2022 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

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 Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand, dedicated solely to electric vehicles. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a blend of minimalistic lines and intricate details, featuring a unique Parametric Pixel design that gave it a concept car-like appearance. The interior, contrasting the exterior's complexity, was designed with a "Living Space" theme, offering a relaxing and sustainable environment with features like a zero-gravity seat and eco-friendly materials.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza re-emerged with a modern design that could easily fit into the Lexus lineup. Its exterior was characterized by a deeply scalloped body and a prominent tailgate with LED lighting. The Venza's interior was elegant and spacious, with high-quality materials and a layout that maximized comfort. The cabin featured an array of convenience features, including a power-adjustable driver's seat and a panoramic glass sunroof, creating a serene and luxurious atmosphere.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations and three powertrains, with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. The base model featured a 125-kW 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 km. The AWD version delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was solid for a midsize crossover, with four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's quiet cabin and advanced regenerative braking system further enhanced the driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Venza combined a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with three electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. The hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency, with the electric motors providing AWD capability. The Venza offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, with regenerative braking to recharge the battery. Its performance was agile and sprightly, suitable for a midsize family vehicle, with a focus on comfort and efficiency rather than aggressive driving.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) provided a spacious interior with a 3,000 mm 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, flat floor, and comfortable leatherette seats, creating a versatile and relaxing environment.

The Toyota Venza seated five with ample headroom and legroom, even with its lower roofline. The cabin included numerous convenience features, such as an electric parking brake and sliding sun visors. The Venza offered 816 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,560 litres with the seats folded. Toyota focused on creating a quiet cabin with sound-blocking materials, ensuring a serene driving experience.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices. It supported 800-volt charging infrastructure and could reach 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 were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for clear visibility.

The Toyota Venza's hybrid system required no charging infrastructure, offering a stress-free driving experience. It featured a Predicted Efficient Drive program to optimize battery charging. The Venza LE came with an eight-inch touchscreen, while the XLE and Limited offered a 12.3-inch screen, JBL audio system, and head-up display. Toyota Connected Services provided safety and remote features, enhancing the Venza's technological appeal.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 included Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems with features like lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. It also offered Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 was expected to earn high safety ratings, given Hyundai's track record with IIHS Top Safety awards.

The Toyota Venza featured the Toyota Star Safety System, with stability control, traction control, and a rearview camera. It included eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, offering forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.