2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the original Ioniq, by establishing itself as a standalone brand focused solely on electric vehicles. This new model showcased a futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics. The exterior was a blend of minimalistic lines and intricate lighting details, creating a concept car-like appearance. Despite its bold exterior, the interior of the Ioniq 5 was a sanctuary of calm, featuring a "Living Space" design with sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, emphasizing comfort and eco-friendliness.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Encore GX maintained a more traditional SUV appearance, closely resembling its sibling, the Encore. The Encore GX's design was enhanced by the optional ST appearance package, which added sporty elements like custom grilles and red accents. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and a user-friendly layout. While not as avant-garde as the Ioniq 5, the Encore GX provided a practical and familiar environment, with features like heated seats and a well-sized steering wheel, catering to those who preferred a straightforward and functional design.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrain options in Canada, including rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The base model featured a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant boasted a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering an impressive 488-kilometre range. The AWD version combined a 74-kW front motor with a 165-kW rear motor, producing 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its smooth handling and quiet ride, with features like Sport mode and adjustable regenerative braking enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, available in Canada with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, produced 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and AWD, the Encore GX offered adequate power for everyday driving. While the engine was a bit buzzy, it provided sufficient performance for merging and highway driving. However, the Encore GX's ride was less refined than expected, with noticeable noise and vibration levels. Despite its SUV classification, the Encore GX was not designed for off-roading, making it more suitable for urban and suburban environments.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) provided a spacious interior, with a wheelbase longer than the seven-passenger Palisade. The Ioniq 5 offered 3,786 litres of interior volume, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The interior featured a moveable centre console and a flat floor, enhancing versatility and ease of access. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to a range of body types.

The Buick Encore GX, while compact, offered a surprisingly comfortable interior. Front-seat headroom and legroom were ample, though rear-seat space was limited. The Encore GX provided 665 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,422 litres with the seats folded. The two-level cargo floor and optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience, making the Encore GX a practical choice for those needing flexible storage options.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities and ultra-fast charging. The Ioniq 5 supported 800-volt charging infrastructures, allowing for rapid charging times. Inside, the Ioniq 5 boasted a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and 12.3-inch screens with anti-glare coatings, providing a seamless and connected experience.

The Buick Encore GX offered a solid tech package, including an eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features included Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM radio. The Encore GX also offered driver-assistance features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The tech package included advanced voice recognition and customizable vehicle settings, ensuring a user-friendly experience.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 came equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high safety standards.

The Buick Encore GX performed well in safety tests, earning five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection. The IIHS awarded the Encore GX "Good" ratings in crash tests, with "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention. The Encore GX also featured Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system, enhancing safety and convenience for drivers.