2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

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 elements that gave it a concept car vibe. The interior was a stark contrast, offering a serene "Living Space" with sustainable materials and a zero-gravity relaxation mode for the driver. The Ioniq 5 was all about comfort and eco-friendliness, with a spacious cabin and thoughtful design touches.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, adventure-ready aesthetic, a nod to its 1980s SUV roots. Its high ride height, boxy proportions, and functional design elements like the sharply angled front bumper were all about off-road capability. Inside, the 4Runner's cabin was functional but dated, with a layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. It offered a range of trims, each with unique features, but the overall design prioritized utility over modern aesthetics.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came in three trims—SE, SEL, and Limited—and offered both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The base SE Standard Range featured a 128-kW rear motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models had a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a 303-mile range. The AWD variants boasted a dual-motor system with 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque but a reduced range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well, especially in Sport mode, but its primary focus was on comfort and efficiency rather than high performance.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was powered by a single 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and offered either rear-wheel drive or 4WD with low range. While the 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, it excelled off-road, thanks to features like Crawl Control and a locking differential. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it more capable than most car-based crossovers.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a spacious interior with a 118.1-inch wheelbase, longer than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. It provided 133.7 cubic feet of total interior volume, with 106.5 cubic feet dedicated to passenger space. The Ioniq 5's interior was designed for comfort, featuring a moveable center console and supportive leatherette seats. It prioritized passenger comfort over cargo space, offering 27.2 cubic feet of rear cargo space.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, with 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row. The three-row model had slightly less cargo space, with 88.8 cubic feet total and just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 4Runner's cabin was functional but not as spacious or efficiently designed as more modern SUVs. However, it featured a power-open/close rear window, making it easy to stow items in the back.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was packed with advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system that supported ultra-fast charging and vehicle-to-load capabilities. It featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and AI-powered voice recognition. The Ioniq 5 also boasted two 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, both with anti-glare coatings. Charging was a breeze, with the ability to reach 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes using a 350-kW charger.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It also included Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While the system was straightforward and relied on tactile controls, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. It also came with Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system that adapted to the driver's habits. The Ioniq 5 was expected to earn high safety ratings, although official scores were not yet available.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense suite, offering forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system were optional. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the NHTSA but only three stars for rollover testing.