2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille design. These changes added 6 centimetres to its length, giving it a more extroverted appearance compared to the previous model. The R-Line trim package further enhanced its sporty look with unique bumpers and side skirts. Despite these updates, the Atlas maintained its boxy, high-riding utility vehicle form, with a drag coefficient of 0.34. The interior followed a minimalist approach, with a standard seven-seat configuration and available second-row captain’s chairs on higher trims. However, the material quality was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and faux wood and metal trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 presented a polished exterior with minimal character lines, embodying a futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme. This design was evident in the extensive use of pixelated LED lighting throughout the vehicle. The Ioniq 5's interior, described as "Living Space," offered a relaxing environment with sustainable materials and a zero-gravity "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat. The cabin was available in black and gray, with stain-resistant cloth seats as standard and leatherette upholstery on higher trims. The Ioniq 5's design was both innovative and comfortable, providing a modern and eco-friendly driving experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 engine with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The driving experience with the base engine was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts. The Atlas's handling was truck-like, and the ride quality was poor, with noticeable impacts from road imperfections. Despite having an Offroad mode and 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance, the Atlas was best suited for pavement due to its lack of a low-range 4WD system and pavement-oriented tires. The VR6 models offered a towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 900 kilograms.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came in two drive configurations, two trims, and three powertrains. The base model featured a single 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor with 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant had a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version had a dual-motor system with a total power output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, but the range dropped to 414 km. The Ioniq 5 offered four drive modes, including Sport, which enhanced the driving experience but reduced range. The vehicle's quiet cabin and noise-reducing features contributed to a comfortable ride, while the paddle shifters allowed for regenerative braking adjustments.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler with three rows of seating. It offered 2,741 litres of cargo space behind the front seats and 583 litres with all seats up. While the third-row legroom was generous, the second-row legroom was the worst among its competitors. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin cushions. The Atlas featured a driver-focused layout with easy-to-reach controls and up to five USB ports. It also had a tall driving position, but forward visibility was limited. Parking sensors and active park assist were available to aid in parking.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 sat on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a longer wheelbase and maximizing interior space. It had a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5's interior was comfortable, with soft touchpoints and a moveable centre console. The flat floor and retro front bench seat allowed for easy entry and exit. The leatherette seats were supportive and comfortable, providing a pleasant driving experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas featured Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims had an 8-inch screen with satellite radio. The Digital Cockpit was available on higher trims, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch digital display. The MIBIII infotainment system, introduced later in the model year, offered multi-phone pairing and improved voice recognition. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender audio system available on the Execline trim.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, digital key, 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 clear visibility.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top ratings in IIHS crash tests, with a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 model, but the 2020 model received a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. The Execline trim was set to receive Travel Assist and Emergency Assist later in the model year.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Standard features included lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, and forward collision avoidance. The Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also had a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, although it could be distracting. Safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available, but Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were expected.