2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its overall sophistication. The vehicle was 4 centimetres longer than its predecessor, featuring a revised grille, updated front and rear fascias, and enhanced LED lighting. The sporty new character lines, contrasted by lower body cladding, gave the Kona a more refined appearance. New alloy wheel designs completed the exterior updates. Inside, the instrument panel and centre console were separated to emphasize a more horizontal layout, creating a wider, more spacious look. Ambient lighting in the front cupholders and footwells added a touch of elegance.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, as the first vehicle of the new Ioniq lineup, showcased a polished exterior with minimal character lines, avoiding the flashy designs of some competitors. The Parametric Pixel design was a standout feature, with pixelated LED lighting used throughout the vehicle. The Ioniq 5's interior, designed with a "Living Space" theme, was mellow and relaxing, featuring sustainable materials like recycled fibres and bio-materials. The cabin offered a zero-gravity "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat, enhancing comfort. The Ioniq 5's design was both futuristic and functional, with a focus on comfort and sustainability.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a variety of powertrains, including a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque for the Essential and Preferred trims. The N Line trim featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Kona N boasted a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine delivering 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, with an N eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona's handling was composed, with a low centre of gravity and surefooted performance.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came with two drive configurations and three powertrains. The base model featured a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor with 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant had a 168-kW motor producing 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version combined a 74-kW front motor and a 165-kW rear motor, delivering 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5 offered four drive modes, including Sport, which enhanced performance but reduced range. The vehicle's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, added an engaging driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, provided ample front-seat comfort with good headroom and legroom. However, rear-seat occupants faced limited space due to the vehicle's dimensions. The Kona's cargo space was tight, with 544 litres available with all seats up and 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded. Towing was not recommended for the Kona.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform, offered a spacious interior with a 3,000-millimetre wheelbase, surpassing the Palisade. The Ioniq 5's total interior volume was 3,786 litres, providing ample space for passengers. The vehicle featured a moveable centre console and a flat floor, enhancing interior flexibility. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to various driver sizes.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona featured an 8-inch display with Bluetooth connectivity on the base trim, while higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and traffic information. The Kona N Line and Kona N included a Harman Kardon premium audio system. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the base screen, while the larger screen required wired connections. Hyundai BlueLink was available on most trims, offering connected services like remote engine start and stolen-vehicle recovery.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. The Ioniq 5 supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80 percent battery capacity in 18 minutes. The vehicle featured a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air updates. The Ioniq 5's 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for improved visibility.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. The Kona received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crashworthiness tests.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 included Hyundai SmartSense, with features like lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The vehicle also offered Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5's head-up display with augmented reality overlays provided additional driving information.