2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on the Ioniq name, representing Hyundai's new direction towards electrified mobility. Unlike its predecessor, which offered hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, the Ioniq 5 was purely electric, marking the beginning of Hyundai's standalone EV sub-brand. Its exterior design was a mix of minimalistic lines and intricate details, featuring a unique Parametric Pixel design that gave it a concept car-like appearance. The interior, however, was a stark contrast with its "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow and relaxing environment with sustainable materials and a zero-gravity relaxation mode for the driver's seat.

In comparison, the 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. The updates included a revised grille surround, new bumper designs, and updated wheel options. The limited-production PMC Edition stood out with its exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and Orchid white interior. The RDX's interior was high-quality, with solid build quality and a quieter cabin, thanks to new sound-deadening measures. The A-Spec Advance package added a sporty touch with its Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior, making it a stylish and comfortable choice for luxury SUV buyers.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations. 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 variants, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, came with a 168-kW rear motor delivering 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 303 miles. The AWD versions added a dual-motor system with a total output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well, with four drive modes, including a Sport mode that added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's quiet cabin and noise-reducing features made for a pleasant driving experience.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The engine's quick spool-up contributed to the RDX's enjoyable driving character, though heavy-footed driving reduced fuel economy to an average of 20.6 mpg. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, and the SH-AWD system, available on higher trims, provided excellent torque-vectoring capabilities. The RDX's revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension offered distinct driving modes, enhancing comfort and responsiveness. The RDX's driving dynamics were enjoyable, but it didn't quite match the performance of German rivals.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 sat on the new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a longer wheelbase and maximizing interior space. Despite its hatchback appearance, the Ioniq 5 was sized like an electric SUV, with a wheelbase longer than the seven-passenger Palisade. It offered a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, with a passenger volume of 106.5 cu-ft. The interior featured soft touchpoints and a moveable center console, providing a modern take on the retro front bench seat. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, making the Ioniq 5 a pleasant place to be.

The 2022 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a dramatic IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. The control layout required some acclimation, with the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system being particularly unusual. The standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable, and the thick-rimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel was a pleasure to hold. The back seat, however, was less comfortable, lacking support for adults. The RDX offered a generous 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

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 percent battery capacity in just 18 minutes, and could charge other devices or even another EV. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, enhanced smartphone pairing, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for better visibility.

The 2022 Acura RDX's TTI infotainment system paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller, requiring a learning curve for users. The system was distracting to use, but the inclusion of Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad helped mitigate this issue. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system featuring 16 speakers. The Technology package and higher trims included a navigation system and a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I system offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also featured a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting. Safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available, but Hyundai's track record suggested high marks.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety and added new safety features, including a rear seatbelt reminder system and enhanced AcuraWatch driver-assist systems. The Technology package and higher trims included front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were mostly accurate but could issue false warnings in certain conditions. The NHTSA awarded the RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings and five-star side-impact ratings.