2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The first-ever Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, serving as a spinoff rather than a reboot of the original Ioniq. Launched as a distinct sub-brand focusing solely on electric vehicles, the Ioniq 5 stood out with its unique Parametric Pixel design. Its exterior featured minimal character lines, but a closer look revealed an intricate play of 8-bit pixel designs, giving it a retro, Nintendo-esque vibe.

This pixel theme wasn’t just skin-deep; it extended to all the LEDs and lighting casings, including the headlights, taillights, and turn lights, creating a concept car feel. These pixels formed teeny dot-matrices to create the illusion of a box within a box, a detail that some found fascinating and others frustrating. Aerodynamic wheels with progressively ornamental designs and five horizontal lines that gave off Max Headroom vibes further accentuated the Ioniq 5’s exterior.

In contrast to the exterior, the Ioniq 5’s cabin aimed for serene simplicity. Available in black, gray, and dark green hues, it embraced a "Living Space" theme. The Relaxation mode feature for the driver’s seat allowed for zero-gravity resting, reinforcing the interior’s focus on comfort. The cabin also championed sustainability with stain-resistant cloth or leatherette upholstery, recycled fibers for door inserts, and bio-materials in the carpet, dashboard, and headliner. The Parametric Pixel design subtly reappeared in the steering wheel, door inserts, and seat upholstery, making the devil apparent in the details.

Toyota marked the 4Runner's 40th anniversary with the 2023 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE. Based on the SR5 Premium trim, it featured retro body stripes, a heritage grille, bronze 17-inch wheels, and bronze badges, evoking a strong SoCal vibe. Priced at $48,455, the 40 ASE offered a nostalgic aesthetic with yellow, orange, and red stripes that caught the eye.

The 4Runner's design retained the rugged stance of truck-based SUVs from past decades, adding to its enduring appeal. Inside, it maintained a purposeful yet high-quality look, with ample amounts of solid plastic. The straightforward controls were user-friendly even if you were wearing gloves, adding to the practicality of the vehicle. While it didn’t aim to be flashy, the 4Runner succeeded in being both functional and visually appealing to those who appreciated its retro charm.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations and three trims—SE, SEL, and Limited. It came with rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on all trims. The base Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range featured a 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor, producing 168 horsepower and offering a range of 220 miles. The extended-range models, SE, SEL, and Limited RWD, had a larger 168-kW rear motor delivering 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 303 miles.

For those who opted for AWD, the Ioniq 5 sported a dual-motor system with a 74-kW front motor and a 165-kW rear motor, combining for 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 demonstrated composure and control through diverse terrains, including elevation-changing canyon roads and highway straightaways. It offered four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but also reduced the range quickly. Paddle shifters allowed for adjusting regenerative braking properties across four levels.

Absence of engine noise meant Hyundai focused on reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) using sound-deadening materials and NVH-reducing foam in the tires. The Ioniq 5 delivered a surprisingly quiet ride regardless of the road surface.

In the 2023 Toyota 4Runner, every model came equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 hp at 5,600 rpm and 278 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, it offered either rear-wheel drive or two types of 4WD systems. With a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, the 4Runner catered to practical utility needs.

The part-time and full-time 4WD systems improved off-road capabilities, complemented by technologies like locking center and rear differentials, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. The 4Runner’s minimum nine inches of ground clearance, Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control added to its rugged versatility.

Despite its capability, the 4Runner’s on-road performance revealed a few shortcomings. The acceleration was leisurely, the braking felt abrupt, and the steering was heavy and slow. Larger bumps affected the SUV’s composure, and navigating tight turns underscored its truck-like handling. Nevertheless, its off-road prowess remained impressive, managing greasy mud and standing water with ease.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 sat on Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform, optimizing it for EV performance and interior space. With a 118.1-inch wheelbase, it surpassed the seven-passenger Palisade and competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. Despite its hatchback look, the Ioniq 5’s total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet made it roomier than its rivals, though the rear cargo space of 27.2 cu-ft was less than that of the ID.4.

Passenger comfort was a priority, with 106.5 cu-ft of passenger volume, featuring soft touchpoints and a "Living Space" theme. Practical touches included a movable center console, front bench-like seat, and comfortable leatherette seating that provided adequate support and cushioning for varying body types.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature in its power-down rear window, allowing for excellent ventilation. While entry and exit could be challenging for shorter individuals, the interior provided comfortable seats, with the 40 ASE featuring heated SofTex artificial leather. Numerous storage locations were available, though some lacked anti-slip liners.

The second-row offered ample legroom, headroom, air conditioning vents, and USB ports. Although a third-row seat was available, it compromised comfort and cargo space. The standard five-passenger setup provided 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 89.7 cubic feet with the second-row folded. The tailgate’s bumper seat and additional storage cubbies, along with a 120-volt AC outlet, added functional utility.

The technology in the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was impressive, featuring a high-voltage energy system supporting vehicle-to-load capabilities and ultra-fast charging. It could charge up to 80 percent battery capacity in 18 minutes and support 800-volt infrastructure without additional adapters. Hyundai’s partnership with Electrify America offered two years of unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions, and the redesigned Blue Link app provided enhanced EV charge management and scheduling.

Inside, the Ioniq 5 housed two 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment. These displays were intuitive, anti-glare coated, and readable even with polarized sunglasses. Digital key, AI-powered voice recognition, and over-the-air updates were among the features enhancing the Ioniq 5’s tech appeal.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner leaned toward traditional technology with analog gauges and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The infotainment system, though smaller and graphically dated, offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Voice recognition performed admirably except for a few minor hiccups, and the controls were user-friendly even with gloves.

Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system, though the audio setup was heavy on bass. Overall, the 4Runner’s technology proved effective, appealing to those who favored straightforward, non-digital interfaces.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 integrated the SmartSense suite of ADAS features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I system offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, learning the driver’s habits to tailor adaptive cruise control behavior. Additionally, the head-up display with augmented reality overlays, while innovative, could be slightly distracting.

The Ioniq 5 had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but Hyundai’s history of high safety ratings suggested it would perform well.

For the 2023 Toyota 4Runner, standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were newly standard. Adaptive cruise control provided smooth braking, but lane-departure warnings could become irritating.

The 4Runner’s crash-test ratings reflected its age, earning four stars from NHTSA overall but only three stars for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. IIHS had not performed a complete set of tests, but the 4Runner’s Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test was a concern.