2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a more traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning seamlessly with the rest of Volvo's lineup. Signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille contributed to its classic appeal. The gasoline models offered a retro touch with a white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge, however, distinguished itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and unique alloy wheels. It featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a modified rear bumper, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. The interior was minimalist yet luxurious, with high-quality materials such as Nappa leather and Nubuck textile, and a coherent design that integrated elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents into a harmonious whole.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a bold leap into the future of electrified mobility, with a design that was both polished and concept-like. Its exterior was a study in minimalism, with character lines that were subtle yet impactful. The Parametric Pixel design was a standout feature, with pixelated LED lights creating a futuristic aesthetic. The interior, however, was a sanctuary of calm, embodying Hyundai's “Living Space” theme. It offered a mellow yet comfortable environment, with features like a “Relaxation” mode for the driver’s seat and sustainable materials throughout. The Ioniq 5's cabin was designed for comfort and utility, with a flat floor and a moveable centre console that enhanced its spaciousness.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a versatile powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline variants featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with the T4 producing 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, and the T5 delivering 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasting dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, a combined 402 hp, and 486 lb-ft of torque. It was powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and the option for one-pedal driving. It also had a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, available in Canada with two drive configurations and three powertrains, offered a base model with a single 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor, producing 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant featured a 168-kW rear motor with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version had a dual-motor system with a total power of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 414 km. The Ioniq 5 was equipped with four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. It featured paddle shifters for adjusting regenerative braking and focused on reducing noise, vibration, and harshness for a quiet ride.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, while not particularly spacious, offered clever storage solutions to compensate for its limited interior space. It had less legroom and headroom compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The XC40's frunk was small, with much of the space occupied by powertrain hardware. However, Volvo's innovative storage solutions included a removable trash bin in the centre console, a bag hook in the glovebox door, and extra-large door bins due to the relocation of the audio system's speakers.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximized interior space with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. 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 prioritized passenger comfort with features like a moveable centre console and a flat floor, allowing for easy entry and exit. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to both slim and larger drivers.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, offering Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. It included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with top-notch graphics and menu layouts. The Recharge model also had OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. It lacked a start button, instead relying on a key fob for operation.

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 percent 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 intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for clear visibility.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with the gasoline model earning a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included features like lane keeping assist, 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. It featured a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, although it could be distracting in use.