2022 Nissan Armada vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

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 was reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics. The Ioniq 5's exterior was a blend of polished simplicity and complex design elements, with an abundance of LED lights and pixelated details. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene and spacious cabin, emphasizing comfort and sustainability. The interior featured a "Living Space" design theme, with options for black, gray, and dark green hues, and incorporated eco-friendly materials like recycled fibers and bio-materials. The cabin's layout was practical, with a moveable center console and a focus on passenger comfort, making it a relaxing environment for both drivers and passengers.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Armada was a full-size SUV that exuded a commanding presence with its substantial dimensions and bold design. The Armada's exterior featured sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and tasteful chrome accents, giving it a luxurious appearance. The SUV's size was not just for show; it provided ample interior space for up to eight passengers, with comfortable seating options and a range of materials from durable cloth to quilted leather in higher trims. The Armada's interior was designed for practicality, with features like a one-touch fold and flip second row for easy access to the rear seats and numerous storage options throughout the cabin. The Armada's size also translated into impressive cargo capacity, making it a versatile choice for families and those needing to transport large loads.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, catering to different driving preferences. It came in three trims—SE, SEL, and Limited—and featured rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trims. The base model, the SE Standard Range, was equipped with a single 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. The extended-range variants, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, featured a larger 168-kW rear motor, producing 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 303 miles. The all-wheel-drive version boasted a dual-motor system with a total output of 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, though the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its smooth handling and composed ride, with four drive modes, including a Sport mode for added excitement. The vehicle's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, added an element of gamification to the driving experience.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive as standard and four-wheel drive available. The Armada's performance was impressive for its size, with the ability to tow up to 8,500 pounds and carry up to eight passengers. Despite its weight, the Armada offered a smooth and controlled ride, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and 22-inch wheels on the Platinum trim. The SUV's braking system, featuring 13.8-inch vented disc brakes and advanced electronic systems, provided reliable stopping power. While the Armada's fuel economy was modest, with EPA ratings of 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway for RWD models, its performance capabilities made it a formidable choice for those needing a powerful and capable SUV.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which maximized interior space and utility. Despite its hatchback appearance, the Ioniq 5 offered a spacious cabin with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. The Ioniq 5's interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet exceeded that of its competitors, providing ample passenger space with 106.5 cubic feet of passenger volume. The cabin featured soft touchpoints and practical design elements, such as a moveable center console and a retro-inspired front bench seat. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to a range of driver sizes.

The 2022 Nissan Armada's size was a key feature, providing generous interior space for up to eight passengers. The first row featured comfortable bucket seats with power adjustments, while the second row offered a choice between a 60/40-split bench seat or captain's chairs. The third row was spacious enough for three passengers and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada's interior was designed for practicality, with numerous storage options and a power liftgate available on higher trims. The SUV's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 95.4 cubic feet of space available with the second and third rows folded down.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. This allowed the Ioniq 5 to support ultra-fast charging and even charge other devices or vehicles. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link connected car app, digital key, and advanced multimedia features, including 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. These screens were intuitive and finished with an anti-glare coating for easy readability.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came with standard NissanConnect technology, featuring a 12.3-inch color touchscreen with a customizable split-screen option. The Armada's tech features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, navigation, and a range of audio options, including a Bose audio system on higher trims. The SUV also offered connectivity features like wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, as well as a "Family Entertainment System" on Platinum models.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The Ioniq 5 also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. While safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included high beam assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Armada also offered adaptive cruise control, intelligent lane intervention, and an intelligent rear-view mirror. The SUV was equipped with dual-stage front airbags, side impact airbags, and curtain airbags for all three rows. While safety ratings were not available, the Armada's comprehensive safety features provided peace of mind for drivers.