2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD, priced at $45,341, presented a robust yet understated appearance. Despite its fully loaded status, it resembled a standard rental car model, lacking the larger alloy wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart. The RAV4 Hybrid's styling was rugged for a compact SUV, though it could have benefited from bolder wheels. Inside, the vehicle was both stylish and practical, with a mix of high-quality materials and some less impressive glossy hard plastics. A minor rattle from the license plate was noted, but overall, the interior was functional and user-friendly.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, as the first model of Hyundai's new EV lineup, showcased a futuristic design with minimal character lines and a unique Parametric Pixel theme. This design was reminiscent of a concept car, with pixelated lighting elements throughout. The Ioniq 5's exterior was complemented by aerodynamic alloy wheels and distinctive silver-contrast plastic elements. Inside, the cabin offered a "Living Space" theme, with a mellow and comfortable atmosphere. The interior featured sustainable materials and a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat, emphasizing comfort and eco-friendliness.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine with electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. This setup provided a standard AWD drivetrain, with the rear motor generating 89 lb-ft of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid offered several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV, with a fuel efficiency of 5.9 L/100 km during testing. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. However, the tires lacked grip, affecting cornering performance. Despite this, the RAV4 Hybrid was a comfortable daily driver with a sport-tuned suspension option for a firmer ride.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations and three powertrains, with the Preferred AWD variant producing 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque. The Ioniq 5's range varied from 354 km to 488 km, depending on the configuration. The vehicle handled well on various road conditions, with Sport mode adding excitement at the cost of range. Paddle shifters allowed for regenerative braking adjustments, enhancing the driving experience. The Ioniq 5's quiet cabin was achieved through noise-reducing features, making it a pleasant ride regardless of road surface.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. Rear passengers enjoyed decent legroom and heated seats. The dashboard layout was intuitive, with oversized climate control knobs and a user-friendly infotainment system. The RAV4 Hybrid offered 1,059 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded, though the subwoofer and all-weather mat affected usability.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the E-GMP platform, maximized interior space with a 3,000 mm wheelbase. The cabin offered 3,786 litres of interior volume, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The moveable centre console and flat floor enhanced usability, while the leatherette seats provided comfort and support. The Ioniq 5's interior design emphasized a "Living Space" theme, with soft touchpoints and a modern take on a retro front bench seat.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreens, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The top-tier system included an 11-speaker JBL audio system and dynamic navigation. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and voice recognition technology. Camera-based upgrades included a 360-degree surround-view system and a camera rearview mirror.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% 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 readability in various conditions.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and more. The system was generally effective, though lane-tracing and adaptive cruise control had some quirks. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, with lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I 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. Safety ratings were not yet available, but Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.