2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner had a design that remained largely unchanged for over a decade. Despite updates over the years, a used 4Runner was nearly identical to a new one, minus some modern infotainment and safety tech. Its rugged, two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches gave it a timeless, utilitarian look. The 4Runner was available in various trims, including SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, with special editions like the Trail Special Edition. The interior featured hard plastics, big knobs, and manual air conditioning, emphasizing durability and simplicity.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from the original Ioniq. It featured a sleek, minimalist exterior with a unique Parametric Pixel design, incorporating numerous LED lights. The Ioniq 5's interior was a stark contrast to its exterior, offering a "Living Space" theme with a mellow, comfortable ambiance. It utilized sustainable materials, including recycled fibers and bio-materials, and featured a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat. The Ioniq 5's design was both futuristic and practical, making it a standout in the EV market.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was built for off-road adventures, as demonstrated at the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreational Area. Its A-Trac off-road traction control system and 4.0-liter V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, made it capable in challenging terrains. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow, heavy, and clunky, with a five-speed automatic transmission and a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds. Its fuel efficiency was poor, averaging 16.8 mpg during testing, with a combined EPA rating of 17 mpg.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, including a base model with 168 horsepower and 220 miles of range, and an extended-range version with 225 horsepower and 303 miles of range. The AWD variant produced 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well on various terrains, with four drive modes, including Sport mode, which added excitement but reduced range. Its regenerative braking system and quiet cabin, thanks to noise-reducing features, made for a pleasant driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's high ground clearance made it challenging for shorter passengers to enter, but once inside, it offered comfortable seating with ample legroom and good visibility. The cargo space was generous, with up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Trail Special Edition featured a sliding cargo deck and a large roof rack, enhancing its utility.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximized interior space with a long wheelbase. It offered 133.7 cubic feet of total interior volume, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5's interior was designed for comfort, with a moveable center console, leatherette seats, and ample passenger space. Its cargo space was smaller at 27.2 cubic feet, but the focus was on passenger comfort and innovative storage solutions.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition had basic technology features, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. It also offered a premium audio upgrade with dynamic navigation and voice recognition. However, it lacked advanced features like a digital key or over-the-air updates.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was packed with advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, AI-powered voice recognition, and over-the-air updates. Its 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for clear visibility.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for small overlap frontal-impact protection from the IIHS.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). It included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 also offered Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. Additionally, it had a head-up display (HUD) with augmented reality overlays, although this feature could be distracting. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's recent track record suggested high marks were likely.