2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. While maintaining its recognizable Volvo identity with a boxy profile and blunt front end, the XC90 introduced softer lines and more chrome detailing, enhancing its visual appeal. The LED headlights, featuring the distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights, added a modern touch. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most visually striking, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," with high-quality materials and a restrained design. The use of matte-finish wood trim and the option for wool upholstery set it apart from other luxury SUVs, although the Orrefors crystal shifter seemed slightly out of place in the otherwise understated interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 presented a futuristic and polished exterior, characterized by its Parametric Pixel design. This design theme, reminiscent of 8-bit graphics, was evident in the vehicle's extensive use of LED pixels across all lighting elements. The Ioniq 5's aerodynamic alloy wheels and unique fender flares added to its distinctive look. Inside, the Ioniq 5 embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow and comfortable environment with sustainable materials. The interior featured a flat floor and a moveable centre console, enhancing its spaciousness and versatility. The leatherette seats provided comfort and support, making the Ioniq 5's cabin a relaxing place to be.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assistance, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. Despite the impressive power figures, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The XC90's drive modes—Pure, Hybrid, and Power—offered varying levels of efficiency and performance, but the Pure mode was limited to low-speed use. The XC90 excelled in ride quality and comfort, with an optional air-suspension system providing a smooth experience. However, its towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms was lower than some competitors.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations, two trims, and three powertrains in Canada. The base model featured a single 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor, producing 168 horsepower and offering a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant had a larger 168-kW rear motor, delivering 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD option added a dual-motor system, providing 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5's performance was typical for a midsize crossover, with a focus on comfort and control rather than sporty dynamics. The vehicle's four drive modes, including Sport, allowed for some excitement, but at the cost of range. The Ioniq 5's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, added an engaging element to the driving experience. The cabin was quiet, thanks to noise-reducing features and acoustic tires.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with the option for second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. While headroom and legroom were average for the segment, the third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The optional power sunroof and upright roof profile contributed to a spacious feel. The XC90's cargo space was limited, with 317 litres with all seats in place, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded. The hands-free power tailgate was a convenient feature.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior with a long wheelbase of 3,000 millimetres. This five-passenger vehicle provided 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 focused on comfort and usability, with a moveable centre console and flat floor enhancing its versatility. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to a range of body types.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, known for its simplicity and functionality. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and head-up display were available. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was intuitive, though some menu text was difficult to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was a welcome addition, but its size limited compatibility with larger phones.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. The Ioniq 5 supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80 percent battery capacity in 18 minutes. The vehicle's multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, digital key, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegant and easy to read, even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top "Good" scores in crash tests and "Superior" ratings for front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded the XC90 a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Standard features included 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. The head-up display with augmented reality overlays was a notable feature, though it could be distracting. Safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available, but Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.