2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and utilitarian vehicle. Its design, largely unchanged over the years, featured a two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches, offering balanced proportions and timeless styling. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's design was practical and functional, akin to a reliable tool that didn't require frequent updates. The interior, though dominated by hard plastics, was easy to clean and in line with the SUV's mission. The dashboard was old-school, with large knobs and buttons, emphasizing simplicity and durability.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, representing Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand dedicated to EVs. Its exterior design was a mix of minimal character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, giving it a concept car-like appearance. The interior, following a "Living Space" theme, was mellow and comfortable, with sustainable materials and a focus on relaxation. The Ioniq 5's cabin was designed for comfort, featuring a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat and a spacious, flat-floor layout. The use of recycled materials and bio-materials further emphasized its eco-friendly approach.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It excelled off-road, thanks to features like A-Trac, a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control, making it a formidable choice for backcountry adventures. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow and clunky, with heavy steering and brakes. Its fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km, which limited its range to about 620 kilometres on a full tank.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, with the base model featuring a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant had a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version boasted 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 four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. Its regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, added an engaging element to the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a high seating position, which could be challenging for shorter individuals without running boards. Inside, it provided comfortable seating with ample legroom and good visibility. The cargo space was generous, with up to 1,337 litres behind the rear seats and 2,540 litres with them folded down. The 4Runner's interior was practical, with decent storage options and a big roof rack for additional cargo.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), 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 a flat floor. 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 Toyota 4Runner's entry-level Trail grade was sparse in technology, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. It included a windshield wiper de-icer and a 120-volt AC power outlet in the cargo area. The infotainment system, though basic, was user-friendly with physical buttons and knobs.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was packed with 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. Its 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegant and anti-glare, ensuring clear visibility even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner's safety ratings reflected its age, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS.

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. It also had 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. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.