2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Ford Bronco

When examining the aesthetics of the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, it was clear that Hyundai had ventured into modern electric mobility with a fresh perspective. Unlike its predecessor, the new Ioniq 5 did not build on the bones of the original Ioniq; instead, it presented a crisp, minimalist exterior with understated character lines. However, a deep dive into its design revealed an extensive and somewhat over-the-top use of Parametric Pixel elements, reminiscent of retro 8-bit graphics. This thematic design was evident in all lighting elements—headlights, taillights, daytime running lights, and turn signals. Hyundai's design team crafted these pixelated lights to mimic a matrix, providing an illusion of a box within a box, which was both intriguing and slightly vexing.

Supplementing the exterior were aerodynamic wheels with ornate designs flowing into the fender arches and five horizontal lines capping off the vehicle’s lower half. These elements hinted at a nostalgia for digital culture from the '80s and '90s.

Inside, the Ioniq 5’s interior diverged from the exterior's spirited design language, embracing a relaxed, "Living Space" theme. Available in various hues, the cabin radiated tranquility, highlighted by features like the driver’s seat "Relaxation Mode," which reclined and provided a zero-gravity position. The interior employed sustainable materials, integrating recycled fibers and bio-materials into its upholstery and surfaces, thus reinforcing its eco-friendly ethos. Stylish Parametric Pixel patterns embellished parts of the interior, ensuring a cohesive yet quietly sophisticated aesthetic.

Conversely, the 2022 Ford Bronco leaned heavily on its storied heritage, sporting an iconic retro design synergized with formidable off-road capabilities. It returned with the new Everglades model built for swamp trekking, equipped with a snorkel intake and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, among other additions. The Bronco's seven trims offered varying levels of off-road prowess embedded in its rugged, muscular exterior. Its short overhangs and low-profile bumpers significantly enhanced its approach and departure angles, crucial for navigating challenging terrains.

The Bronco’s utility-inspired design carried over into all trims, showcasing features such as large recovery hooks, removable fender flares, and a tailgate-mounted full-size spare tire. The modular construction allowed for extensive customization, enabling owners to adapt the SUV to their specific needs. The Bronco's squared-off lines and beefy proportions not only contributed to its visual appeal but also underscored its utilitarian purpose.

Inside, the Bronco maintained a utilitarian vibe with functional elements like sealed switches, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, and floor drain plugs facilitating easy clean-up after off-road adventures. The cabin's large rubberized buttons and toggle switches made manipulating the vehicle’s numerous systems straightforward, even in challenging conditions. Despite its rugged appearance, the Bronco incorporated modern technologies like a digital instrument panel and large infotainment touchscreen, balancing off-road capability with on-road comfort.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured a versatile lineup catering to different driving preferences, with three trims (SE, SEL, and Limited) and two powertrain configurations. The base SE Standard Range trim came with a 168-horsepower rear-mounted electric motor, offering a range of 220 miles. The extended-range models, available in RWD and AWD configurations, offered more power and performance. The RWD variants, including a more powerful 225-horsepower motor, boasted an impressive range of 303 miles. The AWD versions paired a 74-kW front motor with a 165-kW rear motor, generating a combined 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dipped to 256 miles.

Driving the AWD Ioniq 5, especially in the Limited trim, proved the vehicle’s composure in diverse conditions, from winding canyon roads to highway stretches. The performance was solid, with a notable agility facilitated by its four driving modes, including a Sport mode that re-tuned the torque split for an added thrill, though at the cost of range. Paddle shifters controlled the regenerative braking levels rather than gears, offering a dynamic and interactive driving experience. The Ioniq 5's quiet cabin, thanks to numerous noise-reducing measures, added to the vehicle’s appeal.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered a compelling range of powertrains geared towards off-road enthusiasts. Its base engine, a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, produced a robust 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. A mightier turbocharged 2.7-liter V6, delivering 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, was available for those craving more muscle. The four-cylinder models could be paired with a seven-speed manual transmission, which included a unique crawl gear for enhanced off-road driving, or an optional 10-speed automatic. The V6 came exclusively with the automatic transmission.

