2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Kia Sorento

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 the new Ioniq sub-brand, which focused solely on electric vehicles. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a blend of minimalistic character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, giving it a concept car-like appearance. The lighting design was particularly striking, with pixelated LEDs used throughout. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene "Living Space" theme, featuring sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, emphasizing comfort and eco-friendliness.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, especially in the X-Line trim, exuded a rugged and stylish presence. The exterior featured robust bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and black cladding, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the Sorento's cabin was luxurious, with high-quality materials like leather upholstery and simulated wood trim. The second-row captain's chairs and available panoramic sunroof added to the comfort, although the third-row seating was less accommodating for adults. Overall, the Sorento's interior was well-designed, offering a blend of style and practicality.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations and three powertrains in Canada. 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 had a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version boasted a dual-motor system with 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was middle-of-the-road for a midsize crossover, with a focus on comfort and control rather than sporty dynamics. It featured four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The Ioniq 5's quiet cabin and advanced regenerative braking system further enhanced the driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's standard engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder, which was underwhelming in terms of performance. However, the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine offered 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The Sorento's turbo engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering a lively and engaging drive. The SUV's suspension was tuned for a balance of comfort and control, making it feel more like a sports sedan. Fuel consumption was higher than expected, with an average of 11.5 L/100 km during testing, but the Sorento's overall performance was commendable.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a spacious interior with a 3,000-millimetre wheelbase. It provided a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5's interior was designed for comfort, with a moveable centre console and flat floor, allowing for easy access and exit. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to various driver sizes.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious, with features like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs were designed for children, with convenient storage solutions and USB ports. However, the third-row seating was cramped for adults, making it more suitable for occasional use. The Sorento offered 357 litres of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 2,139 litres with the second and third rows folded. The smart power tailgate added convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured advanced 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. The Ioniq 5's infotainment system 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 easy to read, even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on lower trims, while higher trims featured a 10.25-inch display with navigation and Kia Connect services. The system was intuitive, though the graphics and colours might not appeal to everyone. The Sorento's voice recognition was less effective than Hyundai's, and the premium Bose sound system was reserved for the SX trim. A wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I system offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, learning the driver's habits for a personalized experience. The Ioniq 5 also featured a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting in practice. Safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available, but Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor system provided live video feeds of blind spots, enhancing the traditional blind-spot monitoring system. The Highway Driving Assist technology offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, working effectively on various highways. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS, with a four-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA.