2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer 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 featured a minimalist yet intricate exterior design, characterized by its Parametric Pixel theme, which incorporated numerous LED lights and pixelated elements. The Ioniq 5's aerodynamic wheels and unique design details gave it a futuristic look, while the interior offered a serene "Living Space" with sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer boasted appealing styling with well-proportioned character lines and the option for a black- or white-painted roof. Despite its small size, the Trailblazer's design was both practical and attractive, even in the base L trim. The RS trim added sporty elements like 18-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal.

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 128-kW rear motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models had a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and a 303-mile range. The AWD variant combined a 74-kW front motor and a 165-kW rear motor, delivering 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was solid, with a 0-60 mph time of under 5 seconds in AWD configuration, and it offered four drive modes, including a Sport mode for added excitement.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the base 1.2-liter engine producing 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful 1.3-liter engine delivered 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The Trailblazer's AWD models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension for improved ride and handling. The RS trim, with its 18-inch wheels and Sport mode, provided a zippy and nimble driving experience. However, the Trailblazer's fuel economy fell short of its EPA rating, averaging 26.1 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a spacious interior with a 118.1-inch wheelbase, longer than 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-touch materials and a moveable center console, enhancing comfort and utility. The leatherette seats were both supportive and comfortable, making the Ioniq 5 a pleasant place to be.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, offered impressive functionality. It could accommodate four passengers comfortably, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat in the RS trim. The rear seat provided ample legroom but had flat cushions for a flat load floor when folded. The Trailblazer's cargo space included 25.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 54.4 cubic feet with them folded down. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing the Trailblazer to carry long items like surfboards.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years through Electrify America. The Ioniq 5 also boasted a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, AI-powered voice recognition, 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 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a comprehensive infotainment system featuring a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The RS trim included Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. Additional features included remote engine starting and a keyless entry keypad system.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was 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) provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also offered a head-up display (HUD) with augmented reality overlays, although it could be distracting in use. Safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available, but Hyundai's track record suggested high marks.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Teen Driver technology. Chevy Safety Assist included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS.