2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from the original Ioniq. It featured a minimalist yet intricate exterior design, with a focus on Parametric Pixel elements that gave it a concept car vibe. The interior was a stark contrast, offering a serene "Living Space" with sustainable materials and a zero-gravity relaxation mode for the driver. The Ioniq 5's cabin was designed for comfort and utility, with features like a moveable center console and ample use of recycled materials.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Passport shared its platform with the Ridgeline pickup, Odyssey minivan, and Pilot SUV, giving it a familiar yet rugged look. The new TrailSport trim aimed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts, though it was more about aesthetics than capability. Inside, the Passport offered a spacious and comfortable environment with leather seats, triple-zone climate control, and ample storage. The rear seats were particularly roomy, making it a great choice for long road trips.

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 motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models had a 168-kW motor producing 225 hp and a 303-mile range. The AWD variant boasted 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque but had a reduced range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well, especially in Sport mode, but aggressive driving could quickly deplete its range. Paddle shifters allowed for adjustable regenerative braking, adding a layer of engagement to the driving experience.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport offered both FWD and AWD, with the latter featuring Honda's i-VTM4 system for better torque distribution. The TrailSport trim, tested for this comparison, averaged 21.3 mpg. While the Passport excelled in on-road performance with firm, communicative handling, its off-road capabilities were limited. The brakes, although effective, could heat up and vibrate during extended downhill driving, which was a concern given its 5,000-pound towing capacity.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. It provided 133.7 cubic feet of interior volume, with 106.5 cubic feet dedicated to passengers. The Ioniq 5's interior was designed for comfort and utility, featuring a moveable center console and leatherette seats that were both supportive and comfortable. The vehicle's design allowed for easy entry and exit, making it practical for various driving conditions.

The 2022 Honda Passport featured large doors and a low step-in height, making it easy to access. The front seats were comfortable with adjustable armrests and good thigh support. The rear seats offered ample legroom and headroom, making long trips more bearable. The Passport provided 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 77.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The interior was filled with storage options, including a massive center console and door panel shelving, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was packed with advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system that supported ultra-fast charging and vehicle-to-load capabilities. It could charge to 80% in just 18 minutes and offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years through Electrify America. The Ioniq 5 also featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, 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 better visibility.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The TrailSport trim added a navigation system, while the Elite trim featured a 10-speaker premium sound system and WiFi hotspot. The system had shortcut buttons for easy navigation, but the lack of a stereo tuning knob was a minor inconvenience. The Passport's navigation system was clunky, making Apple CarPlay a preferred option for many users. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, but the overall tech package felt dated compared to the Ioniq 5.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I system offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, adapting to the driver's habits through machine learning. A head-up display with augmented reality overlays was also available, though it could be distracting. While official safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.

The 2022 Honda Passport featured Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, the lane-departure warning and lane-centering assist functions were intrusive, often prompting drivers to disable them. The adaptive cruise control was not as smooth as competitors, and the blind-spot monitoring light was poorly positioned. The Passport received five-star ratings from NHTSA in most categories but fell short in front passenger protection and rollover resistance. IIHS gave it top ratings in most respects but rated it as Acceptable for front-passenger protection in a small overlap collision.