2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover was a symbol of luxury and sophistication, a far cry from its rugged origins. Once a utilitarian vehicle, it evolved into a high-end SUV with a starting price of $92,000, which could soar to $250,000 with premium options. The test model, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim, offering a blend of elegance and modernity. Its timeless design, highlighted by hallmark cues like blacked-out pillars and clean lines, was complemented by a luxurious interior. Despite its aging infotainment system, the Range Rover maintained a sense of opulence with its high-contrast, mid-century modern cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, marking a new era for Hyundai's Ioniq brand. With its futuristic Parametric Pixel design, the Ioniq 5 stood out as a concept-like production vehicle. Its exterior was a mix of minimalistic lines and intricate lighting details, while the interior embraced a "Living Space" theme. The cabin was a sanctuary of comfort, featuring sustainable materials and innovative seating options like the "Relaxation" mode. The Ioniq 5's design was both practical and stylish, offering a spacious and serene environment for passengers.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Its 4WD system, coupled with Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured off-road prowess, although the test drive was limited to a mild trail. The Range Rover excelled in providing a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension. However, its steering was slow, and the vehicle's weight and height contributed to a noticeable side-to-side wallow. Fuel economy was modest, with an average of 18.5 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations and three powertrains, with the AWD variant producing 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. Its range varied from 220 to 303 miles, depending on the configuration. The Ioniq 5's performance was adequate for a midsize crossover, with a focus on comfort rather than sporty dynamics. The vehicle featured four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement at the cost of range. The Ioniq 5's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, added an engaging element to the driving experience. The cabin was quiet, thanks to noise-reducing features like acoustic tires and sound-deadening materials.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's air suspension offered a kneel mode for easier access, but the second-row seating was less comfortable, lacking thigh support and adjustability. The interior featured quality leather upholstery and a luxurious ambiance, but storage space was limited. The cargo area offered 25 cubic feet of space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet, with a suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the E-GMP platform, maximized interior space with a longer wheelbase than the Palisade. It offered 133.7 cubic feet of total interior volume, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The cabin featured soft touchpoints and a moveable center console, enhancing versatility. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to a range of body types.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while functional, was not entirely intuitive and could be distracting while driving. The Range Rover included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging and offered a redesigned Blue Link app for EV management. The Ioniq 5 featured 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, with an anti-glare coating for improved visibility. The vehicle also offered a digital key, AI-powered voice recognition, and over-the-air updates.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous parking capabilities. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, offering a comprehensive suite of ADAS features. It included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. The Ioniq 5 also featured a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, although it could be distracting in practice. While official safety ratings were not available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks for the Ioniq 5.