2022 Lincoln Navigator 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 yet intricate exterior design, with a focus on Parametric Pixel design elements that gave it a concept car-like appearance. The vehicle's lighting, including headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights, was heavily pixelated, creating a unique visual effect. The interior, contrasting the exterior's complexity, was designed to be a "Living Space," offering a relaxing and sustainable environment with features like a zero-gravity resting position for the driver's seat and the use of recycled materials.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end received a new grille that some felt lacked the elegance of previous models. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a touch of sophistication, while the updated Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display brought the Navigator up to date with its competitors.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations, three trims, and three powertrains. The base model, SE Standard Range, featured a single 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and offering 220 miles of range. The extended-range variants, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, had a larger 168-kW rear motor with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, providing a range of 303 miles. The AWD versions had a dual-motor system with a total power output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, but the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well on various terrains, with four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle also featured paddle shifters for adjusting regenerative braking levels and had a quiet cabin due to noise-reducing features.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. It offered a towing capacity between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview, provided a smooth ride even on imperfect roads. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. The Navigator handled well in various conditions, including snow and mud, thanks to its 4WD system and 9.7 inches of ground clearance. The fuel economy for the 4WD model was 18 mpg in combined driving.

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. It provided a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, with a passenger volume of 106.5 cubic feet. The Ioniq 5's interior was designed for comfort, with features like a moveable center console and supportive leatherette seats. The vehicle's design allowed for easy entry and exit from either front door, adding to its practicality.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to offer exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats, which were heated, ventilated, and massaging. The second-row captain's chairs also featured heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The third-row seats provided ample space and comfort, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with a maximum volume of 103.3 cubic feet in the standard model and 120.2 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase version.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80 percent battery capacity in 18 minutes, and could charge other devices or even another EV. The Ioniq 5 also offered a redesigned Blue Link connected car app, digital key, enhanced smartphone pairing, 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 Lincoln Navigator received a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a more modern and user-friendly experience. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and featured a voice recognition system that performed well in most tests. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The Navigator also featured a new 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering an exceptional audio experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came equipped with 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 vehicle also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. A head-up display with augmented reality overlays was available, although it could be distracting in actual use. Safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available, but Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system became standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake to prevent unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection helped steer the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 took control of parking maneuvers, and ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. While ActiveGlide performed well, it required the driver to remain attentive, as it could not handle all situations independently.