2021 Ford Explorer vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Ford Explorer was a testament to Ford's consistent design language across its SUV lineup. It featured a sporty exterior with raked belt lines and a distinctive grille that varied across its six trim levels. The Explorer's interior was practical, offering three rows of seating as standard, with the base model providing cloth upholstery. The dashboard was clean, with an 8-inch LCD touchscreen and a rotary gearshift that maximized storage space. The XLT trim was the most popular, offering enhanced features like a power front passenger seat and a 6.5-inch instrument panel screen, while higher trims provided leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a bold step into the future of electrified mobility. Its exterior design was a mix of minimalistic character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel design elements, giving it a concept car feel. The interior embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a relaxing environment with sustainable materials and a zero-gravity "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat. The Ioniq 5's cabin was spacious, with a focus on passenger comfort over cargo space, and featured a moveable center console for added flexibility. The design was both futuristic and functional, with a nod to retro aesthetics.

The 2021 Ford Explorer offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Limited Hybrid variant increased power to 310 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, while higher trims featured a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering up to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque in the Explorer ST. The Explorer was more focused on towing capabilities, with a capacity ranging from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the trim and engine.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations and three powertrains. The base SE Standard Range model featured a single 128-kW rear motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range variants provided 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque with a 303-mile range. The AWD version delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a reduced range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 was equipped with four drive modes, including Sport, which enhanced performance but reduced range. The vehicle's regenerative braking system offered multiple levels of adjustment, adding an interactive element to the driving experience.

The 2021 Ford Explorer provided seating for seven in the base model, with captain's chairs in higher trims reducing capacity to six. It offered 39 inches of second-row legroom, which was competitive within its class. The Explorer's cargo space was notable, with 21 cubic feet available with the third row in use and 81 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though this was less than some competitors.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform, maximized interior space with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. It offered a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, prioritizing passenger comfort with 106.5 cubic feet of passenger space. The Ioniq 5's design included a moveable center console and a modern take on the front bench seat, enhancing accessibility and flexibility. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to a range of driver sizes.

The 2021 Ford Explorer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot. Higher trims included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Explorer provided multiple charging options, including USB ports and 12-volt power points, with a wireless charging pad available from the Limited trim.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured 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 offered a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and over-the-air updates. Its 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegantly designed with anti-glare coating, ensuring clarity in all lighting conditions.

The 2021 Ford Explorer was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and an "Acceptable" rating for adaptive headlights. It included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite with features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional driver-assistance features through the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, offering a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning. It featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also introduced a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting in practice. While official safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high expectations for the Ioniq 5.