2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a smooth and stylish vehicle that stood out with its sleek design, even when stationary. Unlike many competitors with aggressive lines and chiseled grilles, Mazda opted for a more refined look. The base model, CX-5 Sport, featured automatic LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a rear roof spoiler. Higher trims like the Touring and Grand Touring added features such as leatherette seats, dual-zone climate control, and advanced LED headlights that turned with the steering wheel. The top-tier Signature model boasted premium materials like Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim, rivaling luxury brands.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 presented a futuristic and minimalist design. Its exterior was characterized by the Parametric Pixel design, with pixelated LED lights and aerodynamic wheels. The Ioniq 5's interior was a stark contrast to its exterior, offering a calm and spacious "Living Space" theme. The cabin featured sustainable materials, including recycled fibers and bio-materials. The seats were available in stain-resistant cloth or leatherette, and the driver's seat had a "Relaxation" mode for zero-gravity comfort. The Ioniq 5's design was both innovative and practical, providing a comfortable and eco-friendly environment.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, available on higher trims, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The CX-5's fuel economy varied, with the most efficient model achieving 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine provided a spirited driving experience, especially in Sport mode, but the stiff suspension could be a drawback for some.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came in three trims and offered both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The base SE Standard Range model featured a single 128-kW motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models had a 168-kW motor producing 225 horsepower and a 303-mile range. The dual-motor AWD variant delivered 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was solid, with a 0-60 mph time of under 5 seconds in AWD. The vehicle also featured four drive modes and adjustable regenerative braking, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5's interior was designed for comfort and functionality. The seating position and center stack were typical for an SUV of its size, with good headroom but limited legroom in the back. The CX-5 had two full LATCH connections for child seats and straightforward climate controls. However, the cargo space was below average, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The power liftgate was a useful feature, but the overall cargo capacity lagged behind competitors like the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximized interior space with a long wheelbase. The Ioniq 5 offered 133.7 cubic feet of total interior volume, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The rear cargo space was 27.2 cubic feet, but the passenger volume was a generous 106.5 cubic feet. The interior featured soft touchpoints and a moveable center console, enhancing usability. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, making the Ioniq 5 a pleasant place to be.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the screen size was impressive, the operating system was less so. The interface was uncluttered but outdated, and the controls were not user-friendly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing a workaround for the infotainment system's shortcomings.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was packed with advanced technology. It featured a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices and even homes. The Ioniq 5 supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes. The vehicle also offered 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 for better visibility.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Additional options included a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 earned high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Mazda offered a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 also had 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 with augmented reality overlays, although it could be distracting. While official safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.