2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet timeless design, distinguishing itself from its often less aesthetically pleasing competitors. Its refreshed exterior featured a new front styling that aligned with Volkswagen's larger models, such as the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. The restyled grille, standard LED headlights, and redesigned aluminum wheels contributed to its sophisticated appearance. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line offered a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and advanced technology, although the lower half's hard plastic hinted at its mass-market status. The R-Line models added a sportier look, with the Comfortline R-Line Black Edition offering a trendy blacked-out appearance.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 showcased a futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of retro video games. Its exterior was a blend of minimalistic lines and intricate lighting details, creating a concept car-like appearance. The Ioniq 5's interior embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a serene and comfortable environment with sustainable materials. The cabin featured a flat floor, moveable centre console, and leatherette seats, providing a modern take on a retro front bench seat. The Ioniq 5's design was both innovative and practical, catering to those who appreciate a unique and eco-friendly aesthetic.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system, which could decouple the rear axle to save fuel. The Tiguan offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, along with Offroad settings. Despite its enjoyable drive, the Tiguan's engine exhibited some turbo lag, and its fuel efficiency was moderate, with a combined rating of 9.8 L/100 km. The Tiguan's ride and handling were satisfactory for everyday driving, but it lacked the excitement sought by driving enthusiasts.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, available in RWD and AWD configurations, offered a range of powertrains. The base model featured a 125-kW motor with 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant boasted a 168-kW motor with 225 horsepower and a 488-kilometre range. The AWD version delivered 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5's performance was balanced, with Sport mode adding excitement at the cost of range. Its single-speed transmission and adjustable regenerative braking enhanced the driving experience, while its quiet cabin and noise-reducing features ensured a comfortable ride.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among compact crossovers with its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered an optional third row, though it compromised cargo space. The Highline R-Line trim provided leather seats with power adjustments, excellent visibility, and a panoramic sunroof. The second row was roomy, accommodating adults and children comfortably. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use. The Tiguan's cargo space was generous, with up to 2,078 litres available in the two-row configuration.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the E-GMP platform, maximized interior space with its long wheelbase. Despite its hatchback appearance, it offered SUV-like dimensions, surpassing competitors in cabin volume. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort with its "Living Space" theme, featuring soft touchpoints and a moveable centre console. The flat floor and retro front bench seat design allowed for easy entry and exit. The leatherette seats provided comfort and support, catering to various body types. The Ioniq 5's interior was both practical and innovative, offering a unique blend of style and functionality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line offering a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on most trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM radio. The Highline R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. However, the voice recognition system was disappointing, and users were advised to rely on smartphone integration. The Tiguan also offered a Park Assist system for autonomous parking, standard on the Highline R-Line.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and could charge other devices. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, EV charge management, and over-the-air updates. Its 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegant and anti-glare. The Ioniq 5's technology was both innovative and user-friendly, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with standard safety features like Front Assist and Side Assist. It also offered Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, and Emergency Assist, which could safely stop the vehicle if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's improvements were expected to enhance its safety credentials.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, 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, though it could be distracting. While official safety ratings were pending, Hyundai's track record suggested the Ioniq 5 would perform well in safety assessments.