2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax, based on the model introduced in 2015, received its last significant updates in 2017, which included design tweaks and the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. By 2021, the Premier trim was dropped, leaving only the LS and LT trims. The LS trim featured 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system. The LT trim added heated mirrors, roof rails, LED lights, and upgraded seating materials, among other features.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, the first vehicle in Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand, showcased a futuristic design with minimal character lines and a unique Parametric Pixel design. The exterior featured numerous LED lights and aerodynamic wheels. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a "Living Space" theme with a mellow, comfortable interior available in black, gray, and dark green hues. The cabin included sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, emphasizing comfort and eco-friendliness.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available. While adequate for city driving, the engine struggled at highway speeds and was noisy. The Trax had a firm ride, especially over potholes, and a tight turning radius, making it suitable for urban environments. However, it lacked the driving excitement found in rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came in three trims (SE, SEL, and Limited) and offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 128-kW rear motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models had a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 horsepower and a 303-mile range. The AWD variants had a dual-motor system with 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, but a reduced range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well on various road conditions and offered four drive modes, including Sport mode, which added excitement but reduced range. Paddle shifters allowed for adjusting regenerative braking levels, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax provided ample headroom and legroom in both rows, with supportive front seats but less comfortable rear seats. It featured multiple storage trays and low cupholder placement for convenience. The Trax offered 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 48.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front passenger seat could also fold flat for larger items. However, it lacked options for a power liftgate.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximized interior space with a long wheelbase. It offered a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5's cabin featured soft touch points and a moveable center console, enhancing usability. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to various driver sizes. The interior design emphasized comfort and practicality, aligning with the "Living Space" theme.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, featuring easy-to-follow menus and vivid graphics. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot.

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, and could charge other devices or vehicles. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app for EV management, a digital key, AI-powered voice recognition, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and anti-glare, ensuring clear visibility.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received five stars from the NHTSA but lacked advanced safety features. It came standard with airbags and a backup camera, with optional blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors available in the LT Convenience Package. However, it did not offer forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, or lane-departure warning.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 included 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 Ioniq 5 also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. An available head-up display with augmented reality overlays provided additional driving information.