2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, despite being in its second generation since 2014, continued to impress with its luxurious design and advanced features. The 2018 refresh introduced a dual-screen center console, a hallmark of Land Rover interiors, and the 2021 model retained this sophisticated setup. The vehicle offered a range of trims, from the base SE with leather upholstery and a premium sound system to the high-performance SVR Carbon Edition with carbon fiber accents. The Autobiography trim epitomized luxury with 22-way power-adjustable seats and power soft-close doors, while the SVR model focused on performance with a powerful V8 engine and sport seats.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a new era for Hyundai's electrified mobility, debuting as the first model in the Ioniq sub-brand. Its exterior design, characterized by the Parametric Pixel theme, was both innovative and polarizing, with pixelated lighting elements throughout. The interior, however, was a sanctuary of calm, featuring a "Living Space" design with sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat. The Ioniq 5's cabin was spacious, thanks to its long wheelbase, and offered a modern take on a retro front bench seat, enhancing its practicality and comfort.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a variety of powertrains, starting with the base P360 mild-hybrid system, which delivered 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HST model featured a more powerful P400 version, producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The HSE Silver Edition provided options for a plug-in hybrid with 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque or a diesel engine with 254 hp and 443 lb-ft. The supercharged 5.0-liter V8 in the HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims generated 518 hp, while the SVR models boasted 575 hp. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, offering impressive off-road capabilities and a towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations and three powertrains across its SE, SEL, and Limited trims. The base SE Standard Range featured a 128-kW rear motor with 168 hp and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models, with a 168-kW motor, provided 225 hp and a 303-mile range. The AWD variants, with a dual-motor system, delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 excelled in handling and offered four drive modes, including Sport, which enhanced performance but reduced range. Its single-speed transmission and adjustable regenerative braking added to the driving experience, while noise-reducing features ensured a quiet ride.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity to seven but reduced cargo space to 10.8 cubic feet. The first and second rows provided ample space and comfort, while the third row was best suited for children.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the E-GMP platform, boasted a longer wheelbase than the Palisade, offering a spacious interior with 133.7 cubic feet of total volume. It provided 27.2 cubic feet of rear cargo space, prioritizing passenger comfort with 106.5 cubic feet of passenger volume. The interior featured soft touchpoints and a moveable center console, enhancing practicality. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to drivers of all sizes.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a dual-screen center console, with the lower screen handling climate controls and vehicle settings, and the upper screen dedicated to infotainment. While the system had a learning curve, it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system's dials allowed for multifunctional control, but the overall interface was less intuitive compared to competitors.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing for ultra-fast charging and the ability to power other devices. The Ioniq 5 supported 800-volt charging infrastructures and offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years. Its multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and AI-powered voice recognition. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and anti-glare, ensuring clear visibility.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with standard driver assistance features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. However, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were optional. Additional features included a surround-view camera and driver drowsiness monitoring.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, offering a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning. The Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also featured a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting. While official safety ratings were pending, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks for the Ioniq 5.