2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The first-ever Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a revolutionary spinoff from the original Ioniq, marking a definitive move towards exclusively electrified mobility. Unlike its predecessor, which debuted in 2016 and offered full hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric variants, the 2022 Ioniq 5 positioned itself as the launchpad for the new Ioniq sub-brand dedicated to electric vehicles (EVs). This EV-only sub-brand was set to distinguish itself with numeric names indicating vehicle types, with odd numbers assigned to crossovers.

A first glance at the Hyundai Ioniq 5 revealed a polished and simplistic exterior. The body design avoided aggressive creases, presenting a sleek and futuristic profile highlighted by the so-called Parametric Pixel design. These tiny pixel-like elements, evocative of the 8-bit aesthetic, were used throughout the vehicle's LEDs, including headlights, taillights, daytime running lights, and turn signals. These details contributed to a fascinating yet somewhat frustrating exterior as they juxtaposed futuristic design elements with a retro-inspired appearance.

The Ioniq 5's exterior design also featured aerodynamic wheels with ornamental patterns extending into fender flares and horizontal silver-contrast lines along the vehicle’s bottom half, reminiscent of the Max Headroom era.

Inside, the cabin took a more subdued approach with its “Living Space” design theme. Available in hues of black, gray, and dark green, the interior was mellow and inviting. A highlight was the “Relaxation” mode, where the driver’s seat reclined and raised its footrest for a zero-gravity resting position, creating a truly tranquil environment.

Sustainability was another consideration, with seats made from stain-resistant cloth and higher trims featuring leatherette upholstery. The door inserts and seats incorporated recycled fibers and plastic bottles, while bio-materials such as bean oil and sugar cane were used for the carpet, dashboard, door panels, and headliner. The Parametric Pixel theme subtly made its way into the steering wheel, door inserts, and seat upholstery.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, in contrast, took a more rugged and unapologetically utilitarian approach. The fourth-generation JL Wrangler maintained its iconic boxy design, emphasizing its off-road prowess. Available in two-door or four-door Wrangler Unlimited configurations, it offered a range of customization options, including removing the doors and folding down the windshield for an unparalleled open-air experience. There were also various top options, including a hardtop, soft top, and the versatile Sky One-Touch power soft top.

The Jeep's aesthetic boasted wide fenders with the American flag, the trademark seven-slot grille, round headlights, and exterior hood latches, all lending to its unmistakably classic look. Notable new paint colors for 2023 included the limited-edition purple Reign and the gray Earl with an aquamarine tint, adding a touch of modern flair.

Inside, the Wrangler maximized practicality. Front seats were comfortable, and the interior featured robust and easy-to-clean materials. Nevertheless, rear seating felt cramped due to the small rear doors, limiting ease of access and space. Storage options were minimal, with a tiny glove box, center console, and a dashboard bin prone to overheating phones.

Overall, the Wrangler retained its emphasis on function over form, providing essential features for adventuring without the frills, maintaining a straightforward and robust style.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a blend of performance configurations with two drive options and three trims—SE, SEL, and Limited. The base model, the Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range, boasted a single 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor delivering 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range (introduced in spring 2022).

Extended-range models featured a larger 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, yielding a 303-mile range. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants housed a dual-motor system (a 74-kW front motor and a 165-kW rear motor), orchestrating a total power output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though compromising range to 256 miles.

Our Ioniq 5 Limited AWD tester showcased impressive composure on varied terrains, effortlessly navigating canyon roads and highways around San Diego County. It provided four drive modes, with Sport mode enhancing torque distribution and steering but significantly reducing available range. This mode sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds—impressive but range-consuming.

The Ioniq 5 incorporated paddle shifters for adjusting regenerative braking levels, with four modes and an i-Pedal one-pedal driving setting. The single-speed transmission kept the ride smooth and the vehicle silent, aided by noise-reducing foam inserts in the tires and extensive NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) reduction techniques.

For the 2023 Jeep Wrangler, off-road performance was its hallmark, featuring solid axles, optional differential lockers, and diverse engine choices. The standard V6 engine delivered 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, complemented by an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. Alternatively, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder offered 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Torque enthusiasts had the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 producing 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque or the high-performance Wrangler Rubicon 392 with a 6.4-liter V8 unleashing 470 hp and torque. Eco-conscious off-roaders could choose the Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid, delivering 21 miles of all-electric range courtesy of its two electric motors and 17.3 kWh battery pack.

Our test Wrangler 392 boasted aggressive power, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds while adeptly handling dunes and rocks. The Xtreme Recon package enhanced off-road capabilities with a 58:1 crawl ratio. However, the 392’s brakes and steering showed significant deficiencies, lacking adequate upgrades to match the V8’s performance, making braking a daunting task.

While less powerful Wrangler variants offered better-suited brakes and steering, the comparison with the new Ford Bronco showed Jeep trailing slightly in comfort and on-road stability, although dedicated off-road enthusiasts might not notice the subtle differences.

The Ioniq 5 utilized Hyundai’s all-new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), designed to maximize EV potential and interior space. Its wheelbase, measuring 118.1 inches, surpassed even Hyundai’s seven-passenger Palisade, and outclassed competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. Though shorter overall, the Ioniq 5 offered an impressive 133.7 cubic feet of interior volume—roomier than both rivals.

Passenger space in the Ioniq 5 was generous, prioritizing comfort over cargo. It provided 106.5 cu-ft for passengers compared to Mustang Mach-E’s 101.1 cu-ft and ID.4’s 99.9 cu-ft. Cargo space, however, was comparatively smaller at 27.2 cu-ft, lagging behind the ID.4 and Mustang Mach-E.

Hybridizing retro and modern elements, the Ioniq 5’s interior featured a movable center console for enhanced versatility, leatherette seats offering plush support, and ample soft-touch surfaces. The clever use of space and sustainable materials added to its appeal.

Conversely, the Jeep Wrangler focused on rugged practicality, offering an open-air experience with multiple top options. The interior was functional, with comfortable front seats but cramped rear seating, especially in the four-door models. Storage solutions were sparse, with tiny glove boxes and center consoles.

Cargo capacity in the Wrangler was 72.4 cubic feet with rear seats folded, adequate but slightly overshadowed by the Bronco. The Wrangler’s flexible top configurations and abundant charging points added utility for adventurers. Despite limited luxury features, it upheld its reputation for robustness and off-road readiness.

In terms of technology, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 wowed with cutting-edge features. It had a high-voltage energy-dense system supporting ultra-fast charging and vehicle-to-load capabilities. The Ioniq 5 could reach 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes and gain 68 miles of range in just five minutes via a 350-kW charger. A partnership with Electrify America granted owners unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years.

The infotainment system included redesigned Blue Link app features, digital key, AI-enhanced voice recognition, and over-the-air updates. Twin 12.3-inch anti-glare screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were both intuitive and aesthetically pleasing.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler’s technology was more straightforward. The standard 7-inch touchscreen with Uconnect infotainment system could be upgraded to an 8.4-inch screen. The system featured off-road pages, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It lacked tech overkill, with practical additions like a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories. No digital keys or over-the-air performance updates were present.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came well-equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of ADAS, featuring blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. Highway Drive Assist I offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control that adapted to the driver’s habits. Though crash-safety ratings were pending, Hyundai’s strong safety track record was a reassuring factor.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler had limited standard safety features, offering just a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Higher trims and option packages added blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Lane-keeping assist was absent. IIHS and NHTSA ratings revealed mixed results, with subpar headlight performance and rollover ratings highlighting areas for improvement.