2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from the original Ioniq. It featured a minimalist exterior with a polished appearance, avoiding the flashy designs of some competitors. The Ioniq 5's Parametric Pixel design, inspired by 8-bit graphics, was both fascinating and frustrating, with pixelated lighting elements used extensively throughout the vehicle. The interior, in contrast, was calm and inviting, with a "Living Space" theme that emphasized comfort and relaxation. Sustainable materials were used throughout the cabin, including recycled fibers and bio-materials, making it an eco-friendly choice.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a long-standing favorite in the crossover SUV market, continued to evolve with its latest iteration. While its exterior design was more conventional, it featured angular flourishes and a distinctive front fascia that gave it a playful yet aggressive look. Inside, the RAV4 offered a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by a straightforward center stack. The interior design included unique geometric patterns that tied various elements together, creating a cohesive and visually appealing cabin.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations, three trims, and three powertrains. The base SE Standard Range model featured a single 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor, producing 168 horsepower and offering 220 miles of range. The extended-range models, 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 variants featured 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, with four drive modes, including Sport mode, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle was quiet and comfortable, thanks to noise-reducing features and a well-designed cabin.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains. The gasoline-only model had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy for FWD models was 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, while AWD models achieved slightly lower figures. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 217 hp and achieving 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid was the most powerful, with 302 hp and an electric-only range of 42 miles. Our test vehicle, a gasoline Adventure AWD model, delivered smooth and responsive performance, with car-like handling and a comfortable ride.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior with a long wheelbase of 118.1 inches, surpassing even the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. The Ioniq 5 provided 133.7 cubic feet of total interior volume, with 106.5 cubic feet dedicated to passenger space. The cabin featured soft touchpoints and a moveable center console, enhancing comfort and usability. The leatherette seats were supportive and comfortable, making long drives enjoyable.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while still classified as a small SUV, offered impressive cargo space with 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. It had a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, with different models rated for various towing limits. Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable for four passengers, with ample storage options and a well-designed front row. The second-row seating was less spacious but still functional for short trips.

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% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years through Electrify America. The Ioniq 5 also boasted a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, AI-powered voice recognition, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and easy to read, even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with a range of technology features, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, and compatibility with Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system with navigation. The RAV4 Prime offered additional tech, including multiple USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, a wireless charging pad, and a bird’s-eye view camera system. The top trim also featured a 10-inch color head-up display.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. The Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I (HAD) provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, although it could be distracting in use. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, and more. It also featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and road sign assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking assist. The RAV4 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation.