2021 Ford Bronco vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Ford Bronco had an air of adventure and nostalgia, heavily inspired by its predecessors. Ford meticulously crafted a rugged aesthetic grounded in a concept they termed “Retrofuturism,” blending classic design cues with modern features. The Bronco boasted a single-piece grille with round headlights, connected by prominent B-R-O-N-C-O lettering, setting a bold, contemporary tone. The body’s boxy, simple lines and big fender flares did justice to its off-road heritage, and choices of 16-inch to 18-inch wheels, including beadlock-capable options, underscored this theme.

Eye-catching paint options like Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat and the enigmatic greenish-gray “Area 51” added flair. Both two-door and four-door versions were available, with respective wheelbases of 100.4 inches and 116.1 inches, ensuring the vehicle met varied space and length needs. Available in either a black soft-top or a modular removable hardtop, the Bronco's exterior was versatile and practical.

Inside, the Bronco married retro aesthetics with contemporary tech. The dashboard echoed the original Bronco's design but housed modern conveniences like an 8-inch standard or optional 12-inch touchscreen and digitized instrument clusters. The robust, functional layout was punctuated with metal-reinforced grab handles and water-resistant materials, making it a symbol of rugged sophistication. The flexibility extended to its removable doors and fenders, enhancing customization and utility for outdoor enthusiasts.

Conversely, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a futuristic, seamless design contrasted with a more laid-back interior. Its external Parametric Pixel design was a nod to 8-bit digital aesthetics, used intricately across all lighting elements, creating a modern, almost concept-car-like presence. The Ioniq 5 struck a balance between sleek and understated, with pixel-inspired LED lights giving it a distinctive, high-tech look. Its aerodynamic wheels and smooth character lines reflected an intelligent design prioritizing efficiency without overt showiness.

Inside, Hyundai’s “Living Space” theme unfolded with relaxing hues and minimalist lines, providing a tranquil, comfortable environment. The Ioniq 5’s interior featured sustainable materials, with seats made from recycled fibers and plastics. A driver’s Relaxation mode added a unique touch of comfort, elevating the overall cabin experience. The long wheelbase further maximized passenger space, delivering superior comfort irrespective of the chosen seating configuration.

The 2021 Ford Bronco came equipped with two engine choices designed to maximize performance both on and off-road. The base 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine produced 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a seven-speed manual transmission. An optional 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 offered more power at 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Standard four-wheel-drive ensured the Bronco's innate ability to handle diverse terrains.

During testing in Holly, Michigan, the Bronco exhibited robust off-road prowess through swampy mud and slick rock trails, making use of its high-traction 35-inch tires from the Sasquatch package. On pavement, our First Edition Bronco demonstrated sufficient power and smooth gear transitions, though it carried the typical traits of an off-road truck with some noise and shiftiness on standard tires. Whether navigating urban streets or off-road obstacles, the Bronco showcased a balanced, enjoyable driving experience apt for both novice and skilled off-roaders.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered an electrifying performance, literally. Available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, the Ioniq 5 came in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. The standard SE model featured a 128-kW rear motor delivering 168 horsepower, aiming for a range of 220 miles. Extended-range variants brought a larger motor producing 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, achieving up to 303 miles per charge in RWD. The AWD variant combined dual motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque with a slightly reduced range of 256 miles.

Our Limited AWD model performed commendably in San Diego County, handling curvy canyon roads with confidence. The Ioniq 5 offered four driving modes, with Sport mode adding a hint of excitement by re-tuning torque distribution. While not a sport-specific EV like the Polestar 2 or Porsche Taycan, the Ioniq 5 maintained a fine balance of power and efficiency ideal for its class. The inclusion of paddle shifters allowed drivers to adjust regenerative braking, adding an enjoyable, engaging element to the driving experience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco's design team ingeniously maximized utility and customization. Modular components like removable doors and fenders, and integrated storage solutions for said components, exhibited thoughtful design. The Bronco’s trail-focused features, like trail sights on the hood’s corners, combined ingenuity with practicality, while the durable interior materials ensured robustness against off-road elements.

The Bronco offered a respectable cargo space, particularly in the four-door model, suitable for adventure gear. However, specifics on exact cargo capacity were less highlighted. With a couple of passengers, the Bronco continued to promise a roomy, adaptable space complimented by sturdy seating and flexible roof configurations.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 took passenger and driver comfort to a new level with its expansive cabin space. Its longer wheelbase of 118.1 inches emphasized a spacious interior, boasting 106.5 cubic feet of passenger volume. Dropping rear cargo capacity slightly at 27.2 cubic feet, the Ioniq 5 emphasized passenger luxury over cargo space, outstripping both the Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4 in passenger accommodations.

Notably, the Ioniq 5's interior utilized a sliding center console and large-capacity cubbies enhancing practical utility. The versatile layout allowed for easy ingress and egress, adding to its urban adaptability and everyday convenience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco incorporated advanced technology to bolster its rugged appeal. The center console housed the G.O.A.T. (Go Over Any Terrain) system, providing straightforward terrain management through various drive modes. The Bronco’s SYNC 4 infotainment system, available on 8-inch or upgraded 12-inch touchscreens, delivered enhanced voice recognition and seamless interaction. Optional tech packages included features like a 10-speaker B&O sound system and wireless device charging, ensuring a modern connected experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 stunned with cutting-edge tech, particularly in its charging capabilities. A high-voltage system supported ultra-fast 250 kW charging, allowing an 80% recharge in 18 minutes. Owners enjoyed perks such as two years of free 30-minute fast-charging sessions with Electrify America.

The Ioniq 5’s infotainment setup featured twin 12.3-inch screens with anti-glare coatings, exceptional even under direct sunlight. Hyundai’s advanced Blue Link app, digital key, and AR head-up display exemplified the high-tech interactions available, rendering a futuristic, user-friendly vehicle experience.

Safety was a focal point for both models, though adaptations differed. The 2021 Ford Bronco presented a safety package upgradeable across trims. Basic trims offered fundamental features, while higher trims included Ford Co-Pilot 360 with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot information, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera. Removable doors potentially dinged its safety score, though the side curtain airbags adapted well to off-road conditions to enhance protection.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 introduced comprehensive safety through Hyundai SmartSense, implementing features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warnings, and collision avoidance systems. Hyundai Highway Drive Assist provided semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control, which learned and adapted to individual driving habits over time. A debut AR head-up display offered seamless, though sometimes distracting, integration of driving information directly onto the windshield.