2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the original Ioniq, by establishing itself as the first model in Hyundai's new EV-focused sub-brand. With its polished exterior, the Ioniq 5 showcased a minimalist design that avoided the flashy aesthetics often seen in other vehicles. However, upon closer inspection, the Ioniq 5 revealed a complex array of design elements, particularly its Parametric Pixel design, which incorporated numerous LED lights and pixelated patterns throughout the vehicle. This design choice, reminiscent of retro gaming graphics, was both fascinating and slightly overwhelming. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene and comfortable cabin, emphasizing a "Living Space" theme with sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, providing a zero-gravity resting position.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and sophistication, with a design that seamlessly blended the classic Range Rover aesthetic with a sporty, streamlined profile. The Velar's exterior featured a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a distinctive trapezoidal roof, all contributing to its unmistakable Range Rover identity. Special design elements, such as taillight lenses with depth illusions and air ducts reminiscent of high-performance sports cars, added to its allure. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sleek and modern, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. Despite its luxurious appearance, the Velar's interior was more compact than expected, with limited headroom and cargo space, highlighting the sacrifices made for its striking design.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, catering to different driving preferences. Available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, the Ioniq 5 featured rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive as an option. The base model, the SE Standard Range, delivered 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. The extended-range variants, with a larger motor, provided 225 horsepower and a range of 303 miles. The all-wheel-drive version boasted 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, though its range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its composed handling and four drive modes, including a Sport mode for added excitement. The vehicle's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, added an engaging element to the driving experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in improved handling and steering compared to previous Land Rover models. The Velar's base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. While the base engine provided adequate performance, the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, offered more power and efficiency. The Velar's mild-hybrid system contributed to reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Despite its street-focused design, the Velar retained some off-road capabilities, though it lacked the advanced features of larger Range Rover models.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which maximized interior space and utility. With a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade, the Ioniq 5 offered a spacious cabin with 133.7 cubic feet of interior volume. The vehicle prioritized passenger comfort, providing 106.5 cubic feet of passenger volume. The interior featured soft touchpoints and a moveable center console, enhancing usability. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to a range of driver sizes.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was more compact, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's interior design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were sometimes frustrating. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user experience with a simplified layout and faster response times.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. The Ioniq 5 supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes. Hyundai partnered with Electrify America to offer unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years. The Ioniq 5 also boasted a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and over-the-air updates. The vehicle's 12.3-inch screens provided clear and intuitive displays, even in bright conditions.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations, offering a user-friendly interface with logical arrangements and customizable features. The system included a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation capabilities. The Velar's instrument panel offered various display configurations, though its driving assist display was less detailed than competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

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 vehicle's Highway Drive Assist I system utilized machine learning to adapt to the driver's habits. A head-up display with augmented reality overlays was available, though it could be distracting. While official safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks for the Ioniq 5.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, though U.S. ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.