2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer 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 dedicated to 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 design, the Ioniq 5 maintained a sense of elegance and sophistication. Inside, the cabin offered a serene and spacious environment, emphasizing comfort and sustainability. The "Living Space" theme was evident in the use of eco-friendly materials and innovative features like the Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, providing a zero-gravity resting position.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer boasted a more traditional yet appealing design. Its proportions and character lines were well-executed, and the option for a contrasting roof colour added a touch of flair. The Trailblazer was available in four trims, with the RS trim offering a sportier appearance. Inside, the cabin was functional, with a focus on practicality. While the interior featured some hard plastics, it still managed to provide a sense of style. The Trailblazer's compact size made it easy to manoeuvre, and its high seating position facilitated easy entry and exit. However, the rear seat's flat cushions prioritized cargo space over passenger comfort.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations to suit different needs. In Canada, it was available in Essential and Preferred trims, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. 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, producing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version combined a 74-kW front motor and a 165-kW rear motor, resulting in 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was balanced, with four drive modes, including Sport mode, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's quiet cabin and advanced regenerative braking system further enhanced the driving experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder engine, producing 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The AWD version came with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering improved ride and handling. The Trailblazer's light curb weight and turbocharged torque made it nimble and fun to drive, especially in Sport mode. However, the cabin was noisy at highway speeds, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps and rough terrain. The Trailblazer's fuel efficiency was decent, averaging 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though it fell short of official ratings.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) provided a spacious interior, with a wheelbase longer than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. The Ioniq 5 offered 3,786 litres of interior volume, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The cabin featured soft touchpoints and a moveable centre console, enhancing comfort and usability. The leatherette seats were supportive and comfortable, catering to various driver sizes. The Ioniq 5's design prioritized passenger comfort over cargo space, with 770 litres of rear cargo capacity.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its compact size, offered impressive functionality. It could accommodate four passengers comfortably, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat in the RS trim. The rear seat provided ample legroom but had flat cushions for a flat load floor when folded. The Trailblazer's cargo space was versatile, with 716 litres in the trunk and 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing for the transport of long items.

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% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and could charge other devices or vehicles. The Ioniq 5 featured 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 anti-glare coatings for clear visibility.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Trailblazer's system was user-friendly, with appealing graphics and physical controls for easy operation. The RS trim included a 7-speaker Bose audio system and wireless smartphone charging. However, the Trailblazer lacked some advanced technologies found in the Ioniq 5.

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

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder, and Teen Driver technology. Chevy Safety Assist included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.