2022 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 EV brand. This new model showcased a futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of retro 8-bit graphics, which was evident in its extensive use of LED lighting. The exterior design was a mix of minimalistic lines and intricate details, creating a unique visual appeal. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene "Living Space" environment with sustainable materials and a focus on comfort, including a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat. The interior was spacious, thanks to its long wheelbase, and featured a moveable center console for added convenience.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim aimed for a rugged look but fell short in terms of off-road capability. The XRT trim was one of five gasoline options, positioned between the SE/SEL and the more luxurious Limited/Calligraphy trims. While the exterior design was somewhat monochromatic, the interior offered thoughtful design and quality materials. The Santa Fe XRT provided a comfortable cabin with ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families. However, the XRT's cosmetic enhancements did not significantly enhance its performance or off-road prowess.

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 (RWD) as standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. The base SE Standard Range featured a 128-kW motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models boasted a 168-kW motor producing 225 hp and a 303-mile range. The AWD variant delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 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 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. While not particularly powerful, it was adequate for everyday driving and highway cruising. The XRT trim featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with pushbutton controls and offered Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes. The AWD system could be locked for maximum traction at lower speeds. The Santa Fe's ride quality was commendable, with excellent suspension isolation and a quiet cabin. However, the engine struggled on steep inclines and lacked responsiveness in demanding situations. The Santa Fe Hybrid and turbocharged models offered more power and better fuel efficiency, making them more appealing options.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), providing a spacious interior with a long wheelbase. It offered 133.7 cubic feet of total interior volume, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort with 106.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, while cargo space was slightly smaller at 27.2 cubic feet. The interior featured soft-touch materials and a moveable center console, enhancing versatility. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to various driver sizes.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a dual-zone automatic climate control system and rear air conditioning vents for passenger comfort. The interior was spacious, with ample legroom and foot room for rear-seat passengers. The XRT trim included an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Santa Fe offered 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded. The Smart Tailgate feature provided hands-free access to the cargo area, though it could be overly sensitive.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its 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 a digital key, enhanced smartphone pairing, and over-the-air updates. The Ioniq 5 featured 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, with an anti-glare coating for improved visibility.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and Bluelink connected services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and logical menu structures. The Santa Fe XRT also featured digital key technology, though it was limited to Android devices. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a thoughtful addition for distracted drivers.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. It featured 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 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT included a comprehensive Hyundai SmartSense package with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Junction Turning Detection system and Safe Exit Assist were notable safety additions. The Santa Fe XRT also had an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Bluelink safety features. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score.