2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design more closely with other models in the Nissan lineup, such as the Armada and Rogue. The front of the Kicks featured a bold, double V-motion design, with a combination of chrome and piano black elements. The headlights were elongated and thinner, extending down the face of the vehicle, with the SR trim level boasting LED multi-reflector headlights and standard LED fog lights. The rear of the Kicks was updated with a new bumper, back door finisher, and LED taillight combination, giving it a more proportionate look reminiscent of the Nissan Leaf. The Kicks offered a variety of paint options, including new colors like Electric Blue Metallic and Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, and maintained its two-tone paint job option, enhancing its upmarket appearance.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, as the first vehicle in Hyundai's new Ioniq lineup, presented a polished exterior with minimal character lines, avoiding the flashy designs seen in some other vehicles. The Ioniq 5's Parametric Pixel design was a standout feature, with pixelated elements used extensively in the lighting, creating a concept car-like appearance. The vehicle's aerodynamic wheels and unique design elements, such as the silver-contrast plastic bits, added to its futuristic look. Inside, the Ioniq 5's cabin was designed with a "Living Space" theme, offering a relaxing environment with features like a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat. The interior utilized sustainable materials, including recycled fibers and bio-materials, and incorporated the Parametric Pixel theme in subtle ways.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, with no all-wheel drive option available. The Kicks' electric power-assisted steering and independent strut stabilizer bar suspension contributed to its nimble handling, making it easy to maneuver in various driving conditions. Despite being low-powered, the Kicks offered a good power-to-weight ratio, providing adequate performance for its size. The Kicks SR trim featured additional performance enhancements, such as an integrated dynamic-control module and adaptive cruise control. The Kicks was also fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and a combined rating of 33 mpg.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered multiple powertrain options, with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive available on all trims. The base SE Standard Range model featured a single 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor, producing 168 horsepower and offering a range of 220 miles. The extended-range variants, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, featured a larger 168-kW rear motor, producing 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 303 miles. The all-wheel-drive version, with a dual-motor system, produced 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was enhanced by features like four drive modes, including Sport mode, and paddle shifters for adjusting regenerative properties. The vehicle's quiet cabin and noise-reducing features contributed to a comfortable driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its compact size, with easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage throughout the cabin. The climate controls were user-friendly, and the seat warmers provided quick warmth. The Kicks featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable front seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat as standard. The SUV offered best-in-class front seat legroom, though the hip room was somewhat limited for larger drivers. The rear seats comfortably accommodated adults, and the available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the cargo area.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the Hyundai Palisade. The Ioniq 5's total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet exceeded that of competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The vehicle prioritized passenger comfort, with a passenger volume of 106.5 cubic feet. The interior featured soft touch points and a moveable center console, allowing for flexible storage options. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, with bolsters that accommodated both slim and larger drivers.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a range of modern technology features, including a 7-inch infotainment touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Kicks SV added features like Nissan Intelligent Key and automatic climate control, while the SR Premium Package included a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system. The Kicks also offered a surround-view monitor and a WiFi hotspot with over-the-air updates, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. The Ioniq 5 supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80 percent battery capacity in 18 minutes, and offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions through a partnership with Electrify America. The vehicle featured a redesigned Blue Link connected car app, digital key, and enhanced smartphone pairing. The Ioniq 5's 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegantly designed and finished with an anti-glare coating.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of driver-assistance features including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. The Kicks was equipped with 10 airbags, and the SV and SR trims included a driver alertness monitor and rear door alert. While the 2021 Kicks had not been crash-tested, the 2020 model received good marks from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 also included 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, though it could be distracting in practice. While the Ioniq 5 had not been crash-tested, Hyundai's strong safety record suggested it would earn high marks.