2022 Toyota Venza 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 futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics. The exterior was a blend of minimalistic lines and intricate lighting details, creating a concept car-like appearance. Despite its bold design, the Ioniq 5's interior offered a contrastingly serene and spacious environment, emphasizing comfort and sustainability with its use of recycled materials and innovative features like the "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza reemerged with a refined and modern design, drawing inspiration from the Lexus lineup. Its exterior featured elegant proportions and a distinctive scalloped body side, while the interior exuded luxury with high-quality materials and a well-thought-out layout. The Venza's cabin was designed for comfort, offering ample space for passengers and a range of convenience features. The overall design was more conventional compared to the Ioniq 5, focusing on delivering a sophisticated and quiet driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a versatile range of powertrains and configurations. It came in three trims—SE, SEL, and Limited—with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 128-kW rear motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. The extended-range variants boasted a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and a 303-mile range. The AWD version delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, albeit with a reduced range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its smooth handling and four drive modes, including a Sport mode for added excitement. Its regenerative braking system and noise-reducing features contributed to a quiet and efficient ride.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, powered by a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, produced a combined 219 horsepower. Its hybrid system seamlessly balanced electric and gas power for optimal efficiency. The Venza offered multiple drive modes, including EV mode for short distances, and utilized regenerative braking to recharge its battery. While not designed for aggressive driving, the Venza provided a comfortable and agile ride, making it an ideal choice for family transportation. Its hybrid powertrain eliminated the need for charging infrastructure, offering a practical solution for those concerned about range anxiety.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform, maximized interior space with its long wheelbase. Despite its hatchback appearance, it offered SUV-like dimensions, providing ample room for passengers. The Ioniq 5's interior boasted a total volume of 133.7 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. Its innovative design included a moveable center console and comfortable leatherette seats, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Venza accommodated five passengers with its spacious two-row seating arrangement. The interior featured a range of convenience features, including power-adjustable seats, a large glove compartment, and multiple cupholders. The Venza's lithium-ion battery pack was cleverly positioned beneath the second-row seats, preserving cargo space. With up to 55.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity, the Venza offered practicality for everyday use. Toyota's focus on sound insulation ensured a quiet and serene cabin environment.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes. Hyundai's partnership with Electrify America provided owners with two years of unlimited fast-charging sessions. The Ioniq 5 also introduced a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and AI-powered voice recognition. Its 12.3-inch screens offered clear and intuitive displays, even in bright conditions.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, equipped with a hybrid powertrain, eliminated the need for charging infrastructure. Its Predicted Efficient Drive program optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The Venza's infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The Limited trim added a JBL audio system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a head-up display. Toyota Connected Services provided a range of features, including safety and remote connectivity.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I system offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities, adapting to the driver's habits. While official safety ratings were pending, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks for the Ioniq 5.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, offering stability control, traction control, and multiple airbags. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.