2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy stood out with its distinctive grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, and unique 20-inch alloy wheels. It featured upgraded interior detailing and a simulated suede headliner, making it appear more luxurious than other Palisade models. The standard LED headlights added a modern touch, enhancing its visual appeal. While opinions on its unconventional styling varied, the Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy undeniably exuded an air of sophistication, both inside and out. The interior, adorned with quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather, offered a level of luxury that belied its price, making it a standout in the midsize three-row SUV class.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 presented a polished exterior with minimal character lines, avoiding the flashy design elements seen in some competitors. Its Parametric Pixel design, reminiscent of 8-bit graphics, was both fascinating and polarizing, giving the Ioniq 5 a concept car-like appearance. The extensive use of LED pixels in the lighting elements added a futuristic touch. Inside, the Ioniq 5 embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow and comfortable environment. The interior featured sustainable materials, including recycled fibres and bio-materials, contributing to its eco-friendly appeal. The Relaxation mode in the driver's seat provided a unique zero-gravity resting position, enhancing the overall comfort and relaxation of the cabin.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a robust 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, Snow, and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, and it delivered a firm yet comfortable ride. Its suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive without sacrificing comfort. The Palisade's towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms was complemented by a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector, enhancing its practicality for towing needs.

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 with 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant boasted a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version featured a dual-motor system with a total power output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, offering a range of 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its composure and control, with Sport mode adding excitement at the cost of range. The vehicle's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, added an engaging element to the driving experience. The Ioniq 5's quiet cabin, thanks to noise-reducing features, enhanced the overall driving comfort.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, seating, and accessibility. It offered eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated second-row captain's chairs, and a more accommodating third-row seat compared to its competitors. The Palisade provided ample in-cabin storage, including a storage tray under the centre console. Cargo space measured 509 litres behind the third-row seats, expanding to 1,297 litres with the third row folded, and 2,447 litres with the second row folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, although it could be disabled if desired.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the Palisade. It provided a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5's interior featured a moveable centre console, flat floor, and comfortable leatherette seats. The cabin's design prioritized passenger comfort, with soft touch points and a modern take on the retro front bench seat, allowing for easy entry and exit from either front door.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems, with 8-inch and 10.25-inch touchscreen displays. Both systems supported Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, but only the 8-inch setup offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and Blue Link connected services. Additional features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, and a head-up display with blind-spot warnings.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured 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 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping systems. It included a rear occupant alert system and active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems. The Highway Driving Assist provided smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for families.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I offered machine-learning adaptive cruise control, adapting to the driver's tendencies. The Ioniq 5 also introduced a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, although it could be distracting. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high safety standards for the Ioniq 5.