2023 Toyota Sequoia 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 marked the beginning of Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand, dedicated solely to electric vehicles. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a blend of minimalistic character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics. This design choice made the Ioniq 5 appear more like a concept car than a production model. The interior, however, was a stark contrast, offering a serene "Living Space" with sustainable materials and a focus on comfort, including a unique "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia was a bold and imposing SUV, drawing design cues from the Toyota Tundra. Its exterior was characterized by a traditional grille and a newly creased body, giving it a substantial presence. Inside, the Sequoia shared many elements with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with luxurious touches in the Capstone trim. The cabin was equipped with a massive 14-inch infotainment system and a cream white-over-black colour scheme. Despite its luxurious appearance, some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia offered a range of trims, each catering to different needs, from off-roading to luxury.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations and three powertrains in Canada. 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 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 with a 165-kW rear motor, producing 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5's performance was middle-of-the-road for a midsize crossover, with a focus on comfort and composure rather than sporty dynamics. It featured four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The Ioniq 5's regenerative braking system offered multiple levels of adjustment, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a hybrid system combining a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator, and a 1.87 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This setup delivered 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 4,137 kilograms, and it achieved better fuel efficiency than its predecessor, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving. The Sequoia offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. However, the steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive at times.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), providing a longer wheelbase and maximizing interior space. Despite its hatchback appearance, it was sized like an electric SUV, offering a total interior volume of 3,786 litres. The Ioniq 5's interior was designed for comfort, with a moveable centre console and a flat floor. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to various driver sizes.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a comfortable cabin with soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium audio system, and a triple-zone climate control system. The Sequoia's second-row captain's chairs provided comfort but lacked adjustability, impacting third-row space. The third-row seat was less comfortable due to its high floor and low roof. Cargo space was limited, with 325 litres behind the third row, expandable to 631 litres. The Sequoia's hybrid powertrain compromised overall utility, reducing cargo capacity compared to its predecessor.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices. It supported 800-volt charging infrastructure and could reach 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5's infotainment system included a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens were elegant and anti-glare, ensuring clear visibility.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came with a new Toyota Audio Multimedia system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen in the base trim and a 14-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, user accounts, and an Intelligent Assistant. The Capstone trim offered a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. However, the system had some quirks, such as glare on the display and occasional connectivity issues.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). It included features like lane keeping assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. A head-up display with augmented reality overlays was available, though it could be distracting.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. The Sequoia's safety systems were effective, though the lane-departure warning system's beeping could be irritating.