2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo was a striking vehicle, especially for those with a penchant for black accents. Its design featured exclusive shiny black 18-inch wheels, a glossy black grille, and side mirror housings, complemented by thick matte black body cladding. This gave the CX-30 Turbo a distinctive appearance, as if a black Sharpie had been used liberally before a more restrained approach was applied. Mazda's design philosophy aimed to create a light and agile look, suggesting the body floated over the wheels, a perception enhanced by the vehicle's elevated stance compared to the Mazda3 hatchback on which it was based. Inside, the CX-30 offered a cabin reminiscent of the Mazda3, with quality materials and a sophisticated vibe, highlighted by stitched chocolate brown surfaces and chrome accents. The vehicle's pricing ranged from $24,700 to $36,400, with our test model priced at $38,827, including fees.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, on the other hand, was a fresh take on electrified mobility, marking a new chapter for Hyundai's Ioniq brand. Its exterior design was a blend of minimal character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, giving it a concept car feel. The Ioniq 5's lighting design was particularly notable, with pixelated LEDs used throughout, creating a futuristic aesthetic. Inside, the Ioniq 5 embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow and comfortable environment with features like a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat. The use of sustainable materials further emphasized its eco-friendly ethos. The Ioniq 5's design was both innovative and practical, with a focus on passenger comfort and a spacious interior, thanks to its long wheelbase.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo was equipped with a turbocharged Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering between 227 and 250 horsepower, depending on the fuel's octane rating. It offered 310 to 320 lb-ft of torque, ensuring robust acceleration. The vehicle's fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 L/100 km in combined driving, with a real-world average of 9.6 L/100 km. The CX-30 Turbo's i-Activ AWD system and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology provided a balanced driving experience, though its added height and weight compared to the Mazda3 made it less agile. The CX-30's Off-Road mode and 5 cm of extra ground clearance made it suitable for light off-road adventures, while its torsion-beam rear suspension occasionally resulted in a bouncy ride.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations and three powertrains, with RWD as standard and AWD as an option. The base model featured a 125-kW motor with 168 horsepower and a range of 354 km. The Preferred long-range variant boasted a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and a range of 488 km. The AWD version delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was solid for a midsize crossover, with four drive modes, including Sport, which enhanced the driving experience at the cost of range. The vehicle's paddle shifters allowed for regenerative braking adjustments, adding an element of gamification to the driving experience. The Ioniq 5's focus on noise reduction and comfort made it a quiet and pleasant ride.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered a comfortable and driver-focused interior, with eight-way manual adjustment for the driver's seat and heated front seats as standard. However, the lack of ventilated seats and limited adjustment for the front passenger seat were drawbacks. The cabin's design emphasized spaciousness, though the rear seats were cramped for adults. The CX-30 provided 572 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,280 litres with the seats folded, though the placement of the wireless smartphone charger limited storage options.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the E-GMP platform, maximized interior space with a long wheelbase. It offered 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 was designed for comfort, with a moveable centre console and flat floor enhancing usability. The leatherette seats were supportive and comfortable, catering to a range of body types. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort over cargo space, with 770 litres of rear cargo capacity.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via physical controls and voice commands. While the system required acclimation, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT trim added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, along with a head-up display for enhanced driver awareness.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities and ultra-fast charging. Its multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air updates. The Ioniq 5's 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were intuitive and anti-glare, ensuring clear visibility.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a full suite of safety features and ADAS. The GT trim added adaptive front lighting and parking sensors for enhanced safety.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, with standard ADAS like lane keeping assist and forward collision avoidance. Its Highway Drive Assist I system offered semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also introduced a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting.