2022 Chevrolet Traverse 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 was the first model under Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand, dedicated solely to electric vehicles. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a blend of minimalistic lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics. This design choice was both fascinating and slightly overwhelming, with pixelated lighting details adorning every corner of the vehicle. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene "Living Space" environment, with sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, emphasizing comfort and eco-friendliness.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those seeking a family-friendly SUV. It featured a subtle restyle with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, maintaining a classic SUV appearance. The Traverse RS trim, with its blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, added a touch of sportiness. Inside, the Traverse RS offered a comfortable cabin with black leather upholstery and red stitching, though it was marred by hard plastic surfaces in some areas. The interior layout was logical, with user-friendly controls and ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a reliable choice for family road trips.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 128-kW rear motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. The extended-range variants, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, boasted a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and a range of 303 miles. The AWD version, with a dual-motor setup, delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was adequate for a midsize crossover, with a focus on comfort and control rather than sporty dynamics. It featured four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's quiet cabin and noise-reducing features enhanced the driving experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a single engine option, a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse's tow rating was 5,000 pounds, and it offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine provided sufficient power for everyday tasks, and the Traverse's ride quality was pleasant, absorbing road imperfections with ease. On the highway, the Traverse excelled, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The SUV's handling was predictable, with limited body roll and a comfortable ride, making it suitable for family trips.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the Hyundai Palisade. It provided 133.7 cubic feet of interior volume, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The Ioniq 5's interior featured soft touchpoints and a moveable center console, enhancing usability. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to various driver sizes. The Ioniq 5's design emphasized a modern, open feel, with a focus on passenger comfort and convenience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a roomy interior with seating for up to seven passengers in RS, Premier, and High Country trims. The second-row captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, and the Smart Slide function facilitated entry and exit. The Traverse's cabin featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. Storage space was abundant, with hidden compartments and ample cargo capacity. The Traverse's third-row seating was comfortable for adults, though not as spacious as larger SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted 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 two years of free fast-charging sessions with Electrify America. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and over-the-air updates. Its 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and intuitive, with anti-glare coatings for clear visibility.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim. It offered Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims included an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel and a Bose premium sound system. The Traverse's voice recognition system was responsive, and the available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility and safety.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) with blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. It included Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting. While crash-safety ratings were not available, Hyundai's track record suggested high safety standards.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse's driving aids were generally accurate and user-friendly, though it lacked advanced lane-centering assist. The IIHS rated the Traverse "Good" in most collision tests, with an "Acceptable" rating in a new side-impact test. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.