2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from the original Ioniq. It featured a minimalist exterior design with a unique Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of 8-bit graphics. This design was evident in the vehicle's extensive use of pixelated lighting elements, including headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights. The Ioniq 5's aerodynamic wheels and silver-contrast plastic bits added to its futuristic look. Inside, the cabin was a stark contrast to the exterior, offering a serene and comfortable "Living Space" with sustainable materials and a zero-gravity "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sportage had a more traditional SUV design with a tiger-nose grille that didn't quite fit its overall look. However, other design elements, such as the four-dot running lights and Volkswagen-style rear fascia, were well-executed. The SX Turbo trim featured 19-inch wheels that gave the Sportage a planted stance. Inside, the Sportage adopted Germanic design cues with a black dashboard, metallic accents, and plain white instrumentation. The interior was upscale, with easy-to-use buttons and knobs for various controls, making it a user-friendly environment.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered multiple configurations, including 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 model had a 128-kW rear motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. The extended-range models featured a 168-kW rear motor with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering a range of 303 miles. The AWD variants had a dual-motor system with a total output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, but the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well, with four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. Paddle shifters allowed for adjusting regenerative braking levels, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came with two engine options. Most models had a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. The SX Turbo trim featured a more powerful 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) engine with 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines used a six-speed automatic transmission, with AWD available as an option. The SX Turbo offered quick acceleration, especially in Sport mode, but the torque delivery was sudden and could be surprising. The Sportage's suspension provided a smooth and compliant ride, with the SX Turbo getting upgraded brakes and exclusive 19-inch wheels. While fun to drive, the Sportage wasn't as refined as some competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a longer wheelbase and maximizing interior space. Despite its hatchback appearance, it was sized like an electric SUV, with a wheelbase longer than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. The Ioniq 5 had a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, with 106.5 cubic feet dedicated to passenger space. The cabin featured soft touchpoints and a moveable center console, enhancing comfort and usability. The leatherette seats were supportive and comfortable, making it a pleasant place for both driving and relaxing.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller, offered a remarkably roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. The Sportage had ample interior storage but fell short in cargo volume, with 60.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and 30.7 cubic feet behind the back seat. The smart liftgate technology was a convenient feature, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was packed with 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 gaining 68 miles of range in 5 minutes with a 350-kW charger. Hyundai partnered with Electrify America to offer unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years. The Ioniq 5 also featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, AI-powered voice recognition, 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 Kia Sportage came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims included UVO Link connected services, satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for volume and tuning, and logical onscreen menus. However, the UVO Link system lacked some modern features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring, making it less sophisticated compared to newer systems.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I (HAD) system offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also had a head-up display (HUD) with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver monitoring system. Higher trims included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received good crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX Turbo earning an Acceptable headlight rating, qualifying it for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.