2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a bold step into the future of electrified mobility, marking a departure from the original Ioniq's hybrid roots. This new model, the first of the Ioniq sub-brand, showcased a unique Parametric Pixel design that was both fascinating and polarizing. Its exterior was a blend of minimalistic lines and intricate pixelated lighting elements, reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics. Despite its futuristic 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, including a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more traditional European design language, moving away from its earlier blocky aesthetic. The refreshed model featured a more conventional front end with a stylish LED light bar and a prominent Ford logo. The Escape's interior, particularly in the ST-Line Elite trim, offered diamond-stitched leather upholstery and a well-organized cabin layout. While the materials felt durable, they lacked the premium softness found in higher-end vehicles. The Escape's design was more about practicality and comfort, with a focus on ergonomics and ease of use.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 168-horsepower single motor in the SE Standard Range, which provided 220 miles of range. The extended-range models, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, featured a 225-horsepower motor with a 303-mile range. The AWD variant boasted 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, though its range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was solid for a midsize crossover, with a focus on comfort and control 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 2023 Ford Escape offered two engine options: a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder with 180 horsepower and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 250 horsepower. The latter, available in higher trims, provided better acceleration and passing power. Despite its impressive output, the Escape was not a performance crossover, with a soft suspension and no paddle shifters for manual gear changes. The Escape excelled in comfort, with well-weighted steering and predictable braking, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform, maximized interior space with a long wheelbase, offering 133.7 cubic feet of total interior volume. It provided ample passenger space, with 106.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, prioritizing comfort over cargo capacity. The interior featured a moveable center console and comfortable leatherette seats, enhancing the "Living Space" theme.

The 2023 Ford Escape, while comfortable, fell short in cargo space compared to some competitors, offering 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. Passenger space was adequate, with good headroom and supportive front seats. The Escape's interior was practical, with well-positioned armrests and a user-friendly layout.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities and ultra-fast charging. It featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and over-the-air updates. The Ioniq 5's 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and easy to read, even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Ford Escape featured the Sync 4 system, with an optional 13.2-inch touchscreen that enhanced the cabin's look. The system was intuitive, with easy navigation between applications like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While Sync 4 was slightly slow to respond, its layout and features were impressive, making it a strong point for the Escape.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, offering a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning. It also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. While official safety ratings were not available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks for the Ioniq 5.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to a Marginal score in the side-impact test. The Escape's Co-Pilot360 suite included standard features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring, with optional upgrades for more advanced driver-assist systems.