2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid 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 futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics. The exterior was a blend of minimalistic lines and intricate lighting details, creating a concept car-like appearance. Despite its bold exterior, the interior of the Ioniq 5 was a sanctuary of calm, featuring a "Living Space" design with sustainable materials and a focus on comfort. The cabin offered a relaxing environment with features like a zero-gravity seating position, making it a pleasant space for both drivers and passengers.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid embraced its identity as a minivan, prioritizing practicality and comfort over flashy design. While it may not have been a head-turner, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a spacious and well-appointed interior with premium materials and thoughtful storage solutions. The minivan's design was more traditional, with a focus on functionality, making it an ideal choice for families. Despite its utilitarian appearance, the Pacifica Hybrid provided a comfortable and efficient driving experience, with the added benefit of a plug-in hybrid powertrain for short electric-only trips.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, catering to different driving preferences. It came in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 128-kW motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. The extended-range versions boasted a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and a range of 303 miles. The AWD variant delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though its range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was solid 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 advanced regenerative braking system further enhanced the driving experience.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain allowed for up to 32 miles of electric-only driving, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was smooth and efficient, seamlessly transitioning between electric and gasoline power. It achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. While the Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiency, its driving dynamics were less engaging, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes. However, its powertrain's brilliance and ability to handle speed humps with ease were noteworthy.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), providing a spacious interior with a long wheelbase. Despite its hatchback appearance, it offered more room than some larger SUVs, with a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort, featuring a moveable center console and supportive leatherette seats. Its "Living Space" theme extended to practical design elements, such as a retro front bench seat and ample storage options, making it a versatile and comfortable vehicle for everyday use.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seating and ample cargo space. It featured triple-zone climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. The minivan's interior was designed for convenience, with numerous storage compartments and thoughtful features like a sliding storage bin and side window sunshades. The second-row seats were more comfortable than those in a standard Pacifica, though they required removal for maximum cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a high-voltage energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and advanced multimedia features, including 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment. These displays were intuitive and anti-glare, ensuring clear visibility even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system allowed for five user profiles and included features like FamCam for monitoring rear passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the voice recognition technology needed improvement.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. While safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control needed refinement, as it was slow to respond to changing traffic conditions. The Pacifica Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection received four stars.