2022 Volkswagen Atlas 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 exterior, the interior of the Ioniq 5 was a sanctuary of calm, featuring a "Living Space" design with sustainable materials and a focus on comfort. The cabin offered a relaxing environment with features like a zero-gravity seating position, making it a unique blend of innovation and tranquility.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over its design from the previous year with minor updates, maintaining its big and boxy appeal. The Atlas offered a straightforward and functional interior, though some materials felt less premium than expected for its price range. The SEL Premium R-Line trim added upscale touches like 21-inch wheels and ambient lighting, but the abundance of hard plastics detracted from the overall experience. Despite these shortcomings, the Atlas excelled in providing a spacious and comfortable environment for passengers, with ample room for seven adults and numerous storage solutions.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, catering to different driving preferences. It came in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 128-kW 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, though the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was balanced, with a focus on comfort and efficiency rather than sporty dynamics. It featured four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's quiet cabin and advanced regenerative braking system further enhanced the driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6. The turbo-four produced 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and a combined fuel economy of 22-23 mpg. The V6, standard on higher trims, delivered 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, its performance was considered leisurely, and the engine's outdated design affected refinement. The Atlas featured multiple driving modes and an optional 4Motion AWD system, which improved handling and traction. Despite its size, the Atlas was easy to maneuver, thanks to its advanced driver assistance features and parking technologies.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximizing interior space and utility. With a wheelbase of 118.1 inches, it surpassed even the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. The Ioniq 5 offered 133.7 cubic feet of interior volume, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The cabin featured a moveable center console and a modern take on the front bench seat, enhancing versatility. The leatherette seats provided excellent comfort and support, catering to various body types.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space, accommodating seven passengers comfortably. The discontinuation of the base S trim meant cloth seats were no longer available, but V-Tex leatherette seating was standard. Higher trims added features like tri-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The Atlas offered exceptional cargo space, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 96.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. However, the unlined storage areas could lead to unwanted noise from items sliding around.

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 18 minutes, and offered two years of free fast-charging sessions through Electrify America. The Ioniq 5's multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, 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 improved visibility.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display as standard and a 10.25-inch version on higher trims. The Atlas SE had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and Car-Net services. The SEL Premium R-Line trim added a 12-speaker Fender sound system. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome interface. The voice recognition system required additional subscriptions for optimal functionality, making it less user-friendly.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. A head-up display with augmented reality overlays was available, though it could be distracting. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and the full IQ Drive suite with lane-keeping assistance and Emergency Assist. However, the Lane Assist system occasionally misinterpreted road markings, leading to potential safety concerns. The Atlas received decent crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.