2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a bold step into the future of electrified mobility, marking a departure from the original Ioniq's hybrid roots. As the first vehicle in Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand, it showcased a unique design language with its Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of retro digital aesthetics. The exterior was a mix of minimalistic lines and intricate pixelated lighting elements, creating a concept-car-like appearance. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene "Living Space" environment, with sustainable materials and a focus on comfort, including a zero-gravity relaxation mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe maintained a more conservative design, continuing the styling from the previous model year. While it didn't boast the standout looks of some of Hyundai's other models, it remained an attractive SUV with its wide grilles and thin LED headlights. The interior of the Santa Fe, particularly in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, offered a high-quality feel with Nappa leather seats and a range of comfort features. The cabin was spacious, with a focus on practicality and comfort, making it a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant increased power to 225 hp and extended the range to 488 kilometres. The AWD version, with a dual-motor setup, delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was solid for a midsize crossover, with a focus on comfort and control rather than sporty dynamics. It featured four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a choice of a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine producing 191 hp or a turbocharged version with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged engine provided brisk acceleration and passing power, especially in Sport mode, without undue noise or harshness. The Santa Fe's handling was smooth, with minimal body lean, and the dual-clutch transmission performed well without the typical low-speed clunkiness. While not tested off-road, the Santa Fe's towing capacity was notable, with the turbo version capable of towing up to 1,587 kg.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. It provided 3,786 litres of interior volume, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The interior featured a moveable centre console and a flat floor, enhancing usability and comfort. The leatherette seats were supportive and comfortable, catering to a range of driver sizes.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, offered generous rear-seat legroom of 1,060 millimetres and a competitive cargo space of 1,032 litres behind the second row. Folding the seats expanded storage to 2,041 litres. The Santa Fe's interior was equipped with comfort features like dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added luxury touches like a head-up display and ambient lighting, though the wide centre console slightly compromised driver leg space.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices and vehicles. 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 elegant and easy to read, even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in in-vehicle technology, offering a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in the top trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with customizable settings and voice recognition capabilities. However, the voice recognition struggled with certain commands, requiring precise terminology. The Santa Fe's technology package was comprehensive, providing a range of features for a mass-market SUV.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. It featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting in certain seating positions. While official safety ratings were not available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added Highway Driving Assist, enhancing adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS, with high marks in crashworthiness tests. The safety features provided peace of mind, with reminders for rear-seat passengers and safe-exit warnings.