2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's commitment to high-quality craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's lineup of luxury SUVs. Its design was unmistakably BMW, from the iconic kidney grille to the body shape, ensuring it stood out as a member of the BMW family. However, this familiarity also meant it could blend in with other BMW models in a crowded parking lot. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The interior, while consistent with BMW's design language, was criticized for its overuse of black plastic, though it did offer leather and soft-touch materials. M Sport models added a touch of aggression with unique styling elements, including an M sports steering wheel and exclusive interior trim strips.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a bold step into the future of electrified mobility, marking the beginning of Hyundai's Ioniq sub-brand dedicated to EVs. Its exterior design was a mix of minimalistic character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel design elements, giving it a concept car-like appearance. The Ioniq 5's lighting details were particularly striking, with pixelated LEDs used throughout. Inside, the Ioniq 5 embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a serene and comfortable environment with sustainable materials. The interior featured a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat and a focus on passenger comfort, with ample space and soft-touch materials. The Ioniq 5's design was both futuristic and functional, appealing to those seeking a modern and eco-friendly driving experience.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i was powered by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i featured a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M offered up to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with an all-electric range of up to 30 miles. Despite its power, the X5's driving dynamics were criticized for being less engaging than expected, with steering issues at higher speeds. The X5's fuel efficiency varied, with the xDrive45e achieving 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came in two drive configurations, three trims, and three powertrains. The base model, the Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range, featured a single 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor, producing 168 horsepower and offering 220 miles of range. The extended-range lineup included a 168-kW rear motor with 225 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque, providing a range of 303 miles. The AWD variant featured a dual-motor system with a total power output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was described as middle-of-the-road, with a focus on range rather than driving excitement. The vehicle offered four drive modes, including Sport, which added some excitement but reduced range. The Ioniq 5's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, added an element of gamification to the driving experience.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with cupholders positioned at the front of the center console and a wireless phone charging pad out of the driver's line of sight. The seating was spacious and comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. The rear seats were comfortable for children and two adults, with an optional third row available. The X5's split liftgate was easy to operate, and the vehicle height adjustment button on the liftgate was helpful for loading cargo. The X5 offered ample cargo space without the third row, though the xDrive45e had slightly less space. However, the rear doors did not open very wide, making it challenging to move children and cargo in and out.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. The Ioniq 5's interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet exceeded that of its competitors, the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort, with a passenger volume of 106.5 cubic feet. The interior featured soft touchpoints and a moveable center console, allowing for flexible use of space. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, with bolsters that accommodated both slim and larger drivers. The Ioniq 5's design emphasized comfort and practicality, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a spacious and versatile electric vehicle.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The infotainment system included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, a proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional features included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, rear sunshades, and a dual-panel panoramic roof. The BMW iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. The Ioniq 5 supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80 percent battery capacity in 18 minutes, and offered vehicle-to-load capabilities for charging other devices. Hyundai partnered with Electrify America to provide unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years. The Ioniq 5's multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link connected car app, a digital key, enhanced smartphone pairing, and over-the-air updates. The vehicle's 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for improved visibility.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fatigue and focus alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems, particularly in bright sunlight and light rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 also included Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The system learned the driver's habits and preferences, providing a personalized driving experience. The Ioniq 5 offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting in practice. While the Ioniq 5 had not yet received crash-safety ratings from the NHTSA or IIHS, Hyundai's track record suggested it would earn high marks.