2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design with the bold aesthetics of the 2021 Nissan Armada and Rogue. The front featured a snubbed nose with a deep V-motion design, incorporating a new "double V-motion" feature. The Kicks retained the old Nissan logo, unlike the Rogue. The headlights were thinner and longer, extending down the face, with LED multi-reflector headlights and fog lights standard on higher trims. The rear showcased a new bumper and LED taillight combination, giving it a proportionate look reminiscent of the Nissan Leaf. New paint options like Electric Blue Metallic and Scarlet Ember Tintcoat were introduced, alongside existing colours. The two-tone paint job option, with a floating roof tinted Super Black, enhanced the Kicks' upmarket appearance. The SR Premium trim added sporty elements like LED headlights, black heated mirrors, and a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a new era for Hyundai's electrified mobility, distinct from the original Ioniq. It featured a polished exterior with minimal character lines, embracing a Parametric Pixel design reminiscent of 8-bit graphics. The Ioniq 5's lighting elements, including headlights and taillights, incorporated pixelated designs, creating a concept car-like appearance. The aerodynamic alloy wheels and silver-contrast plastic bits added to its futuristic look. Inside, the Ioniq 5 adopted a "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow and comfortable interior. The cabin featured sustainable materials, with stain-resistant cloth seats and recycled fibres in door inserts. The Relaxation mode provided a zero-gravity resting position for the driver. The interior design was understated yet functional, with a focus on comfort and usability.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. Paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT and front-wheel drive, the Kicks offered nimble handling, aided by electric power-assisted steering and a front independent strut stabilizer bar suspension. Despite being low-powered, the Kicks maintained a good power-to-weight ratio, making it suitable for its size. The CVT could get noisy under heavy acceleration, but it didn't detract from the overall driving experience. The Kicks featured standard 16-inch steel wheels on the base model, with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels on higher trims. It also came with a traction control system, stability control, and hill start assist. The Kicks' fuel efficiency was rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 6.6 on the highway, and 7.2 combined.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations, two trims, and three powertrains. The base model featured a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor, producing 168 horsepower and offering a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant had a larger 168-kW rear motor, delivering 225 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD option included a dual-motor system, providing 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was middle-of-the-road for a midsize crossover, with RWD providing better dynamics. The test vehicle, an Ioniq 5 Preferred with AWD, handled well on various terrains. It featured four drive modes, including Sport mode, which added excitement but reduced range. The Ioniq 5's single-speed transmission and paddle shifters allowed for regenerative braking adjustments. The vehicle was quiet, thanks to noise-reducing features like acoustic tires and sound-deadening materials.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a compact cabin with easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage. It featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable front seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Kicks provided best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was limited for larger drivers. The rear seats accommodated adults comfortably. The available tonneau cover offered hidden storage in the rear cargo area.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximizing interior space and utility. It had a longer wheelbase than the Hyundai Palisade, offering a roomy cabin with a total interior volume of 3,786 litres. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort over cargo space, with a "Living Space" theme featuring soft touch points and a moveable centre console. The flat floor and retro front bench seat allowed for easy entry and exit. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to various driver sizes.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks featured modern technology, including a 7-inch infotainment touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims added features like Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, and a USB-C port. The Kicks SR Premium boasted a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system with eight speakers, providing immersive sound. It also had a surround-view monitor for easy parking.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80 percent 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 anti-glare, ensuring clear visibility.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. It had 10 airbags and adaptive cruise control on higher trims. The Kicks received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a strong history of few recalls.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, including lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. It had 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. While safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were expected.