2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The first-ever 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a spinoff, not a reboot, of the original Ioniq, emphasizing a new theme: electrified mobility. Unlike its predecessor, which debuted in 2016 with hybrid and electric variants, the Ioniq 5 stood out as the first vehicle under Hyundai’s new Ioniq EV sub-brand, promising future naming conventions where even numbers signify sedans and odd numbers signify crossovers.

The Ioniq 5's exterior design was polished yet intricate. It featured a minimalist approach, avoiding the aggressive cuts in sheet metal that other automakers tended to use. Instead, its design hinged on the "Parametric Pixel" theme that infused 8-bit, pixelated aesthetics throughout the vehicle, particularly in its extensive lighting array, which included headlights, taillights, and turn signals. Moreover, the vehicle boasted aerodynamic wheels with detailed designs that extended into the fender flares and featured five horizontal lines creating a sleek look around its lower body.

Inside, the Ioniq 5 was a sanctuary of calm with its “Living Space” design, showcasing black, gray, and dark green hues that created a tranquil atmosphere. The cabin featured innovative elements like a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat, which allowed for a zero-gravity resting position, and used sustainable materials, such as stain-resistant cloth and recycled fibers. Despite its edgy external features, the interior maintained a mellow ambiance.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, meanwhile, had evolved since its introduction in 2007, achieving significant redesigns that positioned it as a top contender among compact SUVs. The 2021 transformation gave it a more mature and sophisticated look, which was carried forward into the 2022 model.

The Rogue’s exterior design echoed other Nissan models, especially the Pathfinder, with its V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and neatly integrated LED fog lamps. Elements like active grille shutters and underbody covers enhanced airflow dynamics. Its floating roof, accented by dark pillars, gave it a sleek appearance, and the bulging liftgate offered a robust finish.

Inside, the Rogue continued to impress with a layered dashboard design featuring distinct horizontal layers, available in contrasting colors on certain trims. An electronic gear selector lever opened up space in the center console, allowing for a generous storage area beneath it, suitable for larger items. The cabin also featured a 9-inch center infotainment display and options for digital instrument clusters in upper trims, further emphasizing its modern and user-friendly design. Comfort was elevated with Nissan's Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats, providing ample support and roominess for passengers.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a variety of configurations, encompassing three trims—SE, SEL, and Limited—and multiple powertrains. The base model, the SE Standard Range, came with a 128-kW rear electric motor producing 168 horsepower and offering 220 miles of range. The extended-range versions, which were more prevalent, included a 168-kW rear motor generating 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, providing a single-charge range of 303 miles. The AWD variants, featuring dual motors, boasted a combined output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, albeit with a reduced range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's RWD configuration contributed to its balanced driving dynamics, though it wasn't aimed at performance enthusiasts.

The driving experience was enhanced by four modes, including Sport, which slightly boosted excitement by adjusting torque distribution and steering weight but significantly impacted range. The Ioniq 5 featured a single-speed transmission with paddle shifters for adjusting regenerative braking levels, and its noise-reducing features—such as acoustic tires and sound-deadening materials—ensured a quiet ride.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a major boost with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, a technological marvel that contributed to the vehicle's dynamic performance. With 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, this engine offered a 11% increase in horsepower and a 24% torque increase over the previous model. The variable compression engine seamlessly adjusted the combustion chamber size to optimize power or efficiency as needed. Coupled with a new CVT that had wider gear ratios, the Rogue delivered a more authoritative launch and improved passing power.

Fuel efficiency also improved, with the EPA estimating 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. The enhanced performance was complemented by a well-tuned chassis and suspension that provided a controlled and smooth ride, with minimal body roll and precise electric power-assisted steering.

The Ioniq 5 was built on Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering significant advantages in terms of EV capabilities and interior space distribution. It was deceptively larger than it appeared, with a wheelbase of 118.1 inches, surpassing the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. This spacious design provided a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, ahead of competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The focus was clearly on passenger comfort, as evidenced by the expansive 106.5 cubic feet of passenger volume. Cargo space, however, was on the lower end at 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

The cabin design facilitated excellent usability by incorporating features like a movable center console and a "bench" seat concept for easier entry and exit. The seats, made from leatherette and sustainable materials, provided a high level of comfort and support.

Nissan’s 2022 Rogue excelled in form and function with its thoughtful design. The vehicle offered an impressive 31.6 to 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which when folded flat, expanded to a generous 74.1 cubic feet. The interior was replete with storage solutions—from bottle holders in the doors, cupholders in the console, multiple outlets for charging, to a decent-sized glove compartment and a center console bin.

In the rear, passengers enjoyed separate storage options and USB charging ports, creating a practical and comfortable space for all occupants. The second-row seats were flexible with a 60/40 split reclining bench, adding to the vehicle's practicality.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 showcased groundbreaking technology. It featured a high-voltage energy-dense system capable of ultra-fast charging, achieving 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes. The vehicle-to-load capability allowed it to charge other devices, vehicles, or even a home. In real-world tests, a 350-kW charger enabled a full charge in just under 43 minutes. Hyundai offered free 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years through Electrify America’s network. The Ioniq 5 also came with advanced multimedia features such as a redesigned Blue Link connected car app, digital keys, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch instrument cluster and infotainment screens were designed with anti-glare coatings, ensuring clarity, even with polarized sunglasses.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue carried forward the technological upgrades from its previous makeover. Upper trims featured three prominent screens: a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The infotainment system supported Google Maps, Waze, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with wireless CarPlay available on higher trims.

The ProPilot Assist system integrated with the navigation system to offer predictive speed control and near-autonomous driving features. Nissan’s Intelligent Key allowed for easy access to both front and rear doors, enhancing convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came equipped with the Hyundai SmartSense suite, including features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. The Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I (HAD) offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities, adapting to the driver’s tendencies over time. The vehicle also featured an available head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though some users found this to be slightly distracting. While NHTSA and IIHS had not yet released crash ratings for the Ioniq 5, Hyundai’s recent history of high safety awards suggested that it would perform well.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue was equipped with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, featuring automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. It boasted ten supplemental airbags and advanced driver-alert systems. The ProPilot Assist system amplified these features, offering a semi-autonomous driving experience with adaptive cruise control. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS for the 2021 model, reinforcing its reputation for high safety standards.