2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from its predecessor, the original Ioniq. This new model was the first in Hyundai's standalone Ioniq brand, dedicated solely to electric vehicles. The Ioniq 5's 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, in contrast, was calm and inviting, with a "Living Space" theme that emphasized comfort and sustainability, using recycled materials and offering features like a zero-gravity relaxation mode for the driver's seat.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its massive size and distinctive styling. Its imposing grille, vertical running lights, and horizontal headlights gave it a locomotive-like front end, while the 22-inch wheels seemed small against its vast sheet metal. The Escalade's interior was luxurious but lacked a cohesive design theme, featuring leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof. Despite some cheap-looking plastic bits, the Escalade offered a spacious cabin with ample legroom and cargo space, making it a practical choice for those needing a large, luxurious SUV.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations, three trims, and three powertrains. 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, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, had a larger 168-kW rear motor, delivering 225 hp and 303 miles of range. The AWD variants combined a 74-kW front motor and a 165-kW rear motor, producing 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well on various terrains, with four drive modes, including a Sport mode that added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, and its quiet cabin further enhanced the driving experience.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain choices: a standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered either RWD or 4WD. The diesel engine provided smooth power delivery and a lower torque peak, making it effective for various driving situations. The Escalade's towing capacity was slightly higher with the gasoline engine, maxing out at 8,200 pounds. However, the ride quality was less refined, with the body-on-frame construction and large wheels contributing to an unsettled ride, especially compared to unibody SUVs.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior with a long wheelbase of 118.1 inches, surpassing even the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. The Ioniq 5 provided 133.7 cubic feet of total interior volume, with 106.5 cubic feet dedicated to passenger space. The interior featured soft touchpoints and a moveable center console, enhancing comfort and usability. The leatherette seats were both supportive and comfortable, making the Ioniq 5 a pleasant place to be for both drivers and passengers.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, sharing its platform with other GM full-size SUVs, boasted a cavernous cabin. The standard version measured 211.9 inches long, while the extended ESV version was 227 inches. The Escalade offered the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs, with ample cargo space: 25.5 cubic feet with all seats in place, 63.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 109.1 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. However, the raised center console provided limited storage space, and the seats, despite being 12-way power adjustable with massage and lumbar support, felt similar to those in other GM vehicles.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices and vehicles. It supported 800-volt charging infrastructures, enabling ultra-fast charging to 80 percent capacity in just 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5 also offered 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 clear visibility.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising three screens: a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch trip-computer screen. The display was well-integrated into the dashboard, with icons arranged to fit its shape. The Escalade also featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and physical toggles for climate control. However, the carousel format for changing radio stations and the rotary controller were less user-friendly. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and the rearview camera mirror eliminated blind spots.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came equipped 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 Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I (HAD) was a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system that adapted to the driver's habits through machine learning. The Ioniq 5 also featured a head-up display (HUD) with augmented reality overlays, although it could be distracting in actual use. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered standard driver-assist tech, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Safety Alert Seat provided warnings through vibrations. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with Super Cruise available as an option. Super Cruise allowed for hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, using a driver-facing camera to ensure attention. While the system occasionally disengaged unexpectedly, it generally provided smooth and natural responses. Crash-safety ratings for the Escalade were not available.