2022 Volvo XC60 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 dedicated to electric vehicles. This new model embraced a futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of retro video games, which was evident in its extensive use of LED lighting elements. The exterior design was a blend of minimalistic lines and intricate details, creating a unique visual appeal. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene and spacious cabin, emphasizing comfort with its "Living Space" theme. The interior featured sustainable materials, including recycled fibres and bio-materials, and provided a relaxing environment with features like the "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia and rear bumper. The interior retained its clean and uncluttered design, featuring a portrait-oriented touchscreen and a new digital instrument cluster. While the XC60's interior was somewhat subdued compared to other Volvo models, it offered premium materials like Nappa leather upholstery in higher trims. The XC60's design focused on providing a comfortable and quiet ride, with an emphasis on luxury rather than sportiness.

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 rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). 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 larger 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 excelled in providing a quiet and composed ride, with features like adjustable regenerative braking and a single-speed transmission enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 options. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, offering smooth power delivery. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 delivered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. The XC60's AWD system was standard in Canada, and the vehicle offered a comfortable and quiet ride, with an optional air suspension enhancing the experience. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid variant provided a more powerful option, with 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft.

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 offered more room than competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5's interior volume of 3,786 litres exceeded its rivals, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The cabin featured a flat floor and a moveable centre console, enhancing versatility and ease of access. The leatherette seats provided comfort and support, catering to various driver sizes.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive edge in passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom. However, rear-seat headroom was limited compared to rivals. The XC60 offered 611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,410 litres when folded. The plug-in hybrid models had slightly reduced cargo capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, making it easy to navigate without relying heavily on driver aids.

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 just 18 minutes, and could charge other devices or vehicles. The Ioniq 5's infotainment system 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 clear visibility.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech upgrade with the Android Automotive operating system, offering a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The system integrated Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation. Android users could sync their profiles, while iPhone compatibility was also available. The infotainment system featured a new layout with sideways swiping for easy access to menus, and the digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The vehicle featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system that adapted to the driver's habits through machine learning. A head-up display with augmented reality overlays was available, though it could be distracting in certain situations. While official safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks for the Ioniq 5.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not yet received crash-test ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2021 model earned top safety ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Volvo's driver assistance system, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring, was available as an option. While no longer a standout feature, it provided reliable assistance on highways.