2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels in Canada, all equipped with standard all-wheel drive: EX, SX, SX Limited, and SX Limited Nightsky Edition. The base pricing ranged from $46,195 to $55,695, excluding destination charges. The Telluride EX was noted for its value, but many opted for the SX Limited trim, which offered a luxurious feel with features like premium stitched Nappa leather and a head-up display. The SX Limited Nightsky Edition introduced a blacked-out aesthetic with unique design elements. The Telluride's styling was widely praised, with its exterior and interior design receiving high marks for quality and contemporary execution. However, the interior colour options were limited, with light grey leather only available in the SX Limited trim.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a new chapter for Hyundai's electrified mobility, distinct from the original Ioniq. It featured a polished exterior with minimal character lines, employing a Parametric Pixel design that gave it a concept car-like appearance. The Ioniq 5's lighting details were extensive, with pixelated designs in all lighting elements. The interior, contrasting the exterior's boldness, was designed with a "Living Space" theme, offering a relaxing environment with features like a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat. The Ioniq 5 also utilized sustainable materials, with recycled fibres and bio-materials used throughout the cabin. Despite its subtle interior design, the Parametric Pixel theme was present in various interior elements.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured Kia's Drive Mode Select technology, offering Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. The Telluride's AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, complemented by 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds while softening at higher velocities. It achieved a fuel efficiency of 11.5 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations, two trims, and three powertrains in Canada. 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 had a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD option included a dual-motor system with a total power of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, offering a range of 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was middle-of-the-road for its segment, with four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The Ioniq 5's regenerative braking system offered multiple levels of adjustment, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The front seats offered heating and ventilation, while the second-row captain's chairs provided similar features. The Telluride's third-row seat was usable for adults, and the SUV offered ample storage solutions for modern families. The smart hands-free power liftgate revealed 601 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,455 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform, offered a spacious interior with a 3,000-millimetre wheelbase. It provided a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The interior featured a moveable centre console and a flat floor, enhancing usability. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to various driver sizes.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. The Limited grades added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

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 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 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.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included a suite of advanced safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and forward-collision avoidance. It also offered adaptive cruise control, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Assist. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star frontal-impact result.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, with lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and forward collision avoidance. It included Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays. Safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were not available, but Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were expected.