2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a significant departure from the original Ioniq, marking the beginning of Hyundai's standalone EV brand. It featured a minimalist yet intricate exterior design, characterized by the extensive use of Parametric Pixel design elements. These 8-bit-inspired pixels were integrated into all the lighting components, creating a futuristic and somewhat polarizing look. The Ioniq 5's aerodynamic wheels and silver-contrast plastic bits added to its unique aesthetic, while the interior offered a stark contrast with its "Living Space" theme, providing a mellow and comfortable environment with sustainable materials and a zero-gravity "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid represented a bold evolution in the CR-V lineup. The sixth-generation model was more assertive and truck-like, with a longer and wider stance that gave it a muscular appearance. The classic D-pillar taillights were modernized with three L shapes, and the overall design was more aggressive. The Sport Touring trim, in particular, featured black roof rails, mirrors, and wheels, along with dual chrome exhaust finishers. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed the design direction of the new Civic and HR-V, with high-quality materials, contrast stitching, and a honeycomb grille surrounding the climate control vents, creating a premium feel.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations. It came in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor, producing 168 horsepower and offering 220 miles of range. The extended-range models, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, had a larger 168-kW rear motor, delivering 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 303 miles. The AWD variants had a dual-motor system with a total output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, but the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was middle-of-the-road for a midsize crossover, with a 0-60 mph time of under 5 seconds in AWD configuration. It featured four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The paddle shifters allowed for adjusting regenerative braking levels, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid, on the other hand, combined a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, with a top speed of 115 mph. The hybrid powertrain was paired with Sport styling and extra features, making it a compelling choice for those seeking both power and efficiency. The CR-V Hybrid introduced a fourth drive mode, Snow, in addition to Sport, Normal, and Econ, adjusting accelerator response for different driving conditions. The Real Time AWD system could now send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels, and a new "B" shifter position allowed for increased regenerative braking, approximating a one-pedal driving experience. The CR-V Hybrid also offered a front-wheel drive (FWD) option, achieving 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which maximized interior space and utility. Despite its hatchback appearance, it was sized like an electric SUV, with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. The Ioniq 5 offered a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, with 106.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it roomier than competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The interior featured soft touch points, a moveable center console, and comfortable leatherette seats. The design emphasized usability and comfort, with ample storage space and a modern take on the retro front bench seat.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to more interior volume, with 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. This was comparable to the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and more than the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Sport Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate, and all CR-Vs had wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 41 inches, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The interior design included a cubby for smartphones, eight cupholders, and a traditional console with best-in-class storage.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported charging infrastructures up to 800 volts and could reach 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes using a 350-kW charger. The Ioniq 5 also offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years through Electrify America. The multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, enhanced smartphone pairing, 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 better visibility.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen display with physical volume and tuning knobs, while the Sport Touring trim had a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob and hard Seek buttons. Both Hybrid models included two USB-A and two USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and heated front seats. The Sport Touring trim added driver’s seat memory, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, heated steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi capability, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system. The smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I (HAD) was also standard, featuring machine-learning adaptive cruise control with stop & go. The Ioniq 5 was expected to earn high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), given Hyundai's track record of receiving more IIHS Top Safety awards than any other brand in the past five years.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid included the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies as standard, with new and updated systems for 2023. These included improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. New safety features included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, low-speed braking control, a blind-spot information system, and a cross-traffic monitor. The CR-V Hybrid also had new airbags, dashboard patches, and a 15% stiffer structure for additional protection. It had earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.