2022 Chevrolet Suburban 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 video games, which was evident in its extensive use of LED lighting elements. The exterior design was a mix of minimalistic lines and intricate details, creating a unique visual appeal. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene and spacious cabin, emphasizing comfort and sustainability. The interior featured eco-friendly materials and a "Living Space" design theme, providing a relaxing environment with features like a zero-gravity relaxation mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban embraced a bold and imposing design, sharing its styling cues with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup. The Suburban's exterior was characterized by its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels, giving it a commanding presence on the road. Available in six trims, the Suburban offered a range of customization options, with the RST trim standing out for its sporty appearance. Inside, the Suburban boasted a spacious cabin with seating for up to nine passengers, depending on the configuration. The interior ranged from comfortable to luxurious, with leather seats and various material upgrades available on higher trims. However, the predominantly black interior of the RST trim could feel a bit dark despite its spaciousness.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, catering to different driving preferences. In Canada, it was available in two trims: Essential and Preferred, with the latter offering long-range and all-wheel-drive options. 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 range of 488 kilometres. The all-wheel-drive version combined a 74-kW front motor with a 165-kW rear motor, producing a total of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, albeit with a reduced range of 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its smooth handling and four drive modes, including a Sport mode for added excitement. However, spirited driving could quickly deplete the range, making it more suitable for leisurely drives.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a choice of three engines, each paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The base engine was a 5.3-litre V8, producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the more powerful 6.2-litre V8 delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. A new 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six engine provided 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, offering excellent fuel efficiency and towing capability. The Suburban's performance was enhanced by its independent rear suspension, improving ride quality and handling. The RST trim, equipped with the 6.2-litre V8 and Magnetic Ride Control, offered effortless power and acceleration, making it well-suited for towing and long-distance travel. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 3,765 kilograms, making it a capable choice for those needing to haul heavy loads.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which maximized interior space and utility. Despite its hatchback appearance, the Ioniq 5 offered a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade, providing ample room for passengers. With a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, it surpassed competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5's interior featured a flat floor and a moveable centre console, enhancing versatility and comfort. The leatherette seats were both comfortable and supportive, catering to a wide range of driver sizes.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in providing space for passengers and cargo. With seating for up to nine occupants, it offered generous headroom, knee room, and legroom, even in the third row. The Suburban's cargo capacity was impressive, with 1,175 litres of space behind the third row and a maximum of 4,097 litres with the second and third rows folded flat. The second-row seats could slide forward or backward, and the power-sliding centre console added convenience. However, the Suburban's size made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces, and its height could be an issue for some garages. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls was a notable change from previous models.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80 percent battery capacity in just 18 minutes, and could charge other devices or vehicles. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link connected car app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegantly designed and easy to read, even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a surprising level of technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT trims and above. Google built-in, including Google Maps and Google Assistant, was also standard on these trims. The Suburban's infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen on the LS and a 10.2-inch system on higher trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Suburban offered a range of audio systems, with the Premier and High Country trims featuring a premium Bose CenterPoint system. The Suburban's technology package included multiple camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view, enhancing its practicality.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included lane keeping assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system, was also standard, adapting to the driver's habits through machine learning. The Ioniq 5 offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, although it could be distracting in practice. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high safety standards.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came with Chevy Safety Assist, which included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and front pedestrian braking. For 2022, additional features like front park assist and lane-keeping assistance were added. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high marks for side crash protection. The IIHS had not yet tested the current-generation Suburban.