2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling cues. The base LS and popular LT models featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST boasted a slotted grille and a blacked-out appearance with 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 combined the LS grille with off-road enhancements like red tow hooks and a skid plate. The upscale Premier and luxurious High Country trims added chrome accents and polished wheels, with the latter featuring a chrome bar grille and body-color mirror caps. The Tahoe's design was dominated by its grille, with LED headlights and expressive taillights enhancing its look. Despite its familiar design themes, the Tahoe's styling was more subtle, with larger wheels improving its overall appearance.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 presented a polished exterior with minimal character lines, embodying a futuristic design. Its Parametric Pixel design was a standout feature, with pixelated LED lights adorning the vehicle. The Ioniq 5's aerodynamic wheels and silver-contrast plastic bits added to its unique look. Inside, the cabin offered a "Living Space" theme with a mellow design in black, gray, and dark green hues. The interior was comfortable, featuring sustainable materials like stain-resistant cloth and recycled fibers. The Ioniq 5's design was both fascinating and functional, with a focus on relaxation and comfort.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options, with the standard 5.3-liter V8 delivering 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country trim featured an exclusive 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine was also available, providing 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, except for the Z71 trim. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a towing capacity of up to 8,400 pounds. The Z71 trim came with standard 4WD, hill descent control, and off-road enhancements. The new independent rear suspension improved ride quality, while the Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride suspension options further enhanced performance.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations, three trims, and three powertrains. The base SE Standard Range featured a 128-kW rear motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range variants had a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 horsepower and a 303-mile range. The AWD option included a dual-motor system with 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, offering a 256-mile range. The Ioniq 5's performance was middle-of-the-road, with four drive modes, including Sport mode for added excitement. The vehicle's quiet cabin and noise-reducing features contributed to a comfortable driving experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's new independent rear suspension improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel. The power sliding storage console provided additional storage options. The second-row offered a bench seat or captain's chairs, with easy access to the third-row. The third-row seat room was substantially improved, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe provided 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 122.9 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5's Electric Global Modular Platform maximized interior space and utility. With a longer wheelbase than the Palisade, the Ioniq 5 offered a spacious cabin with 133.7 cubic feet of interior volume. The vehicle's "Living Space" theme featured soft touchpoints and a moveable center console. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, with a modern take on the retro front bench seat. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort over cargo space, offering a pleasant driving experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered over-the-air updates and enhanced cybersecurity. The voice-recognition system was impressive, while Bluetooth pairing and wireless charging were efficient. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system, though the 15-inch head-up display was not available.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. The Ioniq 5 supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes. Hyundai partnered with Electrify America for unlimited fast-charging sessions. The vehicle 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 elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for improved visibility.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, and forward-collision warning. Higher trims offered additional features like lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe's safety features worked as expected, though crash test ratings were not available at the time of review.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. The Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I offered semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also included a head-up display with augmented reality overlays. While crash test ratings were not available, Hyundai's history of safety awards suggested high marks for the Ioniq 5.