2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, with its decade-old styling theme, received subtle updates to modernize its appearance. The new model year introduced a refreshed grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching across the taillights. The Touring trim debuted a new 19-inch wheel design, enhancing the minivan's aesthetic appeal. These modifications aimed to reduce brightwork and give the Odyssey a more contemporary look. The interior saw improvements with new perforated leather upholstery, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting, elevating the minivan's luxury quotient. The seating material and design were upgraded, and new tri-colour floor mats were introduced to better conceal dirt.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the original Ioniq, by establishing itself as a standalone EV brand. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a blend of minimalistic character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel design elements, reminiscent of a concept car. The extensive use of LED pixels in the lighting casings, including headlights and taillights, added a futuristic touch. The aerodynamic alloy wheels and unique design features contributed to its distinct appearance. Inside, the Ioniq 5 embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a serene and comfortable cabin with sustainable materials. The interior featured stain-resistant cloth seats, recycled fibres, and bio-materials, emphasizing eco-friendliness. The Relaxation mode for the driver's seat and the spacious, flexible interior layout further enhanced the Ioniq 5's appeal.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. This combination provided smooth and effortless power, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow. The Odyssey's variable cylinder management technology helped conserve fuel, achieving an average of 10.8 L/100 km during testing. However, the lack of all-wheel drive (AWD) put the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy Canadian conditions. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, enhancing the adaptive cruise control's stop-and-go capability. While the Odyssey offered a pleasurable driving experience with well-weighted steering and firm ride quality, the brakes struggled under heavy use, particularly during a heatwave.

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 electric motor, producing 168 horsepower and offering a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant boasted a larger 168-kW rear motor, delivering 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD option added a dual-motor system, generating 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was middle-of-the-road for a midsize crossover, with RWD providing better dynamics. The vehicle featured four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. Paddle shifters allowed for regenerative braking adjustments, enhancing the driving experience. The Ioniq 5's quiet cabin, thanks to noise-reducing features, contributed to a comfortable ride.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a well-designed interior with legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat provided comfort, while heated front seats and outboard mirrors were standard in Canada. The EX-L Navi trim included a heated steering wheel, and the Touring grade added ventilated front seats. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for versatile seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third-row seat, expanding to 2,452 litres with the third-row seat tumbled, and a maximum of 3,984 litres with the second-row seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. The Ioniq 5's total interior volume of 3,786 litres exceeded that of its competitors, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The "Living Space" theme was evident in the soft touchpoints and comfortable seating. The moveable centre console and flat floor provided flexibility, while the leatherette seats offered comfort and support. The Ioniq 5's interior design allowed for easy entry and exit, enhancing convenience in tight parking situations.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and more. The EX-L Navi and Touring trims added navigation, while the Touring grade included a CabinWatch interior camera and CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. The rear-seat entertainment system, available on higher trims, included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, and streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5's multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, digital key, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for improved visibility.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's safety features were enhanced with the standard Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score. However, the adaptive cruise control's braking could be uneven, and the lane-departure warning system's steering wheel wobble was less effective.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, offering lane keeping assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Highway Drive Assist I system used machine learning to adapt to the driver's habits. The Ioniq 5 also introduced a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting. While safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks for the Ioniq 5.