2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often seen as a staple in the crossover market, blending in with its competitors due to its conventional design. Its exterior styling was largely similar to other compact crossovers, with only minor details like the grille and chromed plastic features setting it apart. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though many were variations of gray, black, and white, with more vibrant options like Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic being limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and options for black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling, especially in mid-tier trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 presented a bold and futuristic design, characterized by its Parametric Pixel theme. This design was evident in the extensive use of pixelated LED lights across the vehicle, giving it a concept car-like appearance. The Ioniq 5's exterior was a mix of minimal character lines and intricate design elements, such as aerodynamic wheels and silver-contrast plastic bits. Inside, the Ioniq 5 embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a serene and comfortable cabin with sustainable materials. The interior featured a moveable center console, a modern take on a front bench seat, and supportive leatherette seats, emphasizing comfort and utility.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, excluding the hybrid variants. It offered smooth and steady acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a consistent driving experience, though it lacked the engagement found in competitors with conventional transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup included a MacPherson strut in the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, ensuring decent handling and ride quality.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, including a base model with a 168-horsepower rear-mounted electric motor and a 220-mile range. The extended-range variants featured a 225-horsepower motor with a 303-mile range, while the all-wheel-drive version boasted 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was middle-of-the-road for its segment, with a focus on comfort and control rather than sporty dynamics. It featured four drive modes, including Sport, which enhanced the driving experience but reduced range. The Ioniq 5's single-speed transmission and paddle shifters allowed for adjustable regenerative braking, adding an element of gamification to the driving experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a hands-free power tailgate. Roof rails were standard only on the top-tier Touring trim, limiting options for carrying additional gear.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximized interior space with a 118.1-inch wheelbase. It offered 133.7 cubic feet of total interior volume, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5's interior emphasized comfort and utility, with features like a moveable center console and a modern front bench seat. The leatherette seats provided a balance of comfort and support, catering to a range of driver sizes.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's technology varied by trim, with the base LX featuring a 5-inch screen and higher trims offering a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system ranged from a 180-watt setup in lower trims to a 300-watt system with a subwoofer in the Touring trim. Charging ports were plentiful, with the Touring trim adding a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and offered two years of free fast-charging sessions through Electrify America. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and AI-powered voice recognition. Its 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegantly designed with anti-glare coating, ensuring clarity even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, offering a suite of standard safety features across all trims, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring.

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