2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from its predecessor, the original Ioniq. It showcased a unique design language known as Parametric Pixel, which was both fascinating and slightly overwhelming. The exterior was a blend of minimalistic character lines and intricate pixelated lighting elements, giving it a concept car vibe. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene "Living Space" with sustainable materials and a focus on comfort, featuring a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat and a cabin designed for tranquility.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 maintained its reputation as a stylish and high-quality compact crossover SUV. Despite its age, it exuded a sense of luxury with its refined materials and sophisticated design. The CX-5's interior was enhanced with improved front seats for better comfort and support, especially in the Signature trim with Nappa leather. However, it fell short in terms of technology and space, with a cramped rear seat and limited cargo capacity. The infotainment system, while visually appealing, was criticized for its lack of user-friendliness and voice recognition capabilities.

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 featured a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering a range of 488 kilometres. 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's performance was characterized by its smooth handling and four drive modes, including Sport mode for added excitement. It also featured paddle shifters for adjusting regenerative braking levels.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 came with two engine options: a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine offering up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. The turbo engine provided a thrilling driving experience, especially on winding roads, with responsive handling and a firm ride. The CX-5's AWD system and six-speed automatic transmission contributed to its engaging performance, although fuel efficiency varied depending on driving conditions and fuel type.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a spacious interior with a 3,000 mm wheelbase, longer 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, flat floor, and comfortable leatherette seats, creating a versatile and relaxing environment.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, while stylish, had limitations in terms of space. The rear seat was cramped, and the cargo area offered 871 litres of space, expanding to 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded. The interior featured high-quality materials, but the infotainment system's design and functionality were less intuitive. The CX-5's focus on driving dynamics came at the expense of interior space and user-friendly technology.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, including a high-voltage energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and offered a range of multimedia features, including 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.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system, while visually appealing, was criticized for its lack of user-friendliness. The system's physical controls were awkward to use, and the absence of a voice recognition system added to the frustration. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-5 offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system in upper trims.

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. While crash-safety ratings were not available, Hyundai's track record suggested high safety standards.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety with its i-Activsense technology, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a head-up display. The CX-5 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a five-star rating and a Top Safety Pick ranking, respectively. However, the lack of a warning system for driving without headlights at night was a noted concern.