2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with both front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Base pricing ranged from $32,190 to $42,490, excluding destination charges. The Telluride S trim was noted for its value, but many opted for the top-tier SX trim, which could be enhanced with a Prestige package. This package transformed the Telluride into a luxury SUV with features like premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display (HUD), and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The Nightfall Edition package, new for 2021, added gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a blacked-out look. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Nightfall Edition, AWD, Prestige package, and other options, had a sticker price of $50,180, including a $1,170 destination charge.

The 2021 Telluride's styling was a major selling point, with its exterior and interior design receiving high praise. The transmission shifter, placed to the left side of the center console, preserved storage space and felt solid and smooth in operation. However, the interior color options were limited to black or gray unless you opted for the SX trim. Despite some inexpensive-looking plastic, the Telluride's overall look and feel were impressive.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a significant departure from the original Ioniq, focusing solely on electrified mobility. The Ioniq 5 was the first vehicle in Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand, which would exclusively represent EVs. The exterior design, referred to as Parametric Pixel, featured numerous 8-bit pixel elements in the lighting and other design details, giving it a concept car-like appearance. The Ioniq 5's aerodynamic wheels and silver-contrast plastic bits added to its unique look.

Inside, the Ioniq 5's cabin was designed with a "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow and comfortable environment. The interior featured sustainable materials, including recycled fibers and bio-materials. The seats were available in black, gray, and dark green hues, with a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat. The Ioniq 5's interior design was low-key but functional, with features like a moveable center console and a modern take on the retro front bench seat.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. AWD was optional and included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth and compliant ride. The EX and SX trims featured a self-leveling rear suspension for optimal ride and handling. The Telluride's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, with our test vehicle averaging 20.5 mpg.

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-mounted electric motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range variants had a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a 303-mile range. The AWD models had 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 a 0-60 mph time of under 5 seconds in AWD configuration. The vehicle featured four drive modes, including Sport, and paddle shifters for adjusting regenerative braking levels. The Ioniq 5's quiet cabin and noise-reducing features added to the driving experience.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The SX trim's driver's seat offered 14-way power adjustment, and both front seats had heating and ventilation. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, with side-window sunshades and an overhead climate control panel. The third-row seat was accessible via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat. The Telluride provided ample storage, including a smartphone bin and airline-style USB ports. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate revealed 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 87 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) maximized interior space and utility. The Ioniq 5 had a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade, offering a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet. The rear cargo space was 27.2 cubic feet, with a passenger volume of 106.5 cubic feet. The interior featured soft touch points and a moveable center console. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, with a modern take on the retro front bench seat.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LX and S trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EX and SX had a 10.25-inch screen with navigation. The UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, with additional plans available for a subscription. The Telluride's infotainment system was user-friendly, with features like wireless smartphone charging and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured a next-generation high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices. The Ioniq 5 supported 800-volt charging infrastructures and could reach 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes. Hyundai partnered with Electrify America to offer unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years. The Ioniq 5's multimedia features included 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.

The 2021 Kia Telluride's standard Drive Wise collection included eight safety technologies, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking. The EX and SX trims had Highway Drive Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving aid. The SX trim also featured front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, despite four-star frontal-impact results.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5's Hyundai SmartSense suite included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I system featured machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's recent track record suggested high marks were likely.