2021 Nissan Murano vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Nissan Murano, once a pioneer in design, had settled into a more conventional aesthetic by 2021. Its L-shaped LED headlights and contoured front end were no longer groundbreaking but still appealing. Inside, the Murano maintained a conservative yet functional design, prioritizing comfort over flashiness. This approach ensured that controls were intuitive and easy to use, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a comfortable SUV for daily commutes and long road trips. The Murano offered four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, each adding more features and luxury as you moved up the lineup.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a bold step into the future of electric vehicles. It was the first model in Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand, dedicated solely to EVs. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a mix of minimalism and intricate details, with its Parametric Pixel design elements giving it a concept car feel. The interior, however, was a sanctuary of calm, with a "Living Space" theme that emphasized relaxation and sustainability. The Ioniq 5's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with innovative features like a moveable center console and a zero-gravity driver's seat.

The 2021 Nissan Murano was powered by a single engine option: a 3.5-liter V6 producing 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), offered smooth low-speed acceleration, making it well-suited for city driving. However, the CVT could dull the engine's power at higher speeds, which might be a drawback for those seeking quick highway overtakes. The Murano prioritized comfort, providing a refined ride that absorbed road imperfections well. Its towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds, which was lower than many competitors in the midsize SUV segment.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations. The base SE Standard Range model featured a single 128-kW rear motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, had a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 303 miles. The AWD variants added a front motor, boosting total output to 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was solid for a midsize crossover, with a focus on comfort and control rather than sporty dynamics. It featured four drive modes, including a Sport mode for a more engaging experience, though this reduced range. The Ioniq 5's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, added an element of interactivity to the driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Murano offered up to 67 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 32.1 cubic feet with them in use. While this was less than some competitors, the Murano excelled in passenger comfort. Its two-row seating configuration provided ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, with the second row offering partial reclining functionality. The interior was designed for practicality, with a traditional shifter and a center console filled with storage options.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximized interior space with a long wheelbase. It offered a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort over cargo space, with 27.2 cubic feet of rear cargo capacity. Its interior featured soft touchpoints and a moveable center console, enhancing usability. The leatherette seats were both comfortable and supportive, catering to a wide range of body types.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring a straightforward menu layout and physical buttons for ease of use. Standard connectivity included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with available upgrades like an 11-speaker Bose stereo and navigation.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was packed with advanced technology, including a high-voltage system for ultra-fast charging and vehicle-to-load capabilities. It could charge to 80% in just 18 minutes and offered two years of free fast-charging sessions through Electrify America. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app for EV management, a digital key, and AI-powered voice recognition. Its 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were anti-glare and easy to read, even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Nissan Murano was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included features like reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Additional safety options included a surround-view monitor and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a comprehensive suite of ADAS. It included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 also offered Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous system that adapted to the driver's habits. A head-up display with augmented reality was available, though it could be distracting. While official safety ratings were pending, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.