2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the original Ioniq, by establishing itself as the first model under Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand dedicated solely to electric vehicles. This new direction was evident in its exterior design, which, at first glance, appeared polished and understated. However, upon closer inspection, the Ioniq 5 revealed a complex array of design elements, including the distinctive Parametric Pixel design that evoked a sense of nostalgia for older Millennials. The vehicle's lighting system was a standout feature, with pixelated LEDs adorning every light source, creating a futuristic yet somewhat overwhelming aesthetic. The interior, in contrast, 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.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge, on the other hand, adhered to a more traditional approach to design, closely resembling its gasoline-powered counterparts. The exterior maintained the classic XC40 shape, with subtle differences such as a solid panel in the grille and unique alloy wheels. The interior showcased Volvo's signature Scandinavian design sensibility, creating an airy and harmonious cabin. The XC40 Recharge exuded a sense of luxury, with meticulous attention to detail in its assembly and finish. The Thor's Hammer daytime running lights paid homage to Volvo's Swedish heritage, while the thin pillars contributed to the illusion of a floating roof. Overall, the XC40 Recharge offered a refined and sophisticated appearance, appealing to those who preferred a more conventional yet premium design.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrain options, catering to different driving preferences. In Canada, it was available in two trims, Essential and Preferred, with the latter offering long-range and all-wheel-drive (AWD) options. The base model featured a single 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant boasted a larger 168-kW motor, producing 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with an impressive range of 488 kilometres. Opting for AWD introduced a dual-motor system, generating a total of 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, albeit with a reduced range of 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its composed handling and four drive modes, including a Sport mode for added excitement. Regenerative braking and paddle shifters allowed for customizable driving experiences, while noise-reducing features ensured a quiet cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge delivered exhilarating performance with its dual-motor setup, producing 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. This power allowed the XC40 Recharge to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in just 4.9 seconds, making it one of the fastest compact SUVs in its class. The vehicle's regenerative braking system efficiently recaptured energy, and the one-pedal drive feature maximized regenerative braking for enhanced battery preservation. The XC40 Recharge's low centre of gravity, thanks to the battery placement, contributed to its stable and planted handling. Natural Resources Canada rated its efficiency at 2.8 Le/100 km combined, with a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge. The XC40 Recharge also supported DC fast-charging, allowing for quick recharges.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) provided a spacious interior, thanks to its extended wheelbase of 3,000 millimetres, surpassing even the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. With a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, the Ioniq 5 offered ample space for passengers and cargo. The cabin featured a flat floor and a moveable centre console, enhancing versatility and comfort. The leatherette seats provided excellent support, and the interior design prioritized passenger comfort with soft touchpoints and a modern take on the retro front bench seat.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and a comfortable cabin. The front trunk, or "frunk," provided additional storage space, while the interior featured ample cubbies and nooks for everyday essentials. The front seats were comfortable, and the rear seats accommodated passengers with ease, although the middle seat was less comfortable. The XC40 Recharge offered a maximum cargo capacity of 1,628 litres with the rear seats folded flat, and it had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80 percent battery capacity in just 18 minutes, and could charge other devices or vehicles. 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 elegantly designed and featured anti-glare coatings for optimal visibility.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems, including Pilot Assist for highway driving. The vehicle featured a heat pump to extend its range and a 9.3-inch centre-stack touchscreen with the Android Automotive operating system. Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store were integrated, along with Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates, although the range display, which showed a percentage of remaining charge, was less intuitive for drivers accustomed to distance-based estimates.

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. Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system, learned and adapted to the driver's habits. The Ioniq 5 also offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, although it could be distracting. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high safety standards.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, and its gasoline counterpart earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 Recharge's safety features included collision warning, blind-spot information, lane keep assist, and a high-strength protective cage for the battery. The vehicle's top speed was electronically capped at 180 kilometres per hour, and its new sensor platform enhanced active safety features. Volvo's Connected Safety system shared road condition data with other connected Volvo vehicles for added safety.