2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 made a grand entrance as a definitive representation of electrified mobility. The vehicle marked a complete departure from the original Ioniq, featuring a completely new design and framework. It had a polished exterior with minimal character lines, and the unique Parametric Pixel design, which incorporated an excessive use of LED pixels in all lights, added a distinct flair. This intricate design detail made the Ioniq 5 resemble a concept car more than a production vehicle.

From its aerodynamic wheel design to the thematic Parametric Pixel elements used generously across its lighting arrays, the Ioniq 5 was as visually fascinating as it was intricate. The vehicle's exterior details included progressively ornamental designs on the wheels and fender flares, and silver-contrast elements that brought a retro yet futuristic vibe.

Inside, the Ioniq 5's cabin did a complete turn with a low-key, serene design that Hyundai called “Living Space.” With available tones of black, gray, and dark green, the interior was comfortable, complemented by features like the “Relaxation” mode for the driver's seat. The cabin used sustainable materials, with recycled fibers and bio-materials prominently featured, maintaining the Ioniq 5’s environmental consciousness.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Ford Explorer leaned more toward traditional SUV aesthetics. The King Ranch trim, although similar visually to other Explorer models, added distinct touches like King Ranch emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The SUV's athletic appearance was highlighted by a long and tall hood, short front overhang, and roofline tapering for a taut, sporty look.

Inside, the Explorer King Ranch featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts, and the chocolate brown over caramel interior scheme added a luxurious touch. Although the cabin quality was generally commendable, there were mixed materials that occasionally gave off the vibe of its lower trims.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 stunned with its range of drive configurations and powertrains. With SE, SEL, and Limited trims available, the Ioniq 5 offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive being an option across all trims. Its base SE Standard Range had a 128-kW motor producing 168 horsepower and delivering 220 miles of range. Expanding to the extended range, the RWD variants amped up to a 168-kW rear motor generating 225 hp and enabling a 303-mile range per charge. The AWD versions, with a dual-motor system, offered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, although the range dropped to 256 miles.

Testing the AWD Limited trim, the Ioniq 5 handled varied terrains in San Diego County with poise, thanks to its four drive modes, including the sporty option that enhanced torque split and steering feel. Paddle shifters allowed more control over regenerative braking, adding an interactive edge to its driving dynamics. The car’s tranquility was notable, with special design features that absorbed noise and vibration, making the driving experience almost silent.

For the 2022 Ford Explorer, three powertrains covered a gamut of performance needs. The turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, standard in most trims, offered 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, achieving up to 24 mpg combined driving and a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds. The hybrid drivetrain combined a 3.3-liter V6 with electric support to produce 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque. It also offered a 27 mpg combined driving efficiency and a 5,000-pound towing capacity.

The top trims, including King Ranch, ST, and Platinum, housed a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. It towed up to 5,600 pounds with a combined 21 mpg rating. Despite its less efficient fuel economy, the twin-turbo V6 presented robust power and satisfying acceleration.

Driving the King Ranch 4WD, the Explorer demonstrated a traditional SUV feel with a solid, pavement-pounding robustness. The ride had a moderate capability for off-road conditions, and the vehicle’s handling on daily drives proved commendable, with more engaging dynamics than typical midsize crossovers.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 sat atop the new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), designed to enhance EV capabilities while offering a spacious interior courtesy of its exceptional 118.1-inch wheelbase, longer than Hyundai’s seven-passenger Palisade. The Ioniq 5’s overall dimensions blurred the lines between hatchback and SUV, giving it an edge in interior volume: 133.7 cubic feet, with a generous 106.5 cu-ft dedicated to passenger space. The rear cargo space, at 27.2 cu-ft, was more modest, favoring passenger comfort over cargo capacity.

The interior design, embracing the “Living Space” theme, offered thoughtful features like a moveable center armrest and cubby, a modern take on the retro front bench seat, and exceptionally comfortable leatherette seats.

Conversely, the Ford Explorer provided substantial comfort for families of four and up to five with the second-row bench seat. Though the third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space, the King Ranch trim boasted features like triple-zone climate control, power-adjustable heated steering wheel, and massaging front seats with 14-way adjustments.

Storage within the Explorer was a mixed bag with several missed opportunities to enhance practicality. However, the hands-free power liftgate revealed ample cargo space—18.2 cu-ft with all seats up, expanding to 47.9 cu-ft with the third row folded, and maxing out at 87.8 cu-ft with both rows down.

The Ioniq 5 showcased cutting-edge technology, driven by a high-voltage system allowing ultra-fast charging and vehicle-to-load capabilities. This innovation enabled charging speeds that brought the battery to 80% in just 18 minutes. The car featured a re-engineered Blue Link app for EV-specific functionalities, digital key, over-the-air updates, and compatibility with virtual assistants. It also had elegant and functional 12.3-inch screens for its instrument cluster and infotainment system, coated to resist glare.

In contrast, the Ford Explorer featured two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Though the smaller screen blended neatly with the interior, the larger one seemed retrofitted awkwardly. The King Ranch trim was packed with FordPass Connect services, a premium Bang and Olufsen sound system, a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, and Active Park Assist 2.0 for autonomous parking assistance.

However, the Sync 3 had notable deficiencies, especially in voice recognition and command functionality, highlighting the need for an upgrade to the more advanced Sync 4 system.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, comprising advanced driving assistance systems such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and front and rear collision avoidance. It also included Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system that learned and adapted to the driver’s habits, enhancing the driving experience over time. Despite lacking official crash safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, Hyundai’s strong safety record pointed to a high likelihood of accolades.

The 2022 Ford Explorer, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS for all trims, offered standard Ford Co-Pilot360 safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Explorer excelled in maintaining stability during sudden maneuvers, with thoughtful features like post-collision braking and MyKey for parental control over teen drivers.