2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

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. The exterior was a blend of minimalistic lines and intricate pixelated lighting elements, creating a concept car-like appearance. Despite its avant-garde exterior, the interior of the Ioniq 5 was a sanctuary of calm, featuring a "Living Space" design with sustainable materials and a focus on comfort. The cabin offered a zero-gravity relaxation mode for the driver's seat and utilized recycled materials, emphasizing Hyundai's commitment to eco-friendly design.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 continued its evolution from a "cute ute" to a mature crossover SUV. The RAV4's exterior design was more conventional, with angular flourishes and a distinctive front fascia that gave it a playful yet aggressive look. Inside, the RAV4 featured a layered dashboard with contrasting textures and colours, anchored by a straightforward centre stack. The interior design was practical, with a focus on functionality and comfort, offering ample space for passengers and cargo. The RAV4's design was less about making a bold statement and more about providing a reliable and versatile driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, including rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The base model featured a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant boasted a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version combined a 74-kW front motor and a 165-kW rear motor, delivering 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its smooth handling and four drive modes, including a Sport mode for added excitement. The vehicle's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, added an element of gamification to the driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains, starting with a gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with an electric motor, delivering 217 hp and impressive fuel economy. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid was the powerhouse of the lineup, with a 2.5-litre engine, an 18.1-kWh battery, and 302 hp, capable of running up to 68 kilometres on electricity alone. The RAV4's performance was smooth and responsive, with three drive modes to tailor the driving experience. The AWD models featured dynamic torque vectoring and Multi-Terrain Select for enhanced handling and adaptability to road conditions.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior with a wheelbase of 3,000 millimetres, surpassing even the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. The Ioniq 5 provided a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The interior featured a flat floor and a moveable centre console, enhancing versatility and ease of access. The leatherette seats were both comfortable and supportive, catering to a range of driver sizes.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while classified as a small SUV, offered impressive cargo capacity, with up to 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the seats folded flat. The RAV4's towing capacity varied by model, with the Trail and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 1,588 kilograms. Inside, the RAV4 provided ample space for passengers, with comfortable front seats and a practical layout. The interior featured numerous storage options, including cupholders, bottle holders, and a roomy centre console.

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 just 18 minutes. 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 elegantly designed and easy to read, even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a range of technology features, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and expanding to a 9-inch screen with an 11-speaker JBL audio system on higher trims. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology, including multiple USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and a head-up display. The RAV4's technology package was comprehensive, catering to both entry-level and tech-savvy drivers.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I system offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities, learning the driver's habits for a personalized experience. The Ioniq 5 was expected to earn high safety ratings, although official ratings were not yet available.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota's Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. The RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick and received a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The RAV4 Prime earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation, highlighting its superior safety performance.