2022 Acura MDX vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Acura MDX was a testament to the evolution of the three-row luxury crossover SUV. It appeared compact from the outside but offered a surprisingly spacious interior. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX boasted a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant stance. The exterior design was modern and sporty, featuring standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels. Inside, the MDX's cabin was refined with authentic materials like natural wood and real leather, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard design emphasized cabin width, and the unique gear selection system added a touch of sophistication. The MDX's interior was both comfortable and functional, with a range of colour options for a personalized touch.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a bold step into the future of electrified mobility. It was not a mere reboot of the original Ioniq but a new chapter in Hyundai's EV journey. The Ioniq 5's exterior was a blend of minimalistic design and intricate details, with its Parametric Pixel design giving it a concept car feel. The lighting elements, including pixelated LEDs, were both fascinating and overwhelming. Inside, the Ioniq 5 embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow and relaxing environment. The cabin featured sustainable materials, with options for stain-resistant cloth or leatherette upholstery. The interior was designed for comfort, with features like a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat, and a focus on spaciousness and usability.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded with a double-wishbone setup in the front and revised rear multi-link suspension, improving ride quality and sporty handling. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid ride feel. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. The base model featured a 125-kW rear motor with 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant had a 168-kW motor producing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version boasted 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was middle-of-the-road for its segment, with a focus on comfort and control. It featured four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's regenerative braking system offered multiple levels of adjustment, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled in versatility, offering comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. The second row featured a removable centre section and could slide to balance legroom for second- and third-row passengers. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX's flexible seating arrangement made it a practical choice for families. The vehicle offered ample cargo space, with up to 2,690 litres available when the second and third rows were folded. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Walk Away Close" and Hands-Free Access, enhancing usability.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximizing interior space and utility. Despite its hatchback appearance, the Ioniq 5 offered a spacious cabin with a longer wheelbase than the Hyundai Palisade. The interior volume of 3,786 litres exceeded that of its competitors, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The "Living Space" theme was evident in the soft touchpoints and moveable centre console, which provided flexibility and convenience. The flat floor and modern bench seat design allowed for easy entry and exit, while the leatherette seats offered comfort and support.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with advanced technology, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard, offering a customizable and intuitive interface. The MDX featured Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Platinum Elite trim included a head-up display and surround-view camera, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured cutting-edge 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. The Ioniq 5's multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 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 improved visibility.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. It featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure for collision protection. The MDX's front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, and it included a low-speed braking control system. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, offering comprehensive driver assistance technologies.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I system offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, learning the driver's habits for a personalized experience. The Ioniq 5 also featured a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, although it could be distracting in practice. Safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available, but Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.