2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, marking a departure from the original Ioniq. It was the first model under Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand, dedicated solely to electric vehicles. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a blend of minimalistic character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, reminiscent of retro digital aesthetics. This design approach made the Ioniq 5 appear more like a concept car than a production vehicle, with its extensive use of pixelated lighting across all LED components. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene "Living Space" environment, featuring sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, emphasizing comfort and eco-friendliness.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its unapologetically massive size and distinctive styling. Its front end, with a tall hood and vertical running lights, gave it a locomotive-like appearance. The Escalade's design emphasized its bulk, with large 22-inch wheels that seemed small against its vast sheet metal. The interior was luxurious, with leather upholstery and wood trim, but lacked a cohesive design theme. Despite its spaciousness, the Escalade's interior had some functionality issues, such as limited storage space in the raised centre console. However, it offered impressive cargo capacity, surpassing even the Lincoln Navigator.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, with the base model featuring a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant boasted a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version, with a dual-motor system, delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though its range dropped to 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was typical for a midsize crossover, with four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's quiet cabin was enhanced by noise-reducing features, making it a comfortable ride.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain choices: a 6.2-litre gasoline V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada. The diesel engine provided smooth power delivery, but the Escalade's ride was unsettled, with vibrations felt throughout the cabin. Despite its truck DNA, the Escalade lacked off-road capability compared to its GM cousins and competitors like the Range Rover.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade, maximizing interior space. With a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, the Ioniq 5 was roomier than competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The interior featured soft touchpoints and a moveable centre console, providing flexibility and comfort. The leatherette seats were supportive and comfortable, catering to various driver sizes.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its platform with other GM full-size SUVs, resulting in a spacious cabin. It offered the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs, with standard second-row captain’s chairs and a power-folding third-row bench seat. The Escalade excelled in cargo space, with up to 3,426 litres available. However, the raised centre console limited storage space, and the seats felt similar to those in GM's other SUVs. Cadillac did include useful features like dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices. It supported 800-volt charging infrastructures and could reach 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5's multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, 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 clear visibility.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising three screens for a comprehensive infotainment experience. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The display was well-integrated into the dashboard, with functional icons and physical toggles for climate control. However, the carousel format for radio stations was awkward, and the rotary controller felt like an afterthought. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and it offered features like night vision and augmented-reality navigation.

The 2022 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. It also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system that adapted to the driver's habits. The Ioniq 5 offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting. While safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were expected.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade included standard driver-assistance technology such as cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was available on most trims, providing hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. While the system impressed with its smooth responses, safety ratings for the Escalade were not published by the IIHS or NHTSA.