2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2023 Honda Pilot

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 unique design language, characterized by its Parametric Pixel design, which gave it a futuristic and concept-car-like appearance. The exterior was a blend of minimalistic character lines and intricate lighting details, with pixelated LED elements adorning the headlights, taillights, and other lighting components. The Ioniq 5's interior, in contrast, embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a serene and comfortable environment with sustainable materials and innovative features like a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat. The cabin's design was understated yet functional, with a focus on providing a relaxing and eco-friendly driving experience.

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, resulting in a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its boxier styling and increased dimensions gave it a more commanding presence on the road. The fourth-generation Pilot was larger in every dimension compared to its predecessor, making it a more spacious and versatile family SUV. The TrailSport model, in particular, embraced its off-road capabilities with features like a taller ride height, all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. Inside, the Pilot maintained a conventional yet functional design, with an emphasis on practicality and versatility. The interior materials met class expectations, and the layout was user-friendly, with standard features like heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Overall, the 2023 Honda Pilot prioritized function and utility while maintaining an attractive and comfortable interior.

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 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. For those seeking more power, the all-wheel-drive version combined a 74-kW front motor with a 165-kW rear motor, resulting in a total output of 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, albeit with a reduced range of 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its smooth and composed handling, with four drive modes, including a Sport mode for added excitement. The vehicle's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, added an element of gamification to the driving experience.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, generating 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Honda's i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system, the Pilot offered a smooth and responsive driving experience. While not designed for sporty driving, the Pilot excelled in providing a comfortable and confident ride, with minimal body roll and a focus on family-friendly dynamics. The TrailSport variant added off-road capabilities with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, making it a versatile choice for adventurous families. The Pilot's towing capacity of up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) further enhanced its practicality. Overall, the Pilot prioritized comfort and utility, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a reliable and capable SUV.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which maximized interior space and utility. Despite its hatchback appearance, the Ioniq 5 offered a spacious cabin with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. With a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, it surpassed competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4 in terms of passenger space. The Ioniq 5's interior featured a flat floor and a moveable centre console, providing flexibility and convenience. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to a wide range of driver sizes. The Ioniq 5's design emphasized passenger comfort and relaxation, making it an inviting space for both short commutes and long journeys.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was designed with practicality and versatility in mind. While it lacked the visual impact of some other Honda models, it offered a functional layout with a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level Sport trim featured a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Pilot's interior boasted clever storage solutions, including a stowable second-row centre seat that provided a pass-through for third-row passengers. The second row offered ample space for adults, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. The Pilot's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 3,219 litres of space available when the second and third rows were folded flat. A power tailgate was standard, with hands-free operation on higher trims, enhancing convenience for busy families.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system that supported ultra-fast charging and vehicle-to-load capabilities. It could reach 80 percent battery capacity in just 18 minutes and offered the ability to charge other devices or even another EV. The Ioniq 5's multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, 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 improved visibility. The Ioniq 5's technology package was comprehensive, offering a seamless and connected driving experience.

The 2023 Honda Pilot offered a range of technology features, with the EX-L trim and higher providing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. The infotainment touchscreen was user-friendly, with quick responses and a logical layout. The Touring trim added a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. Honda's CabinTalk feature allowed for easy communication with rear-seat passengers, while the Bose premium audio system and navigation system enhanced the overall driving experience. The Pilot's technology package was designed to meet the needs of tech-savvy families, providing convenience and connectivity on the go.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included lane keeping assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 also offered Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system that adapted to the driver's habits through machine learning. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record of receiving IIHS Top Safety awards suggested that the Ioniq 5 would perform well in safety evaluations.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, the highest available. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors, surround-view and multi-view camera systems. The Pilot's safety features were effective and reliable, providing peace of mind for families on the road.