2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on Hyundai's electrified mobility, distinct from the original Ioniq. It featured a minimalist yet intricate exterior design, with a focus on Parametric Pixel design elements that gave it a concept car feel. The interior was a stark contrast, offering a serene "Living Space" with sustainable materials and a zero-gravity "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat. The Ioniq 5's cabin was mellow and comfortable, with a focus on passenger comfort and eco-friendly materials.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was a sportier, more upscale version of the standard Atlas, with a lower roofline and a more compact design. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, in particular, stood out with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels and bold appearance. However, the interior, while spacious and comfortable, was marred by hard, glossy plastics that detracted from the overall quality. Despite this, the Atlas Cross Sport offered a roomy cabin with plenty of storage space and a panoramic sunroof that added to its airy feel.

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 a total output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well, with four drive modes, including a Sport mode that added excitement but reduced range. Paddle shifters allowed for adjusting regenerative braking, and the vehicle was notably quiet thanks to noise-reducing features.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The V6, which did not require premium fuel, also had a higher towing capacity of 5,000 pounds compared to the turbo-four's 2,000 pounds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and VW's 4Motion AWD system was available. The V6 felt more energetic in the two-row Cross Sport, but the ride quality was inconsistent, with a harsh urban ride and a too-soft feel at higher speeds. The V6 also returned an average of 19.2 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a longer wheelbase and maximizing interior space. Despite its hatchback appearance, it was sized like an electric SUV, with a wheelbase longer than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. The Ioniq 5 had a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, with a passenger volume of 106.5 cubic feet, making it roomier than competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The interior featured soft touchpoints, a moveable center console, and comfortable leatherette seats.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger seven-passenger Atlas, offering a spacious interior for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The panoramic sunroof added to the sense of space, and there was ample storage throughout the cabin. However, the lack of lining in storage areas could lead to rattles and scraping noises.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system that supported ultra-fast charging and vehicle-to-load capabilities. It could reach 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes and offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years through Electrify America. The Ioniq 5 also featured a redesigned Blue Link app, a digital key, enhanced smartphone pairing, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for better visibility.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen with additional features like wireless smartphone charging and SiriusXM with 360L. The infotainment system offered access to Car-Net connected services, but the user experience could be frustrating. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, which was highly praised.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. It also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 was expected to earn high safety ratings, though official scores were not yet available.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system as standard. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, and IQ Drive, which included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured a semi-autonomous Parking Steering Assistant and a 360-degree camera system. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings but did not earn the highest accolades.