2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

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 exterior, the interior of the Ioniq 5 was a sanctuary of calm, featuring a "Living Space" design with sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, offering a zero-gravity resting position.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid embraced a more assertive and truck-like design, representing the most significant styling shift in the CR-V's history. The new model was larger, with a longer wheelbase and wider tracks, giving it a muscular stance. The classic D-pillar taillights were modernized with three L shapes, and the vehicle featured LED headlights and taillights. The interior followed the premium design direction seen in other Honda models, with high-quality materials and a honeycomb grille spanning the dash. The CR-V Hybrid Touring trim added sporty elements like black roof rails and 19-inch wheels, enhancing its bold appearance.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, 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 488 km of range. 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 km. The Ioniq 5 excelled in providing a quiet and comfortable ride, thanks to its noise-reducing features and aerodynamic design.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid, on the other hand, combined a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, with a top speed of 185 km/h. The hybrid powertrain was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered four drive modes, including a new Snow mode. The CR-V Hybrid's Real Time AWD system could send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels, enhancing its performance in various conditions. The vehicle also featured a "B" shifter position for increased regenerative braking and improved fuel efficiency, with a combined consumption of 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), providing a spacious interior with a 3,000-millimetre wheelbase, longer than the seven-passenger Palisade. It offered a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5's interior was designed for comfort, with features like a moveable centre console and leatherette seats providing a pleasant driving experience.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to increased interior space, with 1,028 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 2,030 litres with them folded. Rear seat legroom was extended to 1,042 millimetres, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The CR-V Hybrid featured a hands-free power tailgate, wide-opening rear doors, and a standard one-touch power moonroof. The interior was equipped with practical storage solutions, including a cubby for smartphones and eight cupholders throughout the cabin.

The 2022 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 ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 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 with anti-glare coating for clear visibility.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a user-friendly infotainment system with physical buttons for essential functions. The standard 7-inch touchscreen could be upgraded to a 9-inch display in higher trims. The CR-V Hybrid was well-equipped with USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Hybrid Touring trim included Honda's smart navigation system, optimizing fuel efficiency based on the route.

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. It also offered Hyundai 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 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including improved collision mitigation and lane-keeping assist systems. New safety features included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The CR-V Hybrid had earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA, with additional safety enhancements like new airbags and increased visibility.