2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its exterior with Nissan's new signature design. Despite these updates, the Armada retained its traditional robust and athletic styling, with new features like a redesigned grille, LED headlights, and body-color over fenders. The SUV was available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with the Midnight Edition Package exclusive to the SL. The Platinum trim, which we tested, showcased the most modern elements, yet the interior design felt dated, with some materials and design choices appearing past their prime.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 debuted as a fresh take on electrified mobility, marking the beginning of Hyundai's standalone Ioniq brand. Its exterior design was a mix of minimal character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, giving it a concept car feel. The Ioniq 5's interior embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a relaxing environment with sustainable materials and innovative features like a moveable center console and a zero-gravity seating position. The design was both futuristic and functional, providing a comfortable and spacious cabin.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. It offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with an optional four-wheel drive. Despite its hefty weight, the Armada was a capable off-roader, featuring a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with RWD models achieving 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, with the base SE Standard Range model producing 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models delivered 225 horsepower and a 303-mile range, while the AWD variant offered 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, with a reduced range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was balanced, with four drive modes and a focus on comfort and control. Its regenerative braking system and quiet cabin added to the driving experience, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2021 Nissan Armada provided ample space for families, with a broad interior and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. The first and second rows offered comfortable seating, while the third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was limited, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 95.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. The high load floor made loading challenging, and small-item storage was lacking, though the center console offered a deep storage bin.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the E-GMP platform, maximized interior space with a long wheelbase. 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 usability. The leatherette seats were supportive, and the absence of a traditional center console allowed for easy movement within the cabin. The Ioniq 5's design focused on creating a comfortable and versatile environment for passengers.

The 2021 Nissan Armada featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering navigation, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay. A wireless charging pad, Bose audio system, and rearview camera mirror were available. The analog gauges and functional steering wheel provided basic control, but the tech upgrades were a welcome addition to the Armada's dated interior.

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 dual 12.3-inch screens with anti-glare coating, a digital key, and over-the-air updates. Its tech suite was comprehensive, enhancing both convenience and connectivity for drivers.

The 2021 Nissan Armada came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning. However, it lacked advanced driving assist technologies like ProPilot Assist. The NHTSA gave it a three-star rollover rating, highlighting its 23.7-percent rollover risk.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 included Hyundai SmartSense, with features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning. It also offered Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous system that adapted to the driver's habits. The Ioniq 5's safety features were extensive, though official crash-safety ratings were not yet available.