Our tests included the Everglades model, renowned for its extreme off-road capability, showcasing its prowess in difficult terrains and deep water on Drummond Island. The Bronco’s adaptability to such harsh conditions was noteworthy, particularly its mud/ruts drive mode and water-fording capacity up to 36.4 inches. Despite its rugged qualifications, the Bronco excelled in on-road driving, presenting a more refined ride compared to rivals like the Jeep Wrangler, minimizing driver fatigue and enhancing comfort over long distances.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered an expansive and versatile interior despite its seemingly compact exterior. The vehicle’s wheelbase measured a generous 118.1 inches, surpassing even the larger seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. This extended wheelbase translated into abundant interior space, allowing for ample passenger comfort and cargo capacity.

The Ioniq 5’s total interior volume stood at an impressive 133.7 cubic feet, eclipsing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. Passenger volume was notably generous, offering 106.5 cubic feet, significantly more than the Mach-E and ID.4, which provided 101.1 and 99.9 cubic feet respectively. Cargo capacity, however, was slightly less competitive, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, trailing behind the ID.4 and Mach-E.

Inside, thoughtful design and practical features enhanced usability. The absence of a center console extending to the dash due to the steering-wheel-mounted shifter allowed for a more open, spacious front area. The moveable center console added flexibility, and the interior boasted soft-touch materials and comfortable leatherette seats, emphasizing passenger comfort with ample support for various body types.

The 2022 Ford Bronco, with its utilitarian design, excelled in providing vast interior space. The boxy shape maximized headroom, ensuring even the tallest passengers found plenty of space both up front and in the rear. However, accessing the rear seats in the two-door model required maneuvering through the narrow gap between the front seats and the door frame, posing a slight inconvenience.

Cargo capacity in the Bronco varied by model and roof type. The two-door hard-top offered 22.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 52.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The four-door hard-top increased these figures to 35.6 cubic feet and 77.6 cubic feet, respectively, with the soft-top boosting capacity slightly. The seats, however, did not fold flat, creating a step that hindered the loading of larger items. A clever array of storage solutions within the Bronco—including large bins, netted pockets, and accessory rails atop the dash—enhanced its practicality.

The technology in the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was cutting-edge, centered around a high-voltage, energy-dense battery system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, enabling the car to charge other devices, including homes and even other cars. Ultra-fast charging was a highlight, reaching 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes with a compatible charger. The Ioniq 5’s multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, a digital key, and compatibility with virtual assistants, making for a user-friendly and connected driving experience.

Two 12.3-inch screens served as the instrument cluster and infotainment system, featuring anti-glare coatings for excellent readability in all conditions. The inclusion of free Electrify America fast-charging sessions for two years extended the Ioniq 5's convenience for owners, though traditional charging stations would require longer refueling times.

The 2022 Ford Bronco innovatively integrated technology to enhance its off-road prowess while maintaining traditional functionalities. The G.O.A.T. modes provided confidence to novice off-road drivers by automating optimal settings, yet allowed experienced drivers manual control. The forward-looking trail camera was exceptionally useful, overlaying tire path indicators to navigate challenging terrains confidently.

Sync 4 infotainment system, known for its responsiveness and clarity, included essential off-road apps and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless charging pad supplemented these features, ensuring the Bronco accommodated modern needs without compromising its rugged appeal.

Safety in the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was bolstered by Hyundai SmartSense, a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and collision avoidance systems. The Ioniq 5 also pioneered Hyundai’s Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous system featuring machine-learning adaptive cruise control which tailored the car’s driving style to the driver. Additionally, a head-up display (HUD) with augmented reality helped keep the driver informed, though some users found it distracting.

While NHTSA and IIHS ratings for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 were not available, Hyundai’s exemplary safety records in recent years promised high safety standards.

Ford Bronco’s safety features were abundant and effective. Standard systems included hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional safety packages expanded this suite to include collision warning with emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and parking sensors among others. High and Luxe packages further enhanced safety features, adding adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.

The Bronco had mixed crash-test results from NHTSA, earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. However, IIHS awarded it their highest scores for most categories, reinforcing its reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle.