2021 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban had a polarizing front-end design, borrowing heavily from the Camaro's design language. This resulted in small headlights and large, busy grilles that didn't quite suit the massive frame of the Suburban. Despite the exterior's divisive look, the interior remained familiar and functional, with controls in their usual places. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and the interior featured a mix of materials, though it lacked the soft-touch luxury found in higher-end SUVs. The High Country trim, while upscale, still felt more like an enhanced pickup than a true luxury vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 presented a polished and futuristic exterior with minimal character lines and a unique Parametric Pixel design. The extensive use of LED pixels in the lighting elements gave it a concept car feel. The interior, however, was a stark contrast to the exterior's boldness, offering a mellow and comfortable "Living Space" design. The cabin featured sustainable materials and a zero-gravity "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat, emphasizing comfort and eco-friendliness. The Ioniq 5's interior was spacious and thoughtfully designed, with a focus on passenger comfort over cargo space.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a standard 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower, and a newly available 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine producing 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive available. The diesel engine provided excellent torque and smooth acceleration, making it suitable for both city driving and highway cruising. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride quality, though it still exhibited some truck-like handling characteristics.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came in two drive configurations, three trims, and three powertrains. The base SE Standard Range featured a single 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models offered a 168-kW rear motor with 225 horsepower and a 303-mile range. The all-wheel-drive variants had a dual-motor system producing 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was solid for a midsize crossover, with a smooth and composed ride. The vehicle's regenerative braking system and various drive modes, including Sport mode, added to the driving experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 144.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, 93.8 cubic feet with the second row in use, and 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row. Passengers enjoyed ample head- and legroom, with the second-row captain's chairs providing impressive comfort. The control layout was similar to GM's pickup trucks, though the button shifter design was less intuitive. The power-sliding center console was a novel feature but added unnecessary complexity.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior with a 118.1-inch wheelbase, longer than the seven-passenger Palisade. The Ioniq 5 had a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, with 106.5 cubic feet dedicated to passenger space. The cabin featured soft-touch materials and a moveable center console, enhancing usability. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to both slim and larger drivers.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running GM's intuitive infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available navigation system and rear entertainment system with large touchscreens added to the tech offerings. The head-up display provided clear and helpful information.

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. The Ioniq 5 also featured a redesigned Blue Link connected car app, digital key, 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 for better visibility.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. Unique options like the rear-view camera mirror and Safety Alert Seat added to its safety credentials.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came 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. The Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The head-up display with augmented reality overlays provided additional safety information, though it could be distracting.