2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E attempted to bridge the gap between the traditional Mustang coupe and convertible with its exterior design. Despite having four doors and a rear hatch, it retained a Mustang-like appearance with its thin headlights, elongated hood, and a prominent oval grille. The taillights mirrored the original Mustang's design, complete with sequential turn signals. The vibrant exterior colour palette, including the striking Grabber Blue, further reinforced the Mustang connection. Inside, the Mach-E featured a massive infotainment touchscreen that hung awkwardly in the centre of the dashboard, complemented by a thin rectangular display serving as the instrument cluster. The minimalist interior, reminiscent of Tesla's design, was crafted with decent quality materials, though some buyers might have been disappointed by the absence of a leather-upholstery option. The First Edition models boasted unique trim elements, such as red brake calipers and brushed aluminum pedals, distinguishing them from other trims.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a new chapter for Hyundai's electrified mobility, distinct from the original Ioniq. Its exterior design was a polished blend of minimal character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, giving it a concept car-like appearance. The Ioniq 5's lighting, from headlights to taillights, was a showcase of pixelated design, reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics. The aerodynamic alloy wheels and silver-contrast plastic bits added to its unique look. Inside, the Ioniq 5 embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow yet comfortable environment. The interior featured sustainable materials, with stain-resistant cloth seats and recycled fibres in door inserts. The cabin's design was practical, with a moveable centre console and a flat floor, enhancing usability. The leatherette seats provided comfort and support, making the Ioniq 5's interior a pleasant place for both driving and relaxation.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was designed to uphold the sporty reputation of the Mustang name. It came standard with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and offered a range of powertrain configurations. The base RWD Select model delivered 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. The most powerful option was the AWD GT Performance Edition, boasting 480 hp and 634 lb-ft of torque, with a zero to 100 km/h time of 3.7 seconds. Our test car featured a mid-level AWD powertrain, producing 346 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, reaching zero to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. The Mach-E handled corners well, with responsive steering and a planted feel due to its low-mounted battery pack. However, the taut suspension and 19-inch wheels resulted in a less comfortable ride. The Mach-E offered three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—along with the option for one-pedal driving and customizable braking feel.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations, two trims, and three powertrains in Canada. The base model featured a single 125-kW rear-mounted motor, producing 168 horsepower and offering 354 kilometres of range. The Preferred long-range variant had a larger 168-kW rear motor, delivering 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD option included a dual-motor system, providing 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was typical for a midsize crossover, with RWD providing better dynamics. Our test vehicle, a Preferred trim with AWD, handled various road conditions with composure. The Ioniq 5 featured four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. Paddle shifters allowed for adjusting regenerative braking, offering an engaging driving experience. The Ioniq 5's quiet cabin was enhanced by noise-reducing features, making it a comfortable ride.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was marketed as an SUV, but its design resembled a station wagon or hatchback. The low driving position and roofline didn't create a spacious feel, even with a panoramic glass roof. Compared to the Tesla Model Y, the Mach-E offered less interior space, with the Model Y providing more headroom and legroom. The Mach-E's cargo space was 1,690 litres with the second row folded, and 840 litres with it in place, plus a 133-litre front trunk. The interior featured a storage bin between the front seats and a large area beneath the touchscreen for smartphones, complete with a wireless charging pad and USB ports.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximizing interior space and utility. Despite its hatchback appearance, it had a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade, offering more room than competitors like the Mach-E and VW ID.4. The Ioniq 5's total interior volume was 3,786 litres, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space, with 770 litres of rear cargo space. The interior featured soft touch points and a moveable centre console, creating a flexible and comfortable environment. The leatherette seats provided excellent comfort and support, accommodating drivers of various sizes.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford's new Sync 4 infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and OTA updates. The main touchscreen measured 15.5 inches, while the instrument cluster was 10.2 inches. A six-speaker audio system was standard, with a nine-speaker B&O system available on higher trims. The touchscreen's design was text-heavy and unattractive, with icons and sliders replacing analog controls for climate settings.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and could charge other devices. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, digital key, and AI-powered voice recognition. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegant and anti-glare, providing clear visibility even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top crash test ratings. Standard driver-assist features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and more. Higher trims offered a 360-degree camera system. The Mach-E was set to receive Active Drive Assist, enabling hands-free driving on certain highways, with a driver-facing camera for monitoring.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Standard features included lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous 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. Safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were pending, but Hyundai's track record suggested high marks.