2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a bold step into the future of electrified mobility, marking a departure from its predecessor with a fresh design and innovative features. It was the first model under Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand, dedicated solely to electric vehicles. The exterior design was a mix of minimalistic lines and intricate details, such as the Parametric Pixel design, which gave it a concept car feel. The interior, contrasting the exterior's complexity, offered a serene "Living Space" with sustainable materials and a focus on comfort, including a unique "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Passport shared its platform with the Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Pilot, giving it a familiar yet rugged appearance. The Passport's new styling aimed to provide a tougher look, especially in the TrailSport trim, which was designed for off-road enthusiasts. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with quality materials and thoughtful design elements like heated seats and a triple-zone climate control system. The Passport's practicality was evident in its generous cargo space and numerous storage solutions, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, with the base model featuring a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant increased power to 225 hp and extended the range to 488 kilometres. The AWD version, with a dual-motor system, delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was balanced, with four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's quiet cabin and advanced regenerative braking system enhanced the driving experience.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Passport's i-VTM4 system provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing its on-road and off-road capabilities. While the Passport excelled in everyday driving with its smooth acceleration and firm ride, its brakes showed some limitations on mountain descents. Despite this, the Passport's handling and steering were commendable, making it a reliable choice for both city and highway driving.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5's E-GMP platform maximized interior space, offering a longer wheelbase than the Palisade and more room than competitors like the Mustang Mach-E and ID.4. With a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, the Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort over cargo space, aligning with its "Living Space" theme. The interior featured a moveable centre console, flat floor, and comfortable leatherette seats, providing a modern and flexible environment for occupants.

The Honda Passport's design focused on accessibility and comfort, with large doors and a low step-in height. The interior boasted spacious seating, with heated and ventilated options, and a triple-zone climate control system. The Passport offered ample storage, including a large centre console and generous cargo space, measuring 1,430 litres behind the rear seat and 2,854 litres with the seats folded. This practicality, combined with its comfortable ride, made the Passport a family-friendly SUV.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices. Its fast-charging capability was impressive, reaching 80% in 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5 featured 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 intuitive and anti-glare, enhancing the user experience.

The Honda Passport's infotainment system was straightforward, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The TrailSport trim added satellite radio, while the Touring included navigation and a premium audio system. Although the system met basic standards, it lacked the sophistication of newer systems, and the navigation was cumbersome. Wireless smartphone charging was available on all but the base trim, providing some modern convenience.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I system offered semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high safety standards.

The Honda Passport included Honda Sensing, with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, some features, like lane-centring assist, were less refined, leading to driver frustration. The Passport received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, though it fell short in some areas, such as front-passenger protection in certain collisions.