2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the original Ioniq, by establishing itself as a standalone brand focused solely on electric vehicles. This new model showcased a sleek and polished exterior, characterized by minimal character lines and a unique Parametric Pixel design that evoked a sense of nostalgia for older generations. The Ioniq 5's exterior was a blend of fascinating and frustrating elements, with an abundance of LED pixels integrated into the lighting features. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a calming "Living Space" design theme, with a focus on comfort and sustainability. The interior featured stain-resistant cloth seats, recycled materials, and a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat, providing a zero-gravity resting position.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban embraced a bold and imposing design language, sharing its exterior styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup. The Suburban's tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels contributed to its supersized appearance. Available in six trims, the Suburban offered a range of customization options, with the RST trim showcasing a sporty look with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and 22-inch wheels. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin with varying levels of comfort, from the economically comfortable base LS trim to the plush High Country. The RST trim featured Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching, creating a stylish yet somewhat dark interior ambiance.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, catering to different driving preferences. Available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, the Ioniq 5 featured rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive as an option. The base SE Standard Range model delivered 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles, while the extended-range variants offered 225 hp and 303 miles of range. The AWD configuration provided 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its composure and control, with four drive modes, including Sport mode, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's quiet cabin was enhanced by noise-reducing features, making it a pleasant driving experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six. The base 5.3-liter V8 produced 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.2-liter V8 delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The new 3.0-liter diesel engine provided 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, offering excellent fuel economy and towing capability. The Suburban's performance was enhanced by its independent rear suspension, improving ride and handling. The RST trim, equipped with the 6.2-liter V8, offered effortless power and acceleration, making it well-suited for towing and hauling tasks. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 8,300 pounds, providing ample capability for various needs.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which maximized interior space and utility. Despite its hatchback appearance, the Ioniq 5's wheelbase was longer than the seven-passenger Palisade, offering a roomy interior with 133.7 cubic feet of total volume. The vehicle prioritized passenger comfort, with a passenger volume of 106.5 cubic feet. The interior featured soft touchpoints and a moveable center console, enhancing usability. The leatherette seats provided comfort and support, catering to drivers of different sizes.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in providing ample space for passengers and cargo. With the optional front-row bench seat, the Suburban could accommodate up to nine occupants. The third row offered adequate headroom and legroom, making it suitable for adults. The Suburban boasted 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 144.7 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The power-sliding center console and hidden storage drawer added convenience. However, the Suburban's size posed challenges in maneuvering and parking in tight spaces, requiring careful planning in congested areas.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring 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. Hyundai partnered with Electrify America to offer unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years. The Ioniq 5's multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegantly designed with anti-glare coating, ensuring clear visibility.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a surprising level of technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT and above trims. Google built-in features, including Google Maps and Google Assistant, were also standard on these trims. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while the LT and above featured a 10.2-inch system with satellite radio. Wireless device charging and a WiFi hotspot were standard on LT and above. The Suburban's audio system options ranged from a basic six-speaker system to a premium Bose CenterPoint system, providing varying levels of sound quality.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also introduced a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, although it could be distracting. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record with IIHS Top Safety awards suggested high safety standards for the Ioniq 5.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and pedestrian braking. For 2022, additional features like front park assist and lane-keeping assistance were standard. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with high marks for side crash protection. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile feedback for potential dangers, enhancing driver awareness.