2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

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 avant-garde design, the Ioniq 5 maintained a practical and spacious interior, emphasizing comfort and sustainability. The cabin featured a "Living Space" theme with eco-friendly materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, offering a serene environment for occupants.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared its platform with the Nissan Armada, presenting a more traditional SUV design. Its distinctive front-end styling, characterized by the Infiniti grille and tasteful chrome accents, set it apart from its sibling. The QX80's interior, while luxurious with quilted leather seats and wood trim, felt somewhat dated compared to its competitors. Despite its upscale materials, the cabin struggled to meet the high expectations of the premium full-size SUV market. Nevertheless, the QX80 provided a comfortable and spacious environment, albeit with limited third-row seating space and slower power-operated features.

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 model featured a 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. The extended-range variants boasted a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and a 303-mile range. The AWD version, with a dual-motor system, produced 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though its range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 excelled in providing a quiet and composed ride, with features like acoustic tires and sound-deadening materials enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, powered by a robust 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivered impressive performance with 413 lb-ft of torque. Its seven-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth and seamless shifts, contributing to a refined driving experience. The QX80's off-road capabilities, derived from its Nissan Patrol roots, included a computer-controlled transfer case and ample ground clearance. With a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, it was well-suited for hauling large loads. Despite its size, the QX80 managed to control body lean effectively, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, providing a stable ride even during sharp maneuvers.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), optimizing interior space and utility. Its longer wheelbase, compared to the Hyundai Palisade, allowed for a roomy cabin with 133.7 cubic feet of interior volume. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort, offering 106.5 cubic feet of passenger volume. The interior featured a moveable center console and a modern take on the retro front bench seat, enhancing accessibility and convenience. The leatherette seats provided a comfortable and supportive experience for drivers of all sizes.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, with its traditional body-on-frame construction, required a climb to enter, aided by a grab handle. The spacious cabin offered good head- and legroom in the front seats, though the third row was cramped for adults. The power-sliding moonroof, while large, was smaller than those in some competitors. The QX80 could accommodate up to eight passengers with the optional second-row bench seat. Cargo space was limited compared to rivals, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 95.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. Despite these limitations, the QX80's interior exuded a premium feel with illuminated kick plates and welcome lighting.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5's multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegantly designed with anti-glare coating, ensuring clear visibility even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, while based on older architecture, offered a respectable tech suite. The 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display provided access to Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Bose 13-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker upgrade available on the Sensory trim. The QX80 included a dual-screen rear entertainment system, though it lacked Infiniti's ProPilot Assist due to its outdated systems architecture.

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

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came equipped with a comprehensive set of standard safety features, such as forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety items included driver attention alert and front knee airbags. The QX80's crashworthiness ratings were limited, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA. The structurally similar 2021 model received four stars for overall crash protection, with mixed results in specific categories.