2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Kia Sportage

The 2021 Kia Sportage featured a design that some might have described as frog-like, with its tiger-nose grille and bulbous headlights. Kia, however, marketed the Sportage's styling as "Euro-focused." This two-row crossover SUV had a short wheelbase and overhangs, making it well-suited for urban environments. The headlights were carried over from the previous year, and the Sportage offered wheel options ranging from 17 to 19 inches. Inside, an 8-inch touchscreen served as the focal point, surrounded by air vents and physical controls for tuning and volume. The interior, while not the most advanced, provided a pleasant experience with its practical layout and comfortable seating.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a groundbreaking entry into the EV market, representing a new era for Hyundai's Ioniq brand. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a mix of minimalistic character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, giving it a futuristic concept car appearance. The lighting design was particularly notable, with pixelated LEDs used throughout. Inside, the Ioniq 5's cabin was a serene "Living Space," featuring sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat. The interior was available in calming hues and offered a spacious, comfortable environment with innovative features like a moveable center console and a modern take on a front bench seat.

The 2021 Kia Sportage was available in LX, EX, and SX Turbo trims, with both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The LX and EX trims were powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The SX Turbo trim boasted a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, producing 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. All models featured a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy varied, with the FWD 2.4-liter engine achieving 23 mpg city and 30 highway, while the AWD version saw slightly lower figures. The Sportage's suspension provided a smooth ride, though the steering and tire grip left room for improvement. The SX Turbo trim offered a more engaging driving experience, appealing to those seeking a sporty drive.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of configurations, including SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard and AWD available. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 128-kW rear motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models had a 168-kW motor producing 225 hp and a 303-mile range. The AWD variant combined a 74-kW front motor and a 165-kW rear motor, delivering 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was balanced, with four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's single-speed transmission and regenerative braking system offered a unique driving experience, while noise-reducing features ensured a quiet cabin.

The 2021 Kia Sportage, while on the smaller side of the compact crossover segment, provided good interior space for passengers. The SX Turbo trim offered a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and 8-way power adjustment for the passenger, along with heated and ventilated seats. Rear legroom and headroom were adequate, but cargo space was limited, with 30.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 60.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, falling short compared to competitors.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximized interior space with its long wheelbase. Despite its hatchback appearance, the Ioniq 5 was sized like an electric SUV, offering more room than competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5's total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet exceeded its rivals, with a passenger volume of 106.5 cubic feet. The interior featured soft touchpoints and a moveable center console, enhancing comfort and usability. The leatherette seats provided excellent support, catering to both slim and larger drivers.

The 2021 Kia Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen interface with standard Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports. Most trims included Kia's UVO Link connected services. The SX Turbo trim added wireless charging and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The technology was user-friendly, with logical menus and physical controls, though not cutting-edge.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices. It supported 800-volt charging infrastructure and could gain 68 miles of range in 5 minutes with a 350-kW charger. Hyundai partnered with Electrify America for unlimited fast-charging sessions. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, AI-powered voice recognition, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and anti-glare, ensuring clear visibility.

The 2021 Kia Sportage excelled in safety, offering a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control. The Sportage earned Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS and performed well in NHTSA crash tests.

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 provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays. While official safety ratings were pending, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.