2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design language when it debuted in 2016. Known for its conservative styling, Volvo managed to add more character to the XC90 while retaining its recognizable features. The XC90 maintained its boxy profile and blunt front end with a rectangular grille, but introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more basic looks, respectively. The XC90 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, ensuring a cohesive design across the brand.

Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism" with thoughtfully arranged, high-quality materials. The matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery provided a natural and unique touch. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a high-end element, though it seemed slightly out of place in the otherwise restrained interior. The XC90's interior focused on simplicity and elegance, avoiding overwhelming flashiness.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, as the first vehicle of Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand, showcased a polished exterior with minimal character lines. The design, referred to as Parametric Pixel, utilized 8-bit box elements extensively, giving the Ioniq 5 a concept car-like appearance. The pixels were integrated into all the lighting elements, creating a unique and futuristic look. The aerodynamic wheels and silver-contrast plastic bits added to the vehicle's distinctive style. Despite its bold exterior, the Ioniq 5's interior was low-key and comfortable, with a "Living Space" design theme that emphasized relaxation. The cabin featured sustainable materials, including recycled fibers and bio-materials, and offered a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8.

Despite the impressive power figures, the XC90's small engine struggled to provide the flexibility of larger engines found in competitor SUVs. The plug-in hybrid's electric power was limited, often requiring assistance from the gasoline engine even at low speeds. The XC90 offered three drive modes—Pure (all-electric), Hybrid, and Power—but Pure mode was only practical at low speeds with gentle acceleration. The XC90 excelled in ride quality and old-school luxury, with an optional air-suspension system providing a smooth ride and minimal body roll. The cabin was impressively quiet, and the XC90 had a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came in three trims (SE, SEL, and Limited) and offered two drive configurations: rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The base SE Standard Range model featured a single 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and offering 220 miles of range. The extended-range models had a larger 168-kW rear motor, delivering 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 303 miles. The AWD variants used a dual-motor system with a total output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, but the range dropped to 256 miles.

The Ioniq 5 performed as expected for a midsize crossover, with RWD providing better dynamics than front-wheel drive. The Limited AWD trim handled well on various road conditions, and the four drive modes, including Sport, added some excitement. However, Sport mode significantly reduced the range. The Ioniq 5 featured paddle shifters for adjusting regenerative braking levels, enhancing the driving experience. The vehicle's quiet cabin and noise-reducing features, such as acoustic tires and sound-deadening materials, contributed to a pleasant driving environment.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom in all three rows were average for the segment, with the third row being tight for adults. The seats in the second and third rows lacked support and felt hard. The optional power moonroof extended across the first two rows, enhancing the spacious feel. The XC90 featured standard four-zone climate control with an optional filtration system. The front seats in the Inscription trim were 10-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, with backrest massage. However, the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. Storage space was limited, with a shallow center console storage bin and few storage options on the console. Cargo space was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The hands-free power tailgate was a convenient feature.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. The Ioniq 5 had a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, exceeding the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The rear cargo space was 27.2 cubic feet, less than its competitors, but the Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort with a passenger volume of 106.5 cubic feet. The interior featured soft touch points and a moveable center console that slid 5.5 inches fore and aft. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, with bolsters that accommodated both slim and larger drivers. The shifter was mounted on the steering wheel, allowing for a retro front bench seat design that facilitated easy entry and exit from either front door.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which emphasized simplicity and functionality. The standard 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and built-in WiFi hotspot provided a comprehensive tech package. The optional 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and head-up display (HUD) added to the luxury experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though the amount of text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted 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 gaining 68 miles of range in 5 minutes with a 350-kW charger. Hyundai partnered with Electrify America to offer unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link connected car app, digital key, enhanced smartphone pairing, virtual assistant compatibility, AI-powered voice recognition, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant, intuitive, and finished with an anti-glare coating.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The XC90 excelled in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech, though it received lower ratings for vehicle-to-pedestrian testing and LATCH child-seat anchors. The XC90 offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, providing smooth and responsive assistance.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I (HAD) was a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also offered a head-up display (HUD) with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting. While the Ioniq 5 had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, Hyundai's strong safety record suggested high marks were likely.