2023 Volkswagen Tiguan 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. It was the first model under the new Ioniq sub-brand, dedicated solely to electric vehicles. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a mix of minimalistic lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, giving it a concept car-like appearance. The lighting design was particularly striking, with pixelated LEDs used extensively across the vehicle. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene "Living Space" environment, featuring sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, emphasizing comfort and eco-friendliness.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan maintained a more traditional SUV aesthetic with a sporty twist, especially in the R-Line trims. It offered a range of exterior and interior colour combinations, though choices were limited by trim level. The Tiguan's design was conservative yet aging gracefully, with features like adaptive front lighting and a light bar across the grille. Inside, the Tiguan provided an upscale feel with quality materials, digital instrumentation, and a panoramic sunroof. However, some ergonomic choices, like touch-sensing controls, were less user-friendly, detracting from the overall experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 125-kW rear-mounted motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant increased power to 225 hp and 488 km of range. The AWD version, with dual motors, delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though range dropped to 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was solid for a midsize crossover, with features like Sport mode and adjustable regenerative braking enhancing the driving experience. Despite its quiet cabin and smooth ride, the Ioniq 5 was not aimed at driving enthusiasts but rather those seeking a comfortable and efficient EV.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan's 4Motion AWD system offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport, as well as off-road settings. While the Tiguan's powertrain was adequate for most situations, it lacked the punch for quick overtakes and exhibited some turbo lag. The Tiguan excelled in handling, with stable and predictable dynamics, though the brake pedal required more effort than expected. Overall, the Tiguan provided a comfortable ride with good road feel, despite some quirks in the powertrain.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform, maximized interior space with a 3,000 mm wheelbase, surpassing even the larger Palisade. It offered 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 spacious and flexible environment. The Ioniq 5's design allowed for easy entry and exit, with thoughtful touches like a retro front bench seat.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan provided ample passenger and cargo space, with some configurations offering a third-row seat. The front seats were comfortable and adjustable, though the dashboard's touch-sensing controls were less intuitive. The Tiguan excelled in rear passenger space, with generous legroom and amenities like air vents and USB ports. The cargo area was spacious, with 1,064 litres behind the second row and 2,078 litres with the seats folded, making it one of the roomiest in its class. The hands-free power liftgate and adjustable load floor added to its practicality.

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 ultra-fast charging, reaching 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 for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegant and easy to read, even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered digital instrumentation, with R-Line trims featuring a 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a nine-speaker Fender sound system, and Car-Net connected services. However, the system's user interface was complex, with multi-layer processes for simple tasks. The voice-recognition system underperformed, often lacking a data connection, which limited its usefulness.

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 Highway Drive Assist I system offered semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also featured a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting. While official safety ratings were pending, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in safety features, with standard Front Assist and Side Assist, including forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Tiguan's safety technology was effective and unobtrusive, though crash-test ratings were incomplete. The IIHS awarded the 2023 Tiguan a Top Safety Pick+ for 2022, but this did not apply to 2023.