2022 Kia Seltos 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 gaming aesthetics. The exterior was a blend of minimalistic lines and intricate lighting details, creating a concept car-like appearance. Despite its bold exterior, the interior of the Ioniq 5 was a sanctuary of calm, featuring a "Living Space" design with sustainable materials and a focus on comfort. The cabin offered a zero-gravity relaxation mode for the driver's seat, enhancing the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Seltos presented a more traditional SUV design, positioned between the smaller Soul and larger Sportage. The Nightfall Edition, with its matte-black wheels and turbocharged engine, added a touch of sportiness. Inside, the Seltos offered a stylish yet practical layout with a contrast-color dashboard and metallic accents. However, the abundance of hard plastic detracted from the overall quality. The Seltos excelled in providing a spacious interior, accommodating adults comfortably in the rear seats, and offering ample cargo space. Despite some design quirks, the Seltos was a practical choice for those seeking a versatile small SUV.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, with the base SE Standard Range featuring a 128-kW motor producing 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, boasted a 168-kW motor delivering 225 hp and a 303-mile range. The AWD variant, with a dual-motor system, provided 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was balanced, with 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 Kia Seltos offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 146 hp and a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, provided a more engaging drive. The Seltos featured Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Sport mode offering a more spirited performance. However, the suspension tuning was less refined, resulting in a bouncy ride on uneven roads. Despite these drawbacks, the Seltos delivered a lively driving experience in urban settings and maintained good grip on smooth corners.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. With a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, the Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort over cargo space. The cabin featured soft touchpoints and a moveable center console, enhancing usability. The leatherette seats provided excellent comfort and support, making long drives enjoyable.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy access and a comfortable driving position. The Nightfall Edition featured cloth upholstery with Sofino leather bolsters and heated front seats. The rear seats accommodated adults comfortably, with generous legroom and footroom. The Seltos provided ample storage space, with 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 62.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Despite some hard plastic elements, the Seltos offered a practical and comfortable interior.

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 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5 also offered 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 and easy to read, even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Kia Seltos expanded its technology offerings with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard on higher trims. It included Bluetooth, navigation, connected services, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The system was intuitive, with physical controls for easy access. However, the voice recognition system was less reliable, making smartphone integration a better option for voice commands.

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. The Highway Drive Assist I system offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities, learning the driver's habits for a personalized experience. While crash-test ratings were not available, Hyundai's track record suggested high safety standards.

The 2022 Kia Seltos came equipped with numerous safety features, such as forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for the SX trim and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, indicating solid safety performance.