2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on Hyundai’s electric vehicle lineup. Unlike its predecessor, which was available in several electrified variants, the Ioniq 5 purely focused on electric mobility, serving as the flagship model of Hyundai's new standalone EV sub-brand. The Ioniq 5’s Parametric Pixel design was a standout feature, drawing from the 8-bit aesthetics reminiscent of older video games. This design was evident throughout the car’s exterior in the form of LED pixel lighting present in the headlights, taillights, and even daytime running lights. The aerodynamic wheels, silver-contrast plastic bits, and the five horizontal lines around the vehicle added to its unique, slightly retro yet futuristic look.

In contrast, the Mazda CX-30 had the styling of a compact yet upscale vehicle. Its design cues were borrowed from its larger sibling, the CX-5, and it rode on the same platform as the sporty Mazda3. The smooth, flowing fenders and the upright grille created an elegant and cohesive design. However, its steeply raked windshield had a greenhouse effect, which could be a boon on cold days or a nuisance on hotter ones. Inside, the CX-30 was noted for its solid, quiet cabin, with an interior design blending conventional and digital interfaces seamlessly. While visually compelling, its infotainment system was more complex to navigate.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered multiple drive configurations and powertrains. The base SE Standard Range model came with a single 128-kW rear-mounted motor producing 168 horsepower and 220 miles of range. The extended-range variants, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, featured a larger 168-kW rear motor generating 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 303 miles. Opting for AWD transformed the setup into a dual-motor system delivering 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, although it reduced the range to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5’s dynamic abilities were average for a midsize crossover, with AWD variants demonstrating composure and control on hilly and straight roads alike. Four drive modes, including an efficient Sport mode, adjusted drive characteristics, but the range could rapidly decline with aggressive driving.

The Mazda CX-30 also presented solid performance credentials. The base model housed a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Test models featured the upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular fuel, and 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. Power was distributed via a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. In Sport mode, the CX-30 was particularly lively, thanks to adjusted throttle response and shift mapping which made it enjoyable to drive. The conventional shifter design and well-weighted steering offered refined handling, although the ride was notably firm over potholes and rough roads.

When evaluating interior space, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 excelled, largely thanks to its Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). This architecture resulted in a longer wheelbase—118.1 inches, longer than even Hyundai's Palisade, and more spacious than competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. Overall, the Ioniq 5 offered a generous total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet. The cargo capacity was slightly less at 27.2 cubic feet but traded off for a substantial passenger volume of 106.5 cubic feet. The cabin was comfortable and designed thoughtfully, with features such as a center console that slid fore and aft and exceptionally comfortable leatherette seats.

The Mazda CX-30 offered a more straightforward, albeit slightly less spacious, form and function. With the rear seats folded, the CX-30’s cargo space expanded to 45.2 cubic feet, and it provided 20.2 cubic feet with the seats in use. This capacity was average for the subcompact SUV segment. Despite a minor design flaw with the sliding center console cover, the interior offered deep pockets and plenty of space for personal items. Rear seats provided adequate headroom and were suited for short to medium trips, though they might be less comfortable over longer distances if compared to larger models like the CX-5.

In terms of technology, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 was quite robust. It featured an advanced high-voltage, energy-dense system capable of ultra-fast charging, supporting up to 800-volt infrastructures. This allowed the Ioniq 5 to gain up to 80 percent of its battery capacity in just 18 minutes and reach 68 miles of range in 5 minutes using a 350-kW charger. Additionally, the car could charge other EVs or even a home due to its vehicle-to-load capability. Infotainment-wise, the Ioniq 5 sported 12.3-inch anti-glare screens for both the instrument cluster and infotainment system, delivering a clear and intuitive user experience.

In comparison, the Mazda CX-30’s infotainment system aimed for elegance but fell short on usability. The system was controlled through a rotary dial/joystick and lacked touch functionality, which made navigating features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto frustrating. This approach, inspired by earlier versions of BMW's iDrive, was functional but could be maddening for some users. Nonetheless, once you adapted to it, it provided a plethora of features, although switching between presets and getting out of CarPlay remained cumbersome.

Safety features in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 were comprehensive, thanks to the Hyundai SmartSense suite. The Ioniq 5 included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and front- and rear-collision avoidance as standard. Another standout feature was the Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system that adapted to the owner's driving style through machine learning. An optional head-up display with augmented reality overlays added to the high-tech appeal but could be distracting. While official crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai’s strong track record in safety meant that high marks were expected.

The Mazda CX-30 also boasted a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, such as forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Turbo Premium Plus model added extras like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors, enhancing overall safety. Adaptive front headlights and a 360-degree camera provided additional safety and convenience, while the car also scored high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, achieving the top-level Top Safety Pick+ award.