2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the original Ioniq, by establishing itself as the first model under Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand dedicated solely to electric vehicles. This model showcased a sleek and polished exterior with minimal character lines, avoiding the flashy design trends seen in other automakers. However, the Ioniq 5's design was not without its quirks, as it featured an abundance of Parametric Pixel design elements reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics. These pixelated details were present in all lighting components, creating a concept car-like appearance. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a calming "Living Space" theme with a focus on comfort and sustainability, utilizing recycled materials and providing features like a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E embraced a bold design approach by incorporating iconic Mustang styling cues into a five-door electric crossover SUV. This move initially surprised enthusiasts but proved successful, as the Mach-E's design tied it visually to the legendary pony car. The Mach-E GT variant, in particular, exuded style and quality, featuring distinctive bumpers, unique 20-inch wheels, and a dark front panel resembling a traditional grille. Inside, the Mach-E GT offered a luxurious experience with sport-bolstered seats wrapped in artificial leather and synthetic suede, complemented by high-end materials and a sporty, high-tech ambiance. The Mach-E GT seamlessly blended past and present, creating an appealing vehicle that stood out in its price class.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of configurations, including rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, with three trims and powertrains. The base model, the Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range, featured a single 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and offering a range of 220 miles. The extended-range variants, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, boasted a larger 168-kW rear motor delivering 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 303 miles. Opting for AWD added a dual-motor system with a total power output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its composed handling and four drive modes, including a Sport mode for added excitement. However, spirited driving could quickly deplete the range, making it more suitable for leisurely drives.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a range of power and efficiency options, with configurations spanning from 266 to 480 horsepower and 317 to 634 lb-ft of torque. The Mach-E GT, equipped with an extended-range battery and AWD, delivered 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The GT Performance Edition package increased torque to 634 lb-ft but reduced the range to 260 miles. The Mach-E GT featured driving modes like Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled, with an exclusive Unbridled Extend mode for track use. While the Mach-E GT was undeniably fast, its steering lacked the sharpness expected from a performance-oriented vehicle. The ride quality was firm, but the Mach-E GT excelled in overall driving dynamics, offering an exciting experience with impressive efficiency.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximizing interior space and utility. Despite its hatchback appearance, the Ioniq 5 was sized like an electric SUV, boasting a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. With a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, it surpassed competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort with a measured passenger volume of 106.5 cu-ft, offering a spacious and comfortable cabin. The interior featured soft touchpoints and a moveable center console, enhancing usability and providing a modern take on retro design elements.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, as a crossover SUV, emphasized both form and function. It offered seating for up to five people and 34.1 cubic feet of cargo space, including a sizable front trunk (frunk). The Mach-E GT featured eight-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, wrapped in black ActiveX artificial leather with synthetic suede inserts. The interior included a stylish tiered center console with ample storage space. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a comfortable and airy environment, thanks to the panoramic glass roof. The Mach-E's cargo space measured 29.7 cu-ft, expandable to 59.7 cu-ft with the rear seats folded, providing versatility for various needs.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes, and offered the ability to charge other devices or vehicles. The Ioniq 5's multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, enhanced smartphone pairing, and over-the-air updates. The interior boasted elegant 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, finished with an anti-glare coating for clear visibility.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured a 15.5-inch touchscreen running on Ford's Sync 4A infotainment platform, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect services, and a navigation system. The system learned user habits and provided predictive suggestions, while the Bang & Olufsen premium sound system delivered excellent audio quality. The Mach-E also included a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display and Phone As A Key technology, allowing smartphone-based vehicle access and control.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system, learned driver habits for a personalized experience. The Ioniq 5 also offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting in practice. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high safety marks.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 technology, including the BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise 1.2 added features like lane-change and predictive speed assist functions. While impressive, the system required constant monitoring, and a head-up display would have been beneficial. The Mach-E received top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and was a Top Safety Pick for 2022. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not finalized crash-test ratings for the 2023 model.