2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the SUV's exterior design remained polarizing. Available in five trims in Canada, the Pilot offered standard all-wheel drive and a range of features, with prices starting at $42,905. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, was priced at $58,806, including destination charges. While the interior boasted quality materials, the design felt reminiscent of a minivan, which, along with its exterior, did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 presented a futuristic and polished exterior, characterized by its Parametric Pixel design. This design, reminiscent of 8-bit graphics, was evident in the vehicle's extensive use of LED lighting. The Ioniq 5's aerodynamic alloy wheels and unique design elements contributed to its concept car-like appearance. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a "Living Space" theme with a minimalist and comfortable interior. The cabin featured sustainable materials and innovative design elements, such as a moveable centre console and a flat floor, enhancing its spaciousness and functionality.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, provided a smooth and responsive driving experience. The Pilot's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test vehicle achieving 10.9 L/100 km. The SUV's suspension system offered a comfortable ride and surprisingly agile handling, although its off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, available in two trims and three powertrains, offered a range of performance options. The base model featured a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor with 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, with a dual-motor system, delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was adequate for a midsize crossover, with four drive modes, including Sport, which enhanced driving dynamics at the cost of range. The vehicle's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, added an engaging element to the driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, with seating for up to eight people. The test vehicle featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain's chairs, standard on Black Edition models, offered similar comfort and were heated. The Pilot's third-row seating was less comfortable for adults due to its low cushion. The SUV boasted extensive storage options, including a large centre console and hidden compartments. Cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform, maximized interior space with a longer wheelbase than the Palisade. The Ioniq 5's interior volume of 3,786 litres surpassed competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The vehicle prioritized passenger comfort with a "Living Space" theme, featuring soft touchpoints and a moveable centre console. The leatherette seats provided excellent comfort and support, while the flat floor and bench seat design allowed for easy entry and exit.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered additional features like a navigation system, wireless phone charging, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim included a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk, allowing the driver to communicate with rear passengers through the stereo. While the system was functional, it lacked some modern conveniences and required specific voice commands.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. The Ioniq 5 supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes. Its multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air updates. The vehicle's 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegant and easy to read, even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Touring trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. While the system was effective, it lacked refinement. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a comprehensive ADAS suite with lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and forward collision avoidance. The vehicle also included Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5's head-up display with augmented reality overlays was innovative but could be distracting. While official safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.