2023 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, marking a departure from the original Ioniq's hybrid and plug-in hybrid offerings. As the first model under the new Ioniq sub-brand, it showcased a unique design language with its Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of retro digital aesthetics. The exterior was a blend of minimalistic lines and intricate lighting details, creating a concept car-like appearance. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene "Living Space" environment, with sustainable materials and a focus on comfort, including a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango maintained its familiar yet attractive design, avoiding the oversized grille trend and opting for a clean, car-like styling. The Durango's exterior featured Dodge's signature "racetrack" taillights and subtle enhancements for the SRT models, such as a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. Inside, the Durango offered a comfortable cabin with materials suited to its price point, and higher trims like the Citadel and SRT Hellcat added luxurious touches like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats. Despite its age, the Durango's design remained appealing and functional.

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 increased power to 225 hp and extended the range to 488 kilometres. The AWD version featured a dual-motor setup with a total output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was adequate for a midsize crossover, with a focus on comfort and control rather than sporty dynamics. It featured four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The Ioniq 5 also offered adjustable regenerative braking and a quiet cabin thanks to noise-reducing features.

The 2023 Dodge Durango provided a variety of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8, standard on the R/T and optional on the Citadel, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model featured a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in about 4.5 seconds. The SRT Hellcat took performance to another level with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in roughly 3.5 seconds. Despite its size, the Durango Hellcat offered thrilling acceleration and a dynamic driving experience, complemented by adaptive-damping suspension and performance tires.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), providing a spacious interior with a 3,000-millimetre wheelbase, longer than the seven-passenger Palisade. It offered a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The interior featured a moveable centre console and a flat floor, enhancing usability and flexibility. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to various driver sizes.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with standard front bucket seats, a second-row bench, and a third-row bench. Higher trims featured second-row captain's chairs. The Durango provided competitive interior space compared to other midsize SUVs, though it had less cargo space than some rivals. It offered 487 litres with all seats in place, 1,226 litres with the third row folded, and 2,409 litres behind the first row. The Durango excelled in towing capacity, with V6 models towing up to 2,812 kilograms and V8 models up to 3,946 kilograms.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices and vehicles. It supported 800-volt charging infrastructures and could reach 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5 also offered 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 an anti-glare coating for clear visibility.

The 2023 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on lower trims, while higher trims received a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The Uconnect infotainment system was responsive and user-friendly, with added personality for SRT models. The Performance Pages app provided performance data, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2022 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. It also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting in practice. While safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings, with "Good" marks in some IIHS tests but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall safety rating, with five stars in the side crash test. Standard driver-assist tech was limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert included, but other features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking were not standard.