2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried the Audi design language well while maintaining its individual character within the lineup. It had an expressive face with LED headlights beside the big Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body featured crisp character lines, and the rear had bold, large taillights. Inside, the Q5 was classy and modern, packed with technology but maintaining an uncluttered appearance. The 10.1-inch touchscreen floated at the top of the center stack, and the second row was nicely appointed with standard leather seating surfaces.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 presented a polished exterior with minimal character lines, featuring a unique Parametric Pixel design. The exterior was a mix of fascinating and frustrating elements, with pixelated lighting details throughout. The aerodynamic wheels and silver-contrast plastic bits added to its distinctive look. Inside, the Ioniq 5's cabin was low-key and comfortable, with a "Living Space" design theme. The interior used sustainable materials, and the seats were available in stain-resistant cloth or leatherette upholstery. The cabin was designed for relaxation, with features like a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took the standard gasoline-only Q5 and made it better by adding an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque with a 14.1-kWh battery. The total combined output for the PHEV was 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, making it a fun crossover to drive. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds and had impressive fuel-economy figures of 65 MPGe combined. The Q5 PHEV used a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and had modes to drive on battery power only, reserve battery power, or drive in hybrid mode. Handling was good, with a slightly stiff, sporty setting that balanced comfort with road feel.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came in two drive configurations, three trims, and three powertrains. The base model, SE Standard Range, had a single 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor with 168 horsepower and 220 miles of range. The extended-range lineup featured a larger 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 303 miles. The AWD variant had a dual-motor system with a total power of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, but the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well, with four drive modes, including Sport mode, which added excitement but reduced range. The paddle shifters adjusted regenerative properties, and the vehicle was equipped with noise-reducing features for a quiet ride.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV managed to carry its battery pack under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It offered 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded down. The second row had 37.8 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of shoulder room. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The interior had smartly laid-out storage spaces and an uncluttered design.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 sat on an all-new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a longer wheelbase and maximizing interior space. It had a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, with a passenger volume of 106.5 cubic feet. The rear cargo space was 27.2 cubic feet. The interior featured soft touch points and a moveable center armrest with a large cubby. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, with a modern take on the retro front bench seat, allowing easy entry and exit from either front door.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The system offered three views: classic, sport, and dynamic. The Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, which optimized fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system was available on Premium Plus models and standard on the Prestige trim level. Wireless Apple CarPlay was included.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was powered by a next-generation high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported charging infrastructures up to 800 volts and could reach 80 percent battery capacity within 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5 offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years through Electrify America. The vehicle featured a redesigned Blue Link connected car app, a digital key, enhanced smartphone pairing, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2020 Q5 received top ratings in most categories. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with brake assist, Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, power child safety locks, electronic stability control, and more. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Advanced Key, Audi Pre Sense rear, Audi Side Assist with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a top-view camera system.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I (HAD) was also included, featuring machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 offered a head-up display (HUD) with augmented reality overlays. While safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai had a strong track record with IIHS Top Safety awards.