2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Kia Seltos

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a surprisingly spacious and commanding driving experience. Its upright design provided a clear view of the road, and while the headlight design was somewhat intricate, it seamlessly integrated with the grille. The aggressive lower front bumper hinted at off-road capabilities, even though the Seltos wasn't designed for such adventures. The red accents around the wheel centres added a sporty touch, complementing its on-road dynamics. Inside, the Seltos featured a straightforward and intuitive design, with clean lines and tech influences reminiscent of more upscale brands. The interior boasted a clean LCD screen for climate controls and a sporty yet utilitarian feel, underscored by thoughtful design elements like the handle framing the centre stack.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 presented a polished exterior with minimal character lines, avoiding the flashy designs seen in some competitors. Its Parametric Pixel design, reminiscent of 8-bit graphics, was both fascinating and overwhelming, with pixelated elements used extensively in the lighting. The Ioniq 5's interior, however, was a departure from its exterior, offering a mellow and relaxing "Living Space" design. The cabin featured sustainable materials, with options for stain-resistant cloth or leatherette upholstery, and incorporated recycled fibres and bio-materials. The interior was designed for comfort, with features like a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat, providing a zero-gravity resting position when parked.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, EX, and EX Premium trims were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. While adequate for city driving, this engine struggled at higher speeds. The SX Turbo trim, however, featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This engine provided ample power for quick acceleration and highway driving, especially when using the Drive Mode dial to switch to Sport mode, which enhanced throttle response and steering feel. The Seltos handled well, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride, offering a driving experience akin to a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, available in Essential and Preferred trims, offered two drive configurations and three powertrains. 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 had a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD option added a dual-motor system with a total output of 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, though the range dropped to 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5's performance was solid for a midsize crossover, with four drive modes including Sport, which enhanced driving dynamics but reduced range. The vehicle's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, added an engaging element to the driving experience. The Ioniq 5 was also designed to minimize noise, vibration, and harshness, providing a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered impressive cargo space, with 752 litres behind the rear seats and 1,778 litres with the seats folded, making it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, including large cubbies and bottle holders for front passengers, as well as a spacious centre console. The rear seats provided ample head- and legroom, a rarity among subcompact SUVs, making the Seltos a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximized interior space with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. The Ioniq 5 offered a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. While its rear cargo space of 770 litres was less than some rivals, the Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort with its "Living Space" theme. The interior featured soft touch points, a moveable centre console, and a flat floor, enhancing usability and comfort. The leatherette seats were supportive and comfortable, catering to drivers of various sizes.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured a range of infotainment options, with the base LX and EX trims offering a 3.5-inch TFT digital screen and an 8-inch touchscreen. The EX Premium and SX Turbo trims included a 7-inch digital display and a 10.25-inch touchscreen, capable of displaying Apple CarPlay/Android Auto alongside other data. The SX Turbo also came with a Bose premium sound system. While the infotainment system was generally intuitive, some quirks, such as the default audio source when connecting a smartphone, could be frustrating.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices and vehicles. The Ioniq 5 supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes with a 350-kW charger. The vehicle also featured a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto and 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 Kia Seltos came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The base LX trim in Canada included blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while higher trims offered a full suite of driver-assistance features, including collision avoidance assist, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

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 vehicle also included Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting in practice. While official safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's strong safety record suggested the Ioniq 5 would perform well in future assessments.