Living Space" design theme. The interior offered a relaxing environment with features like a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat and use of recycled materials.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with the option for the SH-AWD system, which improved handling significantly. The RDX offered driving modes like Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, which adjusted powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec trim included 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, enhancing its sporty feel, although it lacked adaptive dampers and rev-matching for the transmission.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came in three trims and two drive configurations. The base SE Standard Range had a single 128-kW rear motor with 168 horsepower and 220 miles of range. The extended-range models featured a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 horsepower and 303 miles of range. The AWD variants had a dual-motor system with a total output of 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, but the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 offered four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. Paddle shifters adjusted regenerative braking levels, and the vehicle was equipped with noise-reducing features for a quiet ride.

The 2021 Acura RDX, though classified as a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable and adjustable, but the rear seats lacked leg support and had an uncomfortable recline angle. The cargo area measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded, with additional storage compartments under the cargo floor. However, the infotainment system's design limited accessible storage space.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximized interior space with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. It offered a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, with 106.5 cubic feet of passenger space. The Ioniq 5's interior featured soft touchpoints and a moveable center console, creating a spacious and comfortable environment. The leatherette seats were supportive and comfortable, and the cabin design allowed for easy entry and exit from either front door.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console instead of a touchscreen. While it mirrored the screen for more intuitive control, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which provided excellent sound quality. The RDX also offered smartphone projection, voice-recognition technology, and Key by Amazon In-Car Delivery.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years through Electrify America. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, virtual assistant compatibility, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and anti-glare, providing clear visibility even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal impact and rollover resistance.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 included Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems with features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. It also offered Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 featured a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's recent track record suggested high marks were likely.