2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from its predecessor, the original Ioniq. It marked the beginning of Hyundai's standalone Ioniq brand, dedicated solely to electric vehicles. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a blend of minimalistic character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics. This design choice made the Ioniq 5 appear more like a concept car than a production model, with its extensive use of pixelated lighting across all its LEDs. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene "Living Space" interior, featuring sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, emphasizing comfort and eco-friendliness.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder carried forward its 2022 redesign with minimal changes, except for the introduction of the Rock Creek trim. The Pathfinder's design combined traditional SUV elements with modern aesthetics, resulting in a vehicle that remained visually appealing over time. Its interior was characterized by clean lines and a practical layout, making it user-friendly and comfortable. The Pathfinder offered a range of trims, each with varying levels of equipment, from the basic S trim to the luxurious Platinum trim, catering to different preferences and needs.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, including rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 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 motor with 225 hp and a range of 303 miles. The AWD version, with a dual-motor system, delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though its 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. The vehicle's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, added an element of gamification to the driving experience.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The Rock Creek trim offered a slightly higher output of 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. Power was transmitted through a 9-speed automatic transmission to either front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD). The Pathfinder's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Rock Creek trim, featuring a taller suspension and off-road shocks. The vehicle's rotary drive mode dial allowed for easy selection of various driving modes, including Eco, Sport, and All-Terrain. The Pathfinder's towing capacity reached up to 6,000 pounds in the Rock Creek trim, making it a versatile choice for those needing to tow heavy loads.

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, the Ioniq 5's wheelbase was longer than that of the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade, offering a spacious cabin with 133.7 cubic feet of total interior volume. The vehicle prioritized passenger comfort with 106.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, while its cargo space was slightly smaller at 27.2 cubic feet. The interior featured a moveable center console and comfortable leatherette seats, providing a modern take on retro design elements.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded flat. With all seats upright, it provided 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which was average for midsize three-row SUVs. The first two rows offered ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. The optional second-row captain's chairs facilitated easy access to the third row. The Pathfinder's interior was equipped with numerous cupholders and storage compartments, enhancing its practicality. The Rock Creek trim featured a robust roof rack capable of holding up to 220 pounds, adding to its utility.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with advanced technology, including 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 unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years through Electrify America. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and over-the-air updates. Its 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegantly designed and finished with an anti-glare coating, ensuring clarity even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with larger 9-inch screens available on higher trims. While the graphics were not the most cutting-edge, the system was user-friendly, with real buttons and dials. The Pathfinder offered Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and voice recognition as standard features. Higher trims added wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless device charging, and additional USB ports. While not the most technologically advanced, the Pathfinder provided essential features to keep devices charged and connected.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system, adapted to the driver's habits through machine learning. 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 for the Ioniq 5.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came with standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The SV trim added ProPilot Assist with lane centering and adaptive cruise control, while the SL trim included front parking sensors and a 360-degree parking monitor. The Platinum trim offered rain-sensing wipers and a head-up display. The Pathfinder's off-road mode provided front- and side-view cameras for obstacle monitoring on trails.