2021 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Toyota Venza, when introduced, was often likened to a Lexus in terms of its design. Its sleek grille and elongated profile drew comparisons to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, showcased at the 2018 North American International Auto Show. The Venza was available in three trim levels—LE, XLE, and Limited—and offered a choice of seven paint colours, though not all were available across every trim. Standard features included a dual chrome-tipped exhaust, LED lighting, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior boasted a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment screen, with more advanced features available in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, marking the debut of the Ioniq sub-brand. Its exterior design was a blend of minimalistic character lines and a unique Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics. The Ioniq 5's lighting design was particularly striking, with pixelated LEDs used throughout. Inside, the cabin embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a relaxing environment with sustainable materials. The interior was designed for comfort, featuring a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat and a focus on spaciousness, thanks to its long wheelbase and flat floor design.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. Its electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) allowed for smooth acceleration, though the engine noise was noticeable during rapid acceleration. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.4 on the highway. Its handling was reliable, offering a typical Toyota driving experience, and it came with a robust hybrid powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations and three powertrains, with rear-wheel drive as standard. The base model featured a 125-kW motor producing 168 horsepower, while the Preferred long-range variant offered 225 horsepower and a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version boasted 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5's performance was solid for a midsize crossover, with four drive modes including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. Its regenerative braking system was adjustable, enhancing the driving experience.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Venza, the cabin was uniquely styled, with premium appointments and a deep centre console featuring various controls and storage options. The seating was comfortable for both front and rear passengers, offering more headroom than the RAV4. However, the Venza's cargo space was limited to 816 litres, about 60% of the RAV4's capacity, though it was still practical for daily use.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform, 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 flat floor, allowing for easy entry and exit. The leatherette seats were supportive and comfortable, catering to a range of body types.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured an 8-inch infotainment system in the LE trim, with a larger 12.3-inch screen in the XLE and Limited trims. The Entune system, while improved, was not the most user-friendly, requiring multiple menu trips for certain functions. The Venza included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system in higher trims. Toyota's connected services, such as Safety Connect and Remote Connect, were also standard.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, and compatibility with virtual assistants. Its multimedia features were intuitive and user-friendly, with an anti-glare coating for better visibility.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. It received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, with standard safety systems like lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. It also included Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. The Ioniq 5 was expected to earn high safety ratings, though official ratings were not yet available.