2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was designed with a rugged exterior that mimicked the traditional SUV style, featuring boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive look set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and other compact crossovers, giving it a distinctive presence on the road. Despite its bold styling, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which was shared with other Toyota models like the Camry and Sienna. This meant that while the exterior suggested off-road prowess, the mechanical underpinnings were more aligned with a conventional vehicle. The RAV4 offered options like the Trail model with a retro Ice Edge roof and the TRD Off-Road package with matte black alloy wheels and red interior accents, enhancing its adventurous appeal.

Inside, the RAV4 featured rugged styling touches such as large rubberized knobs and door handles, which added functionality and differentiated it from other Toyota models. Material quality was decent on lower trims but did not improve significantly with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model came with SofTex upholstery, which was lighter and durable, fitting the outdoorsy theme. However, real leather was not available, even on the top-tier Limited trim. Overall, the RAV4's interior was practical but lacked the premium feel expected at higher price points.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a new era for Hyundai's electrified mobility, debuting as the first vehicle in the Ioniq sub-brand. It featured a polished exterior with minimal character lines, avoiding the flashy designs seen in other vehicles. The Ioniq 5's Parametric Pixel design incorporated 8-bit box elements reminiscent of retro gaming, giving it a concept car-like appearance. This design was evident in the LED lighting, with pixelated headlights, taillights, and turn signals. The aerodynamic alloy wheels and silver-contrast plastic bits added to its futuristic look.

Inside, the Ioniq 5 embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow and comfortable cabin. The interior was available in black and gray, with a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat, providing a zero-gravity resting position. Sustainable materials were used throughout, with recycled fibres and bio-materials incorporated into the seats, door inserts, and other components. The interior design was understated yet functional, with a focus on comfort and usability. The Ioniq 5's cabin was a blend of modern technology and eco-friendly materials, creating a relaxing environment for passengers.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). While the engine boasted 40% thermal efficiency, akin to racing engines, the transmission struggled to keep up, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The steering was responsive but lacked feel, and the "Sport" mode only added weight to the steering without enhancing performance. The RAV4's off-road capabilities were highlighted in the Trail and TRD Off-Road models, featuring torque-vectoring AWD, 21.7 centimetres of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity. However, its limited suspension articulation and shallow approach angles restricted its off-road prowess.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations, two trims, and three powertrains in Canada. The base model featured a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor with 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant had a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version combined a 74-kW front motor and a 165-kW rear motor, delivering 320 hp and 446 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5's RWD provided better dynamics, but it wasn't designed for driving enthusiasts. It handled well on various terrains, with four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The Ioniq 5's single-speed transmission and paddle shifters for regenerative braking added to its driving experience. The vehicle's quiet cabin and noise-reducing features enhanced comfort during drives.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof, providing ample headroom and good outward visibility. However, legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions, making long trips less appealing. The RAV4 featured a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, but it didn't slide like those in the Ford Escape or Nissan Rogue. Cargo space was above average, with 1,059 litres with the rear seats up and 1,977 litres with them folded, though still behind the Honda CR-V. The interior had oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, but storage space was limited, lacking large cupholders and loose change compartments.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 sat on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximizing interior space and utility. Despite its hatchback appearance, it had a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade, offering more room than competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5's interior volume was 3,786 litres, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The "Living Space" theme was evident in the soft touchpoints and moveable centre console, allowing for flexible seating arrangements. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to various driver sizes. The Ioniq 5's interior was designed for relaxation and convenience, with a focus on passenger comfort.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, while Trail and Limited models featured an 8-inch screen. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid offered a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, along with a JBL premium audio system and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked standout features. The touchscreen was well-positioned, with easy-to-read graphics and shortcut buttons for essential functions. However, the gasoline RAV4 didn't have the head-up display available on the RAV4 Prime.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted 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, and could charge other devices. The Ioniq 5's multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, digital key, 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 clear visibility. The Ioniq 5's technology was cutting-edge, offering convenience and connectivity for tech-savvy drivers.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, it missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests and five stars in side crash tests. The RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. Blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system were also available.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included lane keeping assist, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and more. The Ioniq 5 also had Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. A head-up display with augmented reality overlays was available, though it could be distracting. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's history of safety awards suggested high marks for the Ioniq 5.