2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

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 minimalist yet intricate exterior design, characterized by its Parametric Pixel theme, which incorporated numerous LED lights and pixelated elements. The Ioniq 5's aerodynamic wheels and silver-contrast plastic accents added to its unique aesthetic. Inside, the cabin offered a serene "Living Space" environment with sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, emphasizing comfort and eco-friendliness.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent an evolutionary redesign, maintaining its iconic broad, rounded face and unadorned sheet metal. The most noticeable change was at the rear, where thin LED strips replaced the old square taillights. The interior was simplified with fewer buttons and a larger touchscreen, while premium materials like leather and wood trim enhanced the luxurious feel. The Range Rover's spacious cabin, with its massage functions and ample storage, provided a refined and comfortable experience, setting it apart from competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, including rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. The extended-range variants, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, boasted a 168-kW rear motor with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, achieving a range of 303 miles. The AWD version, with a dual-motor system, delivered 320 hp 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 Sport mode for added excitement.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive (4WD). The P400 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, while the Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, thanks to features like rear-wheel steering and the Terrain Response system for off-road capability. The Range Rover prioritized a calm and composed driving experience over sporty performance.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) to maximize interior space and utility. Despite its hatchback appearance, it offered a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade, providing ample room for passengers. The Ioniq 5's interior boasted a total volume of 133.7 cubic feet, with a passenger volume of 106.5 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The cabin featured soft touchpoints, a moveable center console, and comfortable leatherette seats, emphasizing a "Living Space" theme.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover excelled in interior space, with generous room in the first two rows and excellent outward visibility. The front seats offered long-distance comfort with available massage functions, while the second row provided ample space for taller passengers. The optional third row, though limited in headroom, accommodated smaller passengers comfortably. The Range Rover's cargo space varied from 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row to 93 cubic feet with the seats folded. The split tailgate and air suspension height adjustment facilitated loading and unloading.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices and vehicles. It supported 800-volt charging infrastructures and offered ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5 also provided a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, 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 clear visibility.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover introduced a new Pivi Pro infotainment system with a larger 13-inch touchscreen, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, enhancing the Range Rover's luxury appeal.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) with standard features like 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. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were expected.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover came equipped with standard safety features, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. These features performed well, with the surround-view cameras proving especially useful off-road. While the Range Rover's safety features were adequate, some rivals offered additional items like advanced high beams and emergency stop functions. Crash test results were not available, which was typical for luxury SUVs.