2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

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 gaming aesthetics, which was evident in its extensive use of LED pixels across all lighting elements. The exterior design was a blend of minimalistic lines and intricate details, creating a concept car-like appearance. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene "Living Space" environment with sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, emphasizing comfort and eco-friendliness.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, adventure-ready persona, staying true to its roots as a traditional SUV with a truck-based platform. Its design was functional, with a high ride height and boxy proportions that signalled its off-road capabilities. The interior, however, showed its age, with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. Despite this, the 4Runner offered practical features like a power-sliding rear window and ample cargo space, catering to those who valued utility and durability over modern aesthetics.

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 dual motors, delivered 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, which added excitement but reduced range. Its quiet cabin and advanced regenerative braking system enhanced the driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was powered by a single 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. While the engine was reliable, it felt underwhelming in most driving situations. The 4Runner's ride was harsh on paved roads, with noticeable body roll, but it excelled off-road, where its suspension absorbed rough terrain effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models offered additional off-road features like Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their trail capabilities.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) provided a spacious interior with a 3,000-millimetre wheelbase, surpassing even the seven-passenger Palisade. It offered 3,786 litres of interior volume, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The interior featured a moveable centre console and a flat floor, enhancing versatility and ease of access. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to various driver sizes.

The Toyota 4Runner, with its two-row configuration, provided a maximum cargo capacity of 2,540 litres, slightly more than the three-row version. The three-row model offered seating for up to seven but reduced cargo space. While the 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate, it featured a power-operated rear window for easy access. The cabin, though not as spacious as modern SUVs, offered practical storage solutions.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted cutting-edge technology, including a high-voltage energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air updates. Its 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegant and anti-glare, ensuring clear visibility.

The Toyota 4Runner came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While it lacked advanced features like a head-up display, its straightforward layout with tactile controls appealed to those who preferred simplicity. The optional JBL premium audio system enhanced the audio experience.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. It featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting.

The Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense suite, with features like forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. It earned four out of five stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the NHTSA, with three stars for rollover testing. The 4Runner was backed by a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.