2022 Cadillac XT5 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 EV brand. This new model showcased a polished exterior with minimal character lines, yet its design was a complex interplay of elements that could be both fascinating and frustrating. The Parametric Pixel design, reminiscent of 8-bit graphics, was a standout feature, with pixelated lighting elements integrated throughout the vehicle. The interior, in contrast, embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a serene and comfortable environment with sustainable materials and innovative features like the "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 blended Cadillac's signature design cues with a compact footprint and tall profile, resulting in a somewhat ungainly appearance. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered distinct styling elements, with the former featuring bright chrome and the latter adopting darker trim and a mesh grille. Inside, the XT5's interior exuded luxury, especially with the optional Platinum Package, which added premium materials and finishes. However, the design lacked a strong thematic identity, failing to make a bold statement like some of its competitors.

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 488 km of range. 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 solid for a midsize crossover, with four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's quiet cabin and advanced regenerative braking system further enhanced the driving experience.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 with 310 hp. The V6, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and linear power delivery. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, offering a comfortable and controlled ride. The XT5's steering was well-suited for luxury driving, and the cabin remained impressively quiet, contributing to a refined driving experience.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) provided a spacious interior 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 flat floor, while the leatherette seats provided excellent support and comfort.

The Cadillac XT5 offered competitive interior space, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, though it trailed in rear headroom. The XT5 excelled in legroom, but the seats, while comfortable, fell short of luxury standards. The XT5 provided 850 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,784 litres with them folded, surpassing its German rivals. The interior featured practical storage solutions, though the centre console was somewhat cramped.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its 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 gain over 100 km of range in just 5 minutes with a 350-kW charger. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with anti-glare coating.

The Cadillac XT5's standard infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. While usability improved, the tech remained adequate compared to competitors. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality, but the array of secondary controls and touchpads lacked intuitive placement and feedback.

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 Highway Drive Assist I system offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. While safety ratings were pending, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks.

The Cadillac XT5 featured standard safety systems like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced braking features. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, though it had some lower ratings for headlights and child seat anchor ease of use.