2022 Land Rover Defender 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 polished exterior with minimal character lines, avoiding the flashy designs seen in some competitors. However, the Ioniq 5's Parametric Pixel design, reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics, was both fascinating and overwhelming, with pixelated elements integrated into all lighting features. The interior, contrasting the exterior's boldness, 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 Land Rover Defender retained its iconic boxy profile and tailgate-mounted spare wheel, paying homage to its heritage while incorporating modern design elements. The larger size of the new Defender improved interior space and ergonomics, addressing the cramped conditions of its predecessor. The interior design balanced ruggedness with functionality, featuring exposed metal and screws alongside leather and suede upholstery. The Defender's design allowed for off-road capability without compromising on-road comfort, making it a versatile choice for both urban and adventurous settings.

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

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered three powertrains, starting with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 296 hp. The mid-level option was a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain with 395 hp. The new V8 engine, producing 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, accelerated the Defender 90 from zero to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. The V8 model featured sportier handling but was less poised than the six-cylinder version. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Defender provided a comfortable on-road experience, with a suspension that absorbed bumps effectively and minimized noise from the 22-inch tires.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximized interior space 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, allowing for easy entry and exit. The leatherette seats provided comfort and support, catering to various driver sizes.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered versatile seating configurations, with the two-door Defender 90 featuring 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. The four-door Defender 110 provided more cargo space, with up to 1,875 litres available. The interior emphasized functionality, with a large centre-console storage bin and optional refrigeration. The Defender's design allowed for both interior and exterior cargo carrying, with optional roof racks and cargo boxes.

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 percent 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 Land Rover Defender came with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring a 10-inch central touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on most trims, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen. The interface was user-friendly, though the screen required a firm touch. The Defender also offered a surround-view camera system, a 14-speaker Meridian audio system, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, 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 featured a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting. Safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available, but Hyundai's track record suggested high marks.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender included standard driver-assist tech like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was optional. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not published, which was common for luxury vehicles.