2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a condensed version of the Pilot, featuring two rows of seats instead of three. Its exterior design closely mirrored that of the Pilot, leading some to dub it the "Pilot Sport." Inside, the Passport's dashboard layout was nearly identical to the Pilot's, sharing Honda's unconventional "button shifter" design. Despite these corporate design choices, the Passport boasted a spacious interior with high-quality materials throughout. The trim levels ranged from Sport to Elite, each offering a variety of features, from leather upholstery and power moonroofs to heated and ventilated front seats.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a new era for Hyundai's electrified mobility, distinct from the original Ioniq. Its exterior design was a blend of minimalistic character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, giving it a concept car-like appearance. The Ioniq 5's interior, however, was a departure from its exterior's complexity, offering a serene "Living Space" design with sustainable materials. The cabin featured a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat and a focus on passenger comfort, with recycled materials used throughout. The Ioniq 5's design was both futuristic and functional, appealing to those seeking a modern EV experience.

The 2021 Honda Passport was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive, providing strong acceleration and a comfortable ride. The Passport's AWD model included Intelligent Traction Management with Snow, Sand, and Mud drive modes, and it could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, including a base SE Standard Range with a 128-kW rear motor producing 168 horsepower. The extended-range models featured a 168-kW rear motor with 225 horsepower and a range of 303 miles. The AWD variant boasted a dual-motor system with 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was complemented by four drive modes, including Sport, and paddle shifters for adjusting regenerative braking. Its quiet cabin and advanced NVH-reducing features made for a refined driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Passport offered ample cargo space, with 100.8 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. The interior featured a deep center console bin, open cargo tray, and spacious seating with reclining and sliding rear seats. The EX-L trim and above included power liftgates for added convenience.

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, with a focus on passenger comfort. The cabin featured a moveable center console, leatherette seats, and a modern take on the retro front bench seat, allowing for easy entry and exit. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger space over cargo, with a measured passenger volume of 106.5 cubic feet.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While these features were a welcome addition, the system's dated graphics and confusing menu layout left room for improvement.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with cutting-edge 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 12.3-inch screens with anti-glare coating, providing a seamless multimedia experience.

The 2021 Honda Passport was well-equipped with safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, though it had "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including 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. While official safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.