2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from its predecessor, the original Ioniq. It marked the beginning of Hyundai's standalone Ioniq brand, dedicated solely to electric vehicles. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a blend of minimalistic character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics. This design choice, while polarizing, gave the vehicle a concept car vibe. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene "Living Space" theme, with sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, emphasizing comfort and eco-friendliness.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment was evident in the Sienna's design, which featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels. The interior was designed with family convenience in mind, offering ample storage, comfortable seating, and flexible cargo space. The Sienna's cabin avoided the typical minivan feel, providing a more refined and spacious environment for passengers.

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 producing 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant boasted a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was solid for a midsize crossover, 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 Toyota Sienna, exclusively a hybrid, combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, enhancing traction. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery. Its handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to the Toyota Next Generation Architecture platform. The Sienna excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving impressive consumption figures of 6.6 L/100 km in city driving for FWD models.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) maximized interior space, offering a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. With a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, the Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort over cargo space. The interior featured soft touchpoints, a moveable centre console, and a flat floor, enhancing usability. The leatherette seats provided comfort and support, catering to various driver sizes.

The Toyota Sienna was a versatile family workhorse, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row added flexibility for cargo loading, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's 3,500-pound towing capacity further enhanced its utility. Power-operated sliding doors and liftgate, along with ample storage and cupholders, made it a practical choice for families.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5's 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, with anti-glare coatings for clear visibility.

The Toyota Sienna offered a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While it lacked wireless connectivity for these features, it included a range of telematics services and Bluetooth streaming. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna's digital rearview mirror and remote keyless entry added convenience for drivers.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 came equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system, learned driver tendencies for a personalized experience. The Ioniq 5 also featured a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting in practice. While crash-safety ratings were pending, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks.

The Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. Tire-pressure monitoring and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire for added safety.