2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the original Ioniq, by establishing itself as a standalone brand dedicated to electric vehicles. This new model showcased a futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics. The exterior was a blend of minimalistic lines and intricate lighting details, creating a concept car-like appearance. Despite its avant-garde exterior, the interior of the Ioniq 5 was a sanctuary of calm, featuring a "Living Space" design with sustainable materials and a focus on comfort. The cabin offered a zero-gravity relaxation mode for the driver's seat, enhancing the overall sense of tranquillity.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sportage presented a more traditional SUV design with a touch of flair. While the tiger-nose grille was a polarizing feature, the rest of the vehicle exuded style and sophistication. The Sportage's interior borrowed Germanic design cues, with a focus on functionality and ease of use. The dashboard featured polished metallic accents, and the controls were intuitive, making it easy to adjust various settings. The Sportage's cabin was upscale, with a solid and fluid transmission shifter that added to the sense of quality.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant featured a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version combined a 74-kW front motor and a 165-kW rear motor, delivering 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its smooth handling and four drive modes, including a Sport mode for added excitement. The vehicle's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, added an element of gamification to the driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, on the other hand, came with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The Sportage SX variant offered a more robust 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it suitable for those living at higher elevations. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the Dynamax all-wheel-drive system was standard on most trims. The Sportage SX provided quick acceleration, with maximum torque available at low RPMs. The SUV's suspension system, featuring MacPherson struts and independent multi-link rear suspension, delivered a smooth and compliant ride, although it lacked the refinement of some competitors.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which maximized interior space and utility. Despite its hatchback appearance, the Ioniq 5 had a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade, offering a total interior volume of 3,786 litres. The cabin was designed with comfort in mind, featuring a moveable centre console and a flat floor. The leatherette seats provided excellent support, and the interior was filled with soft touchpoints, creating a welcoming environment for passengers.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, while smaller in size, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim featured perforated leather upholstery with power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated for added comfort. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. The Sportage's cargo space was competitive, with 1,703 litres available when the rear seats were folded down. The smart liftgate technology added convenience, allowing hands-free access to the cargo area.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a high-voltage energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in just 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 elegantly designed and finished with an anti-glare coating, ensuring clear visibility even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SX trim added UVO Intelligence connected services, satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the UVO Intelligence system lagged behind in terms of technological sophistication, lacking features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2022 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 Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities, learning the driver's habits for a personalized experience. The Ioniq 5 also introduced a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, although it could be distracting in certain situations. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high safety standards.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The SX trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favourable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX earning an Acceptable headlight rating, qualifying it for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.