2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the SUV's exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in seven trims, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices between $32,250 and $49,920. The Black Edition featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents, but its minivan-like front seat design and drab exterior did not appeal to everyone. Quality materials were used throughout, but the hard plastic panels and black floor mats that attracted pet hair were notable drawbacks.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, as the first model of Hyundai's new Ioniq brand, showcased a futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme. The exterior was a mix of minimal character lines and intricate lighting details, giving it a concept car feel. The interior, however, was more subdued, focusing on comfort and sustainability with its "Living Space" design. The cabin featured recycled materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat. The Ioniq 5's design was both innovative and practical, offering a spacious and comfortable environment for passengers.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive as standard, and an optional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The Pilot offered a smooth and refined driving experience, with a comfortable ride and athletic handling. Fuel efficiency was aided by variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, achieving an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. However, its off-road capability was limited by its modest ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations, three trims, and three powertrains. The base SE Standard Range had a single 128-kW rear motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models featured a 168-kW rear motor with 225 hp and a 303-mile range. The AWD variant had a dual-motor system with 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, but a reduced range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 provided a composed driving experience with four drive modes, including Sport mode for added excitement. Its single-speed transmission and regenerative braking system added to the driving dynamics, while noise-reducing features ensured a quiet cabin.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench seat. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain's chairs were available, providing nearly the same comfort as the front seats. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults due to its low cushion. The Pilot excelled in storage, with numerous compartments and a generous cargo area. With the third-row seat folded, it offered 46.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 83.9 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform, maximized interior space with its long wheelbase. It offered a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort with a spacious cabin and moveable center console. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to various body types. The interior design focused on practicality and comfort, with soft touchpoints and innovative features like a sliding center console and a modern take on the front bench seat.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink connected services. The Touring trim added navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The infotainment system was functional but lacked some modern conveniences, such as a tuning knob and advanced voice recognition. The Touring trim also included a rear-seat entertainment system with various connectivity options, catering to family needs.

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. The Ioniq 5 offered a digital key, enhanced smartphone pairing, and over-the-air updates. Its 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 suite was comprehensive, providing a seamless and connected driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. While effective, the older version of Honda Sensing lacked refinement. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score for front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a comprehensive ADAS suite with blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. It also included Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5's safety features were advanced, with a head-up display offering augmented reality overlays. While official crash-test ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high safety standards for the Ioniq 5.