2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2023 Volvo XC90

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 futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics. The exterior was a blend of minimalistic character lines and intricate lighting details, 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 unique "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 represented a refined evolution from Volvo's past designs, shedding its boxy image for a more sophisticated and modern look. The XC90's exterior was purposeful yet understated, with its signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights adding a touch of modernity. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, luxurious Nappa leather seats, and tasteful wood deco inlays. The minimalist design was complemented by a focus on high-quality materials, although it did come with some limitations in terms of storage space.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, including a base model 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 a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version boasted a dual-motor system with 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though its range dropped to 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was solid for a midsize crossover, with four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's quiet cabin and advanced regenerative braking system further enhanced the driving experience.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. While it sacrificed some power compared to its predecessor, it offered improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a well-tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle's handling was impressive for its size, and its brakes inspired confidence. However, the XC90 lacked extensive customizable driving dynamics, focusing instead on simplicity and ease of use.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) provided a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. It offered 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. The flat floor and retro front bench seat design allowed for easy entry and exit from either front door.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was elegant but had some space and storage limitations. The second row was comfortable, but accessing the third row was challenging. With the third seat in place, the XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third row folded and 1,856 litres with all rear seats down. While the XC90 drove like a smaller car, its interior space fell short compared to some competitors.

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 also offered 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 intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for easy readability.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's tech offering included a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, with features like Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. While the system was impressive, it relied heavily on the touchscreen interface, which could be frustrating. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was optional. The XC90's tech was advanced but required some adjustment for new users.

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. It also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. While safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. It featured standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The XC90's Pilot Assist technology helped maintain distance from other vehicles, enhancing safety on the road.