2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was a standout in the midsize SUV segment, offering a distinctive design that set it apart from the typical crowd of crossovers. Its bold front end, characterized by wide headlights and a trapezoidal grille, made a strong statement. The side profile featured a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, while the rear taillights borrowed elements from Lexus models. The Highlander XSE trim added a sportier appearance with a restyled front end and 20-inch alloy wheels, though it was more about looks than performance. Inside, the Limited trim exuded luxury with near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and wood details, making it a comfortable choice for families prioritizing comfort and convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, on the other hand, was a fresh take on electrified mobility, marking the debut of Hyundai's Ioniq sub-brand. Its exterior design was a mix of minimal character lines and a unique Parametric Pixel theme, giving it a concept car-like appearance. The Ioniq 5's interior embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow and relaxing environment with features like a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat. Sustainable materials were used throughout, and the cabin was designed for comfort and usability. The Ioniq 5's design was both futuristic and functional, appealing to those seeking a modern and eco-friendly vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. While not a performance powerhouse, the Highlander provided smooth and predictable operation, making it a reliable choice for families. The XSE trim added some suspension tuning for a slightly sportier feel, but it remained focused on comfort. The Highlander's powertrain was competitive within its segment, offering similar horsepower and torque to rivals like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, including a base model with a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant featured a 168-kW motor with 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, offering a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version boasted a dual-motor system with 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, though its range dropped to 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5's performance was not aimed at driving enthusiasts but provided a balanced and composed ride. It featured four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The Ioniq 5's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, added an engaging element to the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in providing comfort and practicality for families. It featured a set of shelves ahead of the front seats for convenient storage, along with a wireless charging pad in higher trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with available captain's chairs that could recline. The third row was suitable for adults only if the second row was adjusted forward. Cargo space was decent, with 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and 2,245 litres with both rows down.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the Hyundai Palisade. It provided a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort with features like a moveable centre console and a flat floor. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to a wide range of drivers. The Ioniq 5's interior design focused on creating a relaxing and functional space for occupants.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen available on the Platinum trim. While the system was user-friendly, the navigation struggled with points of interest compared to Google Maps. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity. The JBL audio system provided decent sound quality, though the 12.3-inch screen's limited app display raised questions about its value.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80 percent battery capacity in just 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5's multimedia features included 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 for improved visibility.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. It also offered adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Highlander received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included lane keeping assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 also offered Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. While safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.