2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from its predecessor, the original Ioniq. It showcased a polished exterior with minimal character lines, yet upon closer inspection, it revealed a complex design with its Parametric Pixel theme. This design was reminiscent of a concept car, with pixelated lighting elements throughout, including headlights and taillights. The Ioniq 5's interior contrasted its exterior with a calming "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow environment with sustainable materials and a unique "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat. The cabin was designed for comfort, featuring stain-resistant cloth seats and recycled materials, emphasizing Hyundai's commitment to eco-friendly design.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox presented a more traditional crossover appearance, with a restrained bodywork and a chunky front end that made the grille appear smaller. The Equinox was available in four trims, each offering either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Its interior, particularly in the Premier trim, featured two-tone leather upholstery and standard heated front seats. While the Equinox's interior design seemed dated compared to its competitors, it was practical and user-friendly, with a straightforward PRNDL shift lever and ample storage space. The Equinox's design focused on functionality, providing a comfortable and spacious environment for passengers.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, including rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 128-kW rear motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range variants, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, boasted a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and a 303-mile range. The AWD version combined a 74-kW front motor and a 165-kW rear motor, delivering 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 excelled in handling and offered four drive modes, including Sport mode, which enhanced driving dynamics but reduced range. The vehicle's quiet cabin and advanced regenerative braking system added to its appeal.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, produced 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration well, it struggled with higher-speed performance. The Equinox's six-speed automatic transmission, though outdated compared to competitors' offerings, provided a straightforward driving experience. The AWD system required manual engagement, adding a unique quirk to its operation. The Equinox's braking system, upgraded to an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system, offered smooth and predictable performance. Overall, the Equinox delivered a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience, despite its modest power output.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the Hyundai Palisade. It provided 133.7 cubic feet of total interior volume, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort with 106.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, while its 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space was slightly less than its rivals. The interior featured a moveable center console and comfortable leatherette seats, enhancing its practicality and comfort.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expanded to 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. While it fell short of some competitors in cargo capacity, it provided ample passenger space, accommodating taller individuals comfortably. The Equinox's interior featured higher-quality plastic components, numerous storage options, and a nearly silent power liftgate, contributing to its practicality and user-friendliness.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities and ultra-fast charging. It supported charging infrastructures up to 800 volts 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, and over-the-air updates. Its 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for improved visibility.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology offerings were straightforward, with a 7-inch touchscreen in lower trims and an 8-inch screen in the Premier trim. While not as flashy as some competitors, the Equinox's infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick response times and good voice recognition. It featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a wireless charging pad in the Premier trim. The driver-information display, though simple, provided useful features for a convenient driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and 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 offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting in practice. While official safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's strong track record with IIHS Top Safety awards suggested high expectations for the Ioniq 5.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox included standard ADAS features such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assistance. However, it lacked genuine Level 2 autonomous driving technology. The Equinox received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in the IIHS moderate overlap front crash test and marginally in the side-impact crash test.