2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with its XT4 and XT5 siblings. The XT6 Sport model, in particular, showcased a traditionally-styled grille with darkened accents, enhancing its premium appeal. The SUV rode on 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, adding to its sharp, luxurious look. Inside, the XT6's cabin mirrored the XT5's design but offered more space. The seats, especially with the optional Platinum Package, were a highlight, featuring semi-aniline leather upholstery. However, the dashboard area, while not unattractive, lacked the premium feel of the seating.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 presented a futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of a concept car. The exterior was a blend of minimal character lines and intricate lighting details, creating a unique visual appeal. Inside, the Ioniq 5's cabin embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a relaxing environment with sustainable materials. The interior was spacious, thanks to its long wheelbase, and featured innovative elements like a moveable center console and a zero-gravity driver's seat. The design was both modern and comfortable, providing a serene driving experience.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine was also standard in the Premium Luxury trim, while the base Luxury model had a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower. The XT6 offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options, with the Sport model exclusively available with AWD. Despite its power, the XT6 struggled with driving dynamics due to its weight distribution, particularly in the AWD Sport model, which affected its agility.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, with the base SE Standard Range model featuring a 128-kW rear motor producing 168 horsepower. The extended-range variants had a 168-kW motor with 225 horsepower and a range of 303 miles. The AWD models boasted a dual-motor system with 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 provided a balanced driving experience, with four drive modes including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's regenerative braking system and quiet cabin further enhanced the driving experience.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option to upgrade to captain's chairs in the second row. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less space compared to competitors like the Telluride and Palisade. The interior storage was limited, and the wireless phone charger design was not user-friendly. However, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a standard power liftgate, making it practical for carrying larger loads.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the E-GMP platform, maximized interior space with its long wheelbase. It offered a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Mustang Mach-E and ID.4. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort with features like a moveable center console and leatherette seats. The cabin was designed for relaxation, with ample space and soft touchpoints, making it a comfortable choice for both drivers and passengers.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured a range of standard tech, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. While the tech was adequate, the infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, and the system could feel crowded. Optional upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system and navigation, enhancing the tech experience for those willing to pay extra.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its 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. The Ioniq 5 also featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegantly designed with anti-glare coating, providing clear visibility even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. Premium Luxury and Sport models added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the lane-keep assist system was not always reliable. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by IIHS for the 2020 model.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning. The Ioniq 5 also offered Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system that adapted to the driver's habits. The head-up display with augmented reality overlays was a new addition, though it could be distracting. While official safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks for the Ioniq 5.