2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, priced at $42,083, was a fully-loaded model that didn't visually distinguish itself from a standard rental car RAV4. Despite its high trim level, it lacked the larger wheels found on the non-hybrid RAV4 Limited and didn't offer an Adventure trim level due to its electronic AWD system limitations. The RAV4 Hybrid had a tough exterior look, but it could have benefited from bolder wheels. Inside, it was stylish and practical, though the quality was inconsistent, with a mix of impressive materials and glossy hard plastics. A rattle from the license plate on the tailgate was a minor annoyance.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, the first vehicle in Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand, showcased a polished exterior with minimal character lines. Its Parametric Pixel design, inspired by 8-bit graphics, was used extensively in the lighting elements, giving it a concept car feel. The Ioniq 5's aerodynamic wheels and silver-contrast plastic bits added to its unique look. Inside, the cabin was low-key and comfortable, with a "Living Space" design theme. The interior featured sustainable materials, including recycled fibers and bio-materials, and offered a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat, providing a zero-gravity resting position.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack, producing 219 horsepower. The front electric motor generated 149 lb-ft of torque, while the rear motor produced 89 lb-ft. The RAV4 Hybrid offered several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. It weighed between 3,690 and 3,780 pounds, making it 200 pounds heavier than the standard RAV4. The EPA rated it at 40 mpg in combined driving, and it averaged 39.7 mpg in testing. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension provided a comfortable ride, but the all-season tires lacked grip, affecting cornering performance. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance and Trail mode, it handled light off-road conditions well.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered three trims (SE, SEL, and Limited) and three powertrains. The base SE Standard Range had a single 128-kW rear motor producing 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models featured a 168-kW rear motor with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering a 303-mile range. The AWD variants had a dual-motor system with 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, but the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well on various road conditions, with Sport mode adding excitement but reducing range. Paddle shifters allowed for adjusting regenerative braking levels. The Ioniq 5's quiet cabin was achieved through noise-reducing features like acoustic tires and sound-deadening materials.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom, good leg support, and heated cushions. The dashboard layout was user-friendly, with large climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. The RAV4 Hybrid provided 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximized interior space with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. It offered 133.7 cubic feet of interior volume, with 106.5 cubic feet dedicated to passengers. The Ioniq 5 featured a moveable center console, creating a flexible and spacious cabin. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, and the interior design focused on soft touchpoints and usability.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The top-tier infotainment system included an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs. The RAV4 Hybrid also featured a 360-degree camera system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted 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. The Ioniq 5 offered a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, AI-powered voice recognition, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and anti-glare, providing clear visibility even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-centering assist. It also featured automatic high beams and a road-sign recognition system. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and collision avoidance. It also had Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays. While safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.