2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder embraced a robust and rugged design, drawing inspiration from Nissan's new era of SUV styling. It featured a reimagined V-motion grille, reminiscent of the Rogue and Armada, with the new Nissan logo prominently displayed. The LED headlights and slim daytime running lights added a modern touch, while the bulky C-pillar paid homage to the original Pathfinder. With 11 paint options and a distinctive black roof, the Pathfinder offered a bold aesthetic. The SUV's wider stance and shorter length contributed to a more planted look, enhancing its appeal as a capable and rugged vehicle. Inside, the Pathfinder's interior was designed to be upscale, especially in higher trims, with features like semi-aniline leather-appointed seats and a focus on passenger comfort and flexibility.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, on the other hand, presented a futuristic and minimalist design, characterized by its Parametric Pixel theme. The exterior was a blend of sleek lines and pixelated lighting elements, giving it a concept car-like appearance. The Ioniq 5's aerodynamic alloy wheels and unique lighting design added to its modern appeal. Inside, the cabin offered a "Living Space" theme, with a focus on comfort and relaxation. The interior featured sustainable materials, including recycled fibres and bio-materials, contributing to its eco-friendly ethos. The Ioniq 5's interior was spacious, with a flat floor and a moveable centre console, enhancing its practicality and comfort for passengers.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, the Pathfinder offered smooth gear transitions and improved driving dynamics. The SUV came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada, featuring hill descent control and seven drive modes. With a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, the Pathfinder was well-suited for family adventures. Its suspension provided a stable ride, and the tight turning radius made it easy to manoeuvre in urban settings. However, the transmission occasionally struggled at higher speeds, requiring a brief adjustment to recalibrate.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. The base model featured a 125-kW motor with 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant boasted a 225-hp motor with a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5's performance was balanced, with four drive modes, including Sport mode for added excitement. The single-speed transmission and regenerative braking system enhanced driving efficiency. The Ioniq 5's quiet cabin and noise-reducing features contributed to a serene driving experience.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder prioritized interior comfort and flexibility. Its quiet cabin was achieved through improved insulation and acoustic laminated glass. The SUV offered best-in-class front-seat legroom and innovative features like the EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology for easy third-row access. The removable second-row centre console added versatility, while the spacious cargo area provided ample storage options. With up to 2,421 litres of cargo space and thoughtful design elements, the Pathfinder catered to families' diverse needs.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the E-GMP platform, maximized interior space with a long wheelbase. Despite its hatchback appearance, the Ioniq 5 offered a roomy cabin with a total interior volume of 3,786 litres. The moveable centre console and flat floor enhanced passenger comfort and accessibility. The leatherette seats provided a comfortable and supportive experience, while the "Living Space" theme emphasized relaxation. The Ioniq 5's interior design prioritized passenger comfort over cargo space, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a spacious and comfortable ride.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a range of user-friendly technology features. Standard offerings included an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 7-inch digital driver-information display. Upper trims featured a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The Pathfinder's technology package was designed to enhance convenience and connectivity without overwhelming drivers.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology suite. It featured a high-voltage energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices. The Ioniq 5 supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes. The multimedia features 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 intuitive, providing a seamless user experience.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. A rearview camera was standard, with a surround-view monitor available on upper trims. The Pathfinder was equipped with ten airbags, with an additional airbag on the Platinum trim. However, crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Standard features included lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 also offered 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, although it could be distracting. While crash-test ratings were not yet released, Hyundai's track record suggested high safety standards.