2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder took design cues from Nissan's new era of SUV aesthetics. Up front, it featured the company's signature V-motion grille, adorned with the new Nissan logo and flanked by LED headlights. The design was a homage to the first-generation Pathfinder, visible in elements like the three-slot grille and bulky, slanted C-pillar. Available in 14 paint jobs and color combinations, the vehicle had a rugged whisper thanks to its more robust design language, similar to that of the Kia Telluride.

Complementary styling cues, such as sleek, thin taillights wrapping around a large liftgate and a two-tone body with a black roof, helped create a more imposing presence. The 2022 Pathfinder came in four trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, each with body-color door handles, chrome badging, and privacy glass. Seating was configured for eight passengers except in the Platinum trim, which had second-row captain's chairs, reducing capacity to seven.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked the debut of Hyundai’s new electric vehicle lineup. Its design was less about ruggedness and more about futuristic, clean lines, and geometric flair. Utilizing what Hyundai called a "Parametric Pixel" design, the Ioniq 5 used pixelated LED elements extensively in its headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights. The appearance was more akin to a concept car brought to life, echoing a digitized future while retaining a touch of the automaker's heritage.

The Ioniq 5’s interior continued the theme of electric minimalism. Named the "Living Space," the cabin was surprisingly understated compared to the exterior. It blended soft-touch materials with sustainable and recycled components. Available in black, gray, and dark green hues, its interior boasted useful features like a driver’s seat relaxation mode and a versatile front bench seat. This non-conventional yet user-friendly approach set it apart from many of its electric vehicle competitors.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Although the automaker hadn’t yet introduced any hybrid options, the V6 paired well with Nissan’s new nine-speed automatic transmission. The transmission, sourced from ZF, replaced the old continuously variable transmission (CVT) and significantly improved the driving experience.

Available in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, the Pathfinder offered various driving modes, hill-start assist, and, for AWD models, hill descent control. A capless fuel filler was a new addition, and the vehicle's suspension improvements contributed to a stable ride and better handling. With a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds and modern trailer sway control technology, the Pathfinder aimed to be both a capable family SUV and a utility vehicle.

The all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 came with different drive configurations and powertrains. The base SE Standard Range had a single 128-kW rear-mounted motor producing 168 horsepower and offering a 220-mile range. The extended-range models featured a larger 168-kW rear motor, delivering 225 hp and a 303-mile range. An AWD variant with dual motors delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque but at a range of 256 miles.

The Ioniq 5 wasn’t designed for high-performance thrills like some other EVs, focusing instead on balanced dynamics. The AWD Limited version handled both urban and rural roads with ease, thanks to four drive modes including a Sport option. Electric torque made acceleration quick, but spirited driving depleted the range more rapidly. Unique paddle shifters controlled regenerative braking rather than gear changes, adding a playful element to the driving experience.

The Nissan Pathfinder prioritized interior comfort and functionality, with extensive improvements in sound insulation and flexible seating arrangements. The SUV featured an EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat system, making third-row access effortless. It offered best-in-class front-seat legroom and five inches more hip room in the third row than before. Additional forward-thinking features included removable second-row center consoles and a spacious front center console with 13.4 liters of storage.

Cargo space was another strong suit, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row expandable to 45 cubic feet with the third row down and 80.5 cubic feet with both second and third rows folded flat. The rear cargo area was designed to fit large items and included smart storage solutions like an under-floor cargo space with a self-supporting hinge.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5’s interior leveraged its Electric Global Modular Platform to maximize space. Despite its hatchback style, it offered a longer wheelbase than Hyundai’s own seven-passenger Palisade. Consequently, it had a more spacious cabin than most competitors, providing 106.5 cubic feet of passenger volume compared to 101.1 in the Ford Mustang Mach-E and 99.9 in the Volkswagen ID.4. However, its 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space was a bit limited compared to the others.

Innovative features like a moveable center console and flexible interior design added to the vehicle’s charm. The entry and exit from either front door, thanks to the retro-inspired front bench seat, offered practical solutions in tight spots. The comfortable and supportive leatherette seats further added to the appeal, making long drives pleasant.

Nissan equipped the Pathfinder with user-friendly technology that didn’t overwhelm. Standard features included an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims offered more advanced tech features like a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system, and a 9-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and connected navigation.

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 took a leap into the future with its technology. The next-generation EV platform enabled ultra-fast charging, which could bring the battery to 80 percent in just 18 minutes using a 250 kW charger. Vehicle-to-load capabilities allowed the car to charge other devices or even another EV. High-tech features such as digital keys, AI-powered voice recognition, and over-the-air updates were supplemented by beautifully designed 12.3-inch screens for both the instrument cluster and infotainment system.

Safety features in the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder were comprehensive. Nissan Safety Shield 360 included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and more. Additional features like a driver alertness monitor and rear door alert were also standard. High-end trims offered a surround-view monitor for better visibility.

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 was equally strong in safety features. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. The Hyundai SmartSense suite also featured Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system that adapted to the driver's habits over time. A head-up display with augmented reality overlays provided advanced navigation information.