2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a fresh start for Hyundai’s Ioniq brand. Despite being a spinoff rather than a reboot of the original Ioniq, the new model aimed to encapsulate electrified mobility. At first glance, the Ioniq 5 presented a polished exterior with minimal character lines, avoiding the aggressive styling that other automakers sometimes adopt. Yet, closer inspection revealed a complex array of design elements. This vehicle featured a Parametric Pixel design with numerous pixelated LEDs across all its lights, resembling a concept car more than a production model.

The aerodynamically designed wheels and intricate details such as arches within the fender flares and five horizontal lines circumnavigating the vehicle's bottom half contributed to a distinct yet sometimes overwhelming aesthetic. Inside, the cabin provided a stark contrast with its mellow yet sophisticated “Living Space” design theme. Available in colors like black, gray, and dark green, the interior was a sanctuary of comfort, enhanced by features like “Relaxation” mode. The environmentally friendly materials used, including stain-resistant cloth seats and recycled fibers, aligned with its zero-emission ethos. Parametric Pixel designs also subtly integrated into the steering wheel, door inserts, and seat upholstery, added a consistent design thread throughout the vehicle.

The 2023 Ford Bronco, available in nine trim levels, flaunted a blend of retro-cool styling and modern engineering. The recognizable blocky, upright shape, paired with a wide grille and large round headlights, set it apart. Its trims ranged from the basic Base model with primitive aesthetics, complete with steel wheels, to the top-tier Raptor, boasting a wide stance, elevated height, and huge fender flares. The Heritage and Heritage Limited trims added vintage appeal with features such as a white grille, roof, and unique plaid seat upholstery.

Functional elements were not sacrificed for style. Practical design features included cleats above the headlights for securing cargo and raised "fins" that helped drivers gauge vehicle corners relative to obstacles. Inside, a rugged theme persisted with a distinctive, broad dashboard, sealed switches and buttons, and waterproof marine-grade vinyl upholstery. Handy additions like grid-like mesh on seat backs and replaceable sturdy handholds emphasized durability and utility, even if the materials tended to be less refined than those found in more traditional SUVs.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with a choice between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). Its powertrains included a base model SE Standard Range, equipped with a 128-kW rear motor producing 168 hp and offering up to 220 miles of range. Higher trims featured a 168-kW rear motor with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, extending the range to 303 miles. The AWD variant combined a 74-kW front motor with a 165-kW rear motor to deliver 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped slightly to 256 miles.

Despite being a midsize crossover, the Ioniq 5 delivered a balanced driving experience. The AWD Limited trim especially impressed during tests on varying terrain, maintaining control and composure. The four driving modes included a Sport mode, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under five seconds. However, spirited driving could significantly reduce the range. Paddle shifters allowed for adjusting regenerative braking levels, which added an engaging dimension to driving.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Bronco offered a choice of three powerful engines. The base 2.3-liter four-cylinder delivered 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, available with either a seven-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic. A 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 upped the ante to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with the automatic transmission. The Raptor took it further with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, churning out 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All versions featured four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case.

The four-cylinder engine proved sufficient for most conditions, while the 2.7-liter V6 was better suited for the heavier four-door model. The Raptor's engine provided an exhilarating surplus of power. Despite its off-road focus, the Bronco maintained decent on-road manners. The ride quality, though bouncier than typical SUVs, was less disruptive than that of the Jeep Wrangler, and the interior was quieter. High-riding dimensions necessitated extra caution on curving roads, but maneuverability remained manageable, especially with various camera views aiding in tight spots.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured a new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which boosted interior space and utility. Though it looked like a hatchback, it was sized like an electric SUV, featuring a 118.1-inch wheelbase—longer than Hyundai’s seven-passenger Palisade’s 114.2 inches. Compared to competitors, it offered more room, with 133.7 cubic feet of total interior volume compared to the Mustang Mach-E’s 117.4 and Volkswagen ID.4’s 108.9 inches. Passenger space was equally generous, with 106.5 cubic feet of volume, outdoing its rivals.

Despite having only 27.2 cubic feet of rear cargo space, which was less than the ID.4 and Mustang Mach-E, the Ioniq 5 focused more on passenger comfort. It provided an innovative “Living Space” design, with moveable center armrests and a modern front bench seat for flexible ingress and egress. The seats were described as incredibly comfortable, combining adequate support with a cozy feel.

In the case of the 2023 Ford Bronco, its boxy design translated into ample interior space. The two-door and four-door models catered to different needs, with the latter providing easier rear seat access and more practical rear seats. In terms of cargo space, the two-door Bronco offered up to 22.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 52.3 cubic feet when folded. The four-door model expanded these figures to 35.6 and 77.6 cubic feet, respectively. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, which could make transporting longer items or sleeping in the back less convenient.

Storage solutions were abundant, featuring netted door pockets, a rubberized tray for secure phone storage, and optional accessory rails. Off-road enthusiasts could appreciate easily removable fenders and doors, with the standard doors stowable in the vehicle’s back area.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 showcased next-level technology, starting with its high-voltage energy-dense system. It supported vehicle-to-load capabilities, providing ultra-fast charging that could achieve 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes. In real-world testing, a full charge took approximately 42 minutes and 52 seconds. Hyundai also offered two years of unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions via Electrify America.

Infotainment systems included redesigned Blue Link apps, simplified for EV charge management and seamlessly integrating with virtual assistants. Featuring elegant 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, complete with anti-glare coatings, the displays remained readable even under challenging conditions like wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Ford Bronco combined off-road prowess with modern technology. The G.O.A.T. drive modes simplified off-road tackling for novices while remaining manually selectable for experienced drivers. Multiple camera views provided visibility in tight situations, with features like Trail Turn Assist aiding sharp turns by braking the inside rear wheel.

The Bronco’s infotainment didn’t lag, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Ford’s SYNC 4 system. Though most Broncos came standard with an eight-inch touchscreen, the optional 12-inch display improved usability.

The safety systems of the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 extended its high-tech profile. Hyundai SmartSense provided advanced driver assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and front and rear collision avoidance. Highway Drive Assist I used machine learning to adapt the vehicle’s cruise control to the driver’s tendencies. An optional head-up display with augmented reality overlays offered an innovative addition, though it might distract some drivers.

Unfortunately, neither the NHTSA nor IIHS had published safety ratings for the Ioniq 5, but Hyundai’s consistent record for safety suggested high marks were likely forthcoming.

For the 2023 Ford Bronco, the NHTSA awarded the four-door model four out of five stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS gave it a "Good" rating in most crashworthiness tests, with an "Acceptable" rating for head restraints and seats. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, hill-start and hill-descent control, trailer-sway assist, and Trail Turn Assist. Options such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system enhanced driver aid capabilities, particularly in the High and Luxe packages.