2021 Hyundai Tucson vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson featured a more conventional design, appealing to those who preferred a traditional small crossover look. Its upright layout provided a commanding view of the road, and the interior boasted a modern, attractive dash design. Tech features were seamlessly integrated, making every button and dial easy to find. The Tucson's trim levels ranged from SE to Ultimate, each adding more features, such as alloy wheels, power-adjustable seats, and advanced tech options like wireless device charging and a panoramic sunroof.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 showcased a futuristic design with minimal character lines and a unique Parametric Pixel design. This design was evident in the extensive use of LED pixels in the headlights, taillights, and other lighting elements. The Ioniq 5's interior, described as "Living Space," was mellow and comfortable, featuring sustainable materials and a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat. The cabin was designed for comfort and utility, with features like a moveable center console and a modern take on the retro front bench seat.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson came with two engine options. The base engine was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The SEL, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate trims featured a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The base engine felt underwhelming, especially at higher speeds, while the 2.4-liter engine provided a livelier performance. The Tucson had a comfortable and refined ride, with a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds with the 2.4-liter engine.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations, three trims, and three powertrains. The base SE Standard Range model featured a single 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor with 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. The extended-range models, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, had a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 horsepower and a range of 303 miles. The AWD variants featured a dual-motor system with a total power output of 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well, with four drive modes, including Sport mode, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle also featured paddle shifters for adjusting regenerative properties and a quiet cabin with noise-reducing features.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson provided 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 61.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While this was on the lower side for the compact SUV segment, it offered adequate space for weekend bags or large boxes. The Tucson's front seats were comfortable and supportive, with solid headroom and legroom. The rear seats were accommodating enough for adults on road trips. The vehicle also featured plenty of cubbies and compartments for storage.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a longer wheelbase and maximized interior space. It had a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, exceeding its competitors. The Ioniq 5's rear cargo space was 27.2 cubic feet, prioritizing passenger comfort with a passenger volume of 106.5 cubic feet. The interior featured soft touch points, a moveable center console, and a modern take on the retro front bench seat. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, providing a pleasant cushion for driving and relaxing.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate trim featured an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen, which was optional on other trims. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with logical menu layouts and helpful hard buttons. Additional available features included navigation, satellite radio, and wireless device charging.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted impressive technology, including a next-generation high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80 percent battery capacity in 18 minutes and gaining 68 miles of range in 5 minutes with a 350-kW charger. The Ioniq 5 also offered a redesigned Blue Link connected car app, digital key, enhanced smartphone pairing, and over-the-air updates. The vehicle featured elegant 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, finished with an anti-glare coating for clear visibility.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered a solid list of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver drowsiness monitoring. Upper-tier trims added features like adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, automatic high-beams, a 360-degree parking monitor, and blind-spot monitoring. The Tucson earned five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 also included Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The vehicle offered a head-up display (HUD) with augmented reality overlays, although it could be distracting. While the Ioniq 5 had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, Hyundai's recent track record suggested high safety ratings were likely.