2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from its predecessor, the original Ioniq. It was the first model under the new Ioniq sub-brand, which focused solely on electric vehicles. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a blend of minimalistic character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, giving it a concept car-like appearance. The lighting design was particularly notable, with pixelated LEDs used extensively across the vehicle. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene "Living Space" theme, with sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, emphasizing comfort and eco-friendliness.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made its presence known through its rugged design and unique sound. While it closely resembled a traditional Wrangler, the 4xe featured subtle blue accents and a power port, distinguishing it as a plug-in hybrid. The interior retained the classic Wrangler feel, with a high driving position and straightforward controls. Despite its utilitarian design, the Wrangler 4xe offered more comfort than previous models, with soft-touch materials and heated front seats. However, its practicality was somewhat limited by the lack of storage space and the challenging cargo access due to its swing-out tailgate.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, catering to different driving preferences. It came in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 128-kW motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range variants provided 225 hp and 303 miles of range, while the AWD version delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, albeit with a reduced range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was balanced, with a focus on comfort and efficiency rather than sporty dynamics. It featured four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's quiet cabin and advanced regenerative braking system further enhanced the driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17-kWh battery pack. This setup provided 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Wrangler 4xe to accelerate to 60 mph in six seconds. The battery offered 21 miles of electric-only driving, with a total range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe featured three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing drivers to optimize performance and efficiency based on their needs. While the Wrangler 4xe excelled in off-road capabilities, its on-road performance was hampered by its lack of aerodynamic efficiency and noisy cabin.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which maximized interior space and utility. Despite its hatchback appearance, the Ioniq 5 had a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade, offering a spacious cabin with 133.7 cubic feet of interior volume. The interior design focused on comfort and practicality, with a moveable center console and supportive leatherette seats. The Ioniq 5's emphasis on passenger comfort was evident in its generous passenger volume and innovative features like the sliding center armrest.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's interior was designed for practicality and off-road capability. The high door sills and lack of side steps made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter passengers. Once inside, the Wrangler 4xe offered a comfortable driving position with excellent visibility. However, storage space was limited due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever. The rear seats provided adequate space, but cargo access was hindered by the swing-out tailgate and spare tire. Despite these limitations, the Wrangler 4xe's interior retained its rugged charm and functionality.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a high-voltage energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5 also featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and advanced multimedia features. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegantly designed and easy to read, even in bright sunlight.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered a Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, providing Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. While the system was intuitive, it showed signs of aging in terms of responsiveness and graphics. The Wrangler 4xe also featured helpful charging indicator lights and a Trip Summary data panel, providing useful information for managing the hybrid powertrain.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. It also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. While safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested the Ioniq 5 would perform well in crash tests.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages. These included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Wrangler's LED headlights received a Marginal rating from the IIHS, while its frontal-impact protection for the driver was also rated Marginal. The NHTSA gave the Wrangler Unlimited a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.