2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

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 showcased a polished exterior with minimal character lines, avoiding the flashy designs seen in some competitors. However, the Ioniq 5's Parametric Pixel design, reminiscent of 8-bit graphics, was both fascinating and frustrating, with pixelated elements integrated into all lighting features. The interior, contrasting the exterior's boldness, embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow and relaxing environment with sustainable materials and innovative features like the "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 exuded a subtle seductiveness with its styling, characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield. It introduced a ruggedness with its fender swells and cladding, while maintaining an appealing design with elements like a black grille and available 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior of the CX-50 continued Mazda's tradition of driver-focused design, featuring quality materials and a mix of analog and digital gauges. While the interior was comfortable, it lacked some storage solutions, and the dashboard design left room for improvement. Overall, the CX-50 presented a good-looking compact crossover with a blend of style and functionality.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. 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 258 lb-ft of torque, offering a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version combined a dual-motor system for a total of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was middle-of-the-road for its segment, with four drive modes, including Sport mode, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's quiet cabin and noise-reducing features enhanced the driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options: a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged version producing up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine provided smooth acceleration and increased towing capacity from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50's Mi-Drive system offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, ensuring natural vehicle behaviour in various conditions. While the CX-50's ride quality was slightly firmer than the CX-5, it delivered a driving experience reminiscent of a modern Mazda6 station wagon with a Subaru Outback treatment. The CX-50 excelled in off-road situations, though it lacked a downhill assist control system.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a longer wheelbase and maximizing interior space. With a wheelbase of 3,000 millimetres, it surpassed the seven-passenger Palisade and competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5 provided a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The interior featured soft touchpoints, a moveable centre console, and comfortable leatherette seats, creating a pleasant driving and relaxing environment.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered a well-equipped interior with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat provided ample room for adults, and the rear doors opened to nearly a 90-degree angle for easy entry and exit. While storage space was adequate, some opportunities for additional storage were missed. The CX-50's cargo space measured 889 litres, with a maximum of 1,595 litres, slightly less than the CX-5 due to its lower roofline.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80 percent battery capacity in 18 minutes, and offered a redesigned Blue Link app for EV charge management. The Ioniq 5 included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, digital key, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegantly designed with anti-glare coating, ensuring clear visibility.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. While Mazda Connect historically lacked touchscreen control, the CX-50 introduced touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system delivered a satisfying audio experience. The Active Driving Display, or head-up display, provided valuable information within the driver's line of sight, enhancing safety and convenience.

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

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to some headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance results. Mazda provided a comprehensive standard package of driving assistance systems, with features like active blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist. While the systems generally worked well, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in, requiring manual intervention.