2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, joined a robust lineup of Mercedes-Benz SUVs. It slotted between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC, with a length of 182.4 inches and a wheelbase of 111.4 inches. Despite its distinct measurements, the GLB shared a strong family resemblance with its lineup-mates, making it hard to distinguish without reading the badge. The GLB boasted an attractive, athletic stance, partly due to its 7.9 inches of ground clearance, which was more forgiving for soft roads and speed humps. Inside, the GLB was a modern stunner with round shapes across the dash, polished metal HVAC vents, and a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The cabin's fit and finish were excellent, and the beefy steering wheel with perforated leather grips added to the luxurious feel.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a significant departure from the original Ioniq, focusing solely on electrified mobility. The Ioniq 5 featured a polished exterior with minimal character lines, but closer inspection revealed a complex Parametric Pixel design used extensively in the lighting elements. The Ioniq 5's exterior included aerodynamic wheels and silver-contrast plastic bits, giving it a futuristic look. Inside, the Ioniq 5's cabin was designed for relaxation, with a "Living Space" theme and a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat. The interior used sustainable materials, including recycled fibers and bio-materials, and featured a mellow color palette. The Ioniq 5's interior was comfortable and supportive, with a focus on passenger comfort.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a single engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline unit producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with wheel-mounted shift paddles. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, while 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) was optional for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was estimated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for FWD and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for AWD. The GLB's curb weight ranged from 3,638 to 3,891 pounds, and it could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version offered better handling and agility, especially in foul weather and off-road conditions, thanks to the Off-Road Engineering Package.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations, three trims, and three powertrains. The base model, the Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range, featured a single 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and offering 220 miles of range. The extended-range lineup included SE, SEL, and Limited RWD variants with a larger 168-kW rear motor producing 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 303 miles. The AWD variants featured a dual-motor system with a total power output of 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well on various road conditions, with four drive modes, including Sport mode, which added excitement but reduced range. The paddle shifters allowed for adjusting regenerative properties, and the vehicle was equipped with noise-reducing features for a quiet ride.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a critical choice of adding a third-row option, which affected the second row and cargo compartments. The second row's seatback was divided 40:20:40, with adjustable recline angles and a sliding function. The third row was retractable, folding flat when not needed. Cargo space for the five-passenger GLB was 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. In the seven-passenger GLB, cargo space was 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The front row of seats was highly adjustable and supportive, with available heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. The second row was comfortable for two adults, with modern amenities like door pockets, map pockets, and cupholders.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 sat on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a longer wheelbase and maximizing interior space. The Ioniq 5 had a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade, measuring 118.1 inches. It offered a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, exceeding the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5's 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 armrest, creating a modern take on the retro front bench seat. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, with added bolsters for a snug fit.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was packed with technology, including the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control and natural language understanding. The GLB featured a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, with options to upgrade to 10.25 inches each. Standard features included a rearview camera, smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and a power liftgate. The Premium Package added keyless go, a Burmester Surround Sound System, and navigation with augmented reality (AR) for navigation and traffic-sign assist. Other advanced options included adaptive damping, 64-color ambient interior lighting, wireless device charging, parking assistance with surround view, and a head-up display (HUD).

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured next-generation high-voltage, energy-dense technology with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80 percent battery capacity in 18 minutes, and could charge other EVs or devices. The Ioniq 5 offered a redesigned Blue Link connected car app, digital key, enhanced smartphone pairing, virtual assistant compatibility, and over-the-air updates. The vehicle featured 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, finished with an anti-glare coating. Hyundai partnered with Electrify America to offer unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years, with a nationwide network of 700 stations.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB included standard safety features such as active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, attention assist, and emergency call service. Available safety features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. The GLB had not yet been rated for safety by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) with standard features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I (HAD) was also included, offering machine-learning adaptive cruise control with stop & go. The Ioniq 5 featured a head-up display (HUD) with augmented reality overlays, providing information like animated turn-by-turn navigation. The Ioniq 5 had not yet been rated for safety by the NHTSA or IIHS, but Hyundai had a strong track record of IIHS Top Safety awards.