2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from the original Ioniq. It featured a minimalist yet intricate exterior design, with a focus on Parametric Pixel elements that gave it a concept car vibe. The interior was a stark contrast, offering a serene "Living Space" with sustainable materials and a zero-gravity relaxation mode for the driver. The Ioniq 5's cabin was designed for comfort and utility, with features like a moveable center console and ample use of recycled materials.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Encore GX had a more traditional SUV appearance, closely resembling its sibling, the Encore. The Encore GX's design was enhanced by the optional ST package, which added sporty elements like custom grilles and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and a user-friendly layout. The front seats provided ample headroom and legroom, while the rear seats were a bit tight for three adults. Cargo space was practical, with a two-level cargo floor and a hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came in three trims—SE, SEL, and Limited—and offered both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The base SE Standard Range featured a 168-horsepower motor with a 220-mile range. The extended-range models had a 225-horsepower motor with a 303-mile range. The AWD variant boasted 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque but had a reduced range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well, especially in Sport mode, but its range could drop quickly with aggressive driving. The vehicle also featured paddle shifters for adjusting regenerative braking levels, adding an element of gamification to the driving experience.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter producing 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter making 155 horsepower. The 1.2-liter engine was standard on the Preferred and Select trims, while the 1.3-liter was standard on the Essence trim. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option. FWD models used a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic. The 1.3-liter engine and CVT combo provided adequate power, but the ride was noisier and less settled than expected from a Buick.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a longer wheelbase than even the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. This resulted in a spacious interior with 133.7 cubic feet of total volume, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5's interior featured a moveable center console and a modern take on the retro front bench seat, allowing for easy ingress and egress. The leatherette seats were both comfortable and supportive, making long drives pleasant.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, offered a comfortable and easy-to-live-with interior. The front seats provided ample headroom and legroom, while the rear seats were a bit tight for three adults. Cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Encore GX also featured a two-level cargo floor and an optional hands-free power liftgate. The controls were user-friendly, and the elevated ride height provided excellent visibility.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was packed with advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system that supported ultra-fast charging and vehicle-to-load capabilities. It could reach 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes and offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years through Electrify America. The Ioniq 5 also featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and easy to read, even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered decent tech for its price, including an eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The Advanced Technology package added features like HD surround vision, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. The Convenience package included automatic parking assist, wireless phone charging, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The infotainment system was intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to navigate through various apps and settings.

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, and automatic high beams. The Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I (HAD) was a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system that adapted to the driver's habits. The Ioniq 5 also featured a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, although it could be distracting. While official crash-safety ratings were not available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came standard with several driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Advanced Technology package added HD surround vision and adaptive cruise control. The Encore GX performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning five stars for overall crash protection. The IIHS gave it "Good" ratings in all crash tests, with "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention. However, the headlights received mixed ratings, with the top trim's LED headlights rated "Acceptable" and the lower trims' halogen headlights rated "Marginal."