2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Honda Odyssey retained a familiar design that had been subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching across the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trims, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. The Odyssey was available in five trims: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The Elite trim, priced at $48,940, included perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome 19-inch wheels, giving it a more luxurious feel akin to an Acura minivan.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a new chapter for Hyundai's electrified mobility, distinct from the original Ioniq. It was the first vehicle in the new Ioniq lineup, representing a standalone EV brand. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a mix of minimal character lines and an abundance of Parametric Pixel design elements, giving it a concept car-like appearance. The interior, however, was more subdued, with a "Living Space" theme offering a relaxing environment. The cabin featured sustainable materials, including stain-resistant cloth seats and recycled fibers. The Ioniq 5's design was both fascinating and frustrating, with its extensive use of pixelated lighting elements and aerodynamic wheels, but it provided a comfortable and quiet ride.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. It offered smooth and effortless power, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow, and paddle shifters for manual control. The Odyssey's fuel-saving variable cylinder management technology allowed it to achieve an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in combined driving, with a tested average of 21.8 mpg. However, the lack of all-wheel drive put it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm but comfortable suspension. The brakes, though improved, struggled under heavy use, especially in hot conditions.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations, three trims, and three powertrains. The base SE Standard Range featured a single 128-kW rear motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, had a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and a 303-mile range. The AWD variant added a dual-motor system with 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, but the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was middle-of-the-road for a midsize crossover, with four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The Ioniq 5's quiet cabin and noise-reducing features made for a pleasant driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious and practical interior with logical controls and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats in the Elite trim. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with the seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome, and the lack of a tuning knob for the stereo was a minor inconvenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform, offered a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. It provided 133.7 cubic feet of interior volume, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The "Living Space" theme was evident in the soft touchpoints and moveable center console, which allowed for easy entry and exit. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, with a modern take on the retro front bench seat. The Ioniq 5's interior was designed for relaxation, with thoughtful use of space and materials.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Cabin Control app. Touring and Elite trims added navigation, WiFi, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk features. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink subscription services offered additional connectivity and safety features. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, and streaming apps, though it lacked a touchscreen interface.

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 offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years. The Ioniq 5 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 clear visibility. The Ioniq 5's technology was both impressive and overwhelming, offering a seamless and connected driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and was expected to receive a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems could be smoother in operation.

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