2022 Volkswagen Atlas 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 futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics. The exterior was a blend of minimalistic lines and intricate lighting details, creating a concept car-like appearance. Despite its bold design, the Ioniq 5 maintained a sense of practicality with aerodynamic alloy wheels and a spacious cabin. Inside, the "Living Space" theme provided a serene environment with sustainable materials and innovative features like the Relaxation mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas retained its familiar design with minor updates from the previous year. The Atlas exuded a bold and boxy appearance, enhanced by R-Line design elements and 21-inch alloy wheels on the Execline trim. While the exterior was appealing, the interior design was a mix of simplicity and premium flair, though some materials felt cost-effective. The Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, accommodating seven passengers with ease. However, the abundance of hard plastics and unlined storage areas detracted from the overall quality, making it less refined than expected for its price range.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, catering to different driving preferences. In Canada, it was available in two trims, Essential and Preferred, with options for long-range and all-wheel drive. 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 boasted a 168-kW motor, producing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with an impressive range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version combined a dual-motor system, generating 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. The vehicle's quiet cabin and advanced regenerative braking system further enhanced the driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a 3.6-litre V6. The turbo-four produced 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, but required premium fuel for optimal performance. Its towing capacity was limited to 907 kilograms. The V6, available on higher trims, delivered 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Despite its power, the V6 felt outdated and lacked refinement, resulting in a gritty driving experience. The Atlas featured multiple driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations, but its fuel efficiency and ride quality were subpar. The SUV's handling was sound, but an adaptive-damping suspension option was needed for better control on uneven surfaces.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximizing interior space and utility. With a wheelbase of 3,000 millimetres, it surpassed the seven-passenger Palisade and competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5 offered a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The cabin featured soft touchpoints, a moveable centre console, and a flat floor, enhancing usability. The leatherette seats provided exceptional comfort and support, catering to various driver sizes.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, accommodating seven passengers with ample head and legroom, even in the third row. The SUV's low step-in height facilitated easy entry and exit. The Atlas offered generous cargo space, with 583 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,741 litres with seats folded. However, the unlined storage areas caused items to rattle, detracting from the overall experience. The Atlas's seats were comfortable, and higher trims featured premium amenities like genuine leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and could charge other devices. 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 anti-glare coatings for clear visibility.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display, expandable to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The Trendline trim had a basic infotainment system, while other trims featured the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and Car-Net services. Despite its features, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and cumbersome navigation controls. The voice recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Hyundai SmartSense with lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I system offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, adapting 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. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a robust set of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Lane Assist technology struggled with old construction markings, causing potential safety concerns. The Atlas's crash-test ratings were decent but not class-leading, lacking a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.