2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's journey back to its roots of producing big, shiny, and impressive vehicles. After a challenging period, Buick found its footing by offering globally sourced and rebadged GM vehicles, but it was the Enclave that truly connected the brand to its past glory. As the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, the Enclave stood out with its premium styling, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist yet luxurious interior with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. The simplicity of the interior was marred only by the electronic transmission shifter, which required some getting used to.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a new era for Hyundai's electrified mobility, distinct from the original Ioniq. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a mix of minimalistic lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, giving it a concept car-like appearance. The lighting design was particularly striking, with pixelated LEDs used throughout. Inside, the Ioniq 5 embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow and comfortable environment with sustainable materials. The interior featured a flat floor and a moveable centre console, enhancing its spaciousness. The seats were supportive and comfortable, catering to both slim and larger drivers. The Ioniq 5's design was a blend of futuristic elements and practical comfort, making it a standout in the EV segment.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivered 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, providing strong acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. The Enclave's ride was smooth, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, especially when equipped with the Avenir Technology Package. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with an average of 11.1 L/100 km in combined driving with FWD.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, with the base model featuring a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant increased power to 225 hp and offered a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version boasted 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was solid, with four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's regenerative braking system was adjustable, enhancing driving dynamics. The Ioniq 5's quiet cabin and advanced NVH-reducing features made for a serene driving experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for six or seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The Avenir trim included power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's cargo space was impressive, with 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second-row seats folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the E-GMP platform, maximized interior space with a long wheelbase. Despite its hatchback appearance, it offered more room than some larger SUVs. The Ioniq 5's interior volume was 3,786 litres, with 770 litres of rear cargo space. The moveable centre console and flat floor added to its versatility. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to various body types. The Ioniq 5's interior design prioritized passenger comfort over cargo space, aligning with its "Living Space" theme.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, its 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system fell short compared to competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror for enhanced visibility, but its technology offerings were limited in terms of screen size and audio quality.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 excelled in technology, featuring a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices. Its charging infrastructure supported up to 800 volts, enabling ultra-fast charging. The Ioniq 5's multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegant and anti-glare, enhancing usability.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert in Canada. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but lacked advanced driver assistance technologies.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, offering a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The head-up display with augmented reality overlays was innovative but could be distracting. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high safety standards.