2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from its predecessor, the original Ioniq. It was the first model under Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-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 approach was both fascinating and slightly overwhelming, with pixelated lighting details dominating the vehicle's exterior. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene "Living Space" theme, featuring sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, emphasizing comfort and eco-friendliness.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Telluride boasted a muscular and balanced design, appealing to those seeking a handsome midsize SUV. Kia made only minor updates to the Telluride's exterior for 2022, maintaining its successful formula. The interior was well-organized and upscale, with thoughtful details like overhead air vents and rear smartphone storage pouches. The Telluride's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with premium materials like Nappa leather in higher trims. It offered a practical and family-friendly environment, with features like a Smart Power Liftgate and a one-touch sliding second-row seat mechanism for easy access to the third row.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, catering to different driving preferences. It came in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 128-kW rear motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. The extended-range variants, with a 168-kW rear motor, delivered 225 horsepower and a range of 303 miles. The AWD version, with dual motors, offered 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was solid 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's quiet cabin and noise-reducing features enhanced the driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Telluride, powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, provided a satisfying driving experience. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered all-wheel drive with a Lock mode for power distribution. The Telluride's ride quality was smooth, with a brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system enhancing handling. It offered Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with the SX trim featuring 20-inch wheels for added grip. The Telluride excelled on long-distance drives, aided by Highway Driving Assist technology. It achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximizing interior space and utility. Despite its hatchback appearance, it had a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade, offering a roomy cabin with 133.7 cubic feet of interior volume. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort, with 106.5 cubic feet of passenger volume. Its interior featured soft touchpoints and a moveable center console, enhancing usability. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to various driver sizes.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function, with an upscale and organized interior. It featured functional grab handles, overhead air vents, and rear smartphone storage pouches. The Telluride offered dual-zone automatic climate control for front-seat occupants and a single-zone system for the rear. Higher trims featured real leather and Nappa leather upholstery. The Telluride's three rows of seats were comfortable for adults, with a one-touch sliding second-row seat mechanism for easy access to the third row. It provided ample storage space, with 21 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row and a maximum volume of 87 cubic feet.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and offered a digital key, enhanced smartphone pairing, and over-the-air updates. The Ioniq 5's 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for improved visibility.

The 2022 Kia Telluride came standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including navigation and voice recognition. It offered USB charging ports in all three rows and a wireless smartphone charging pad in most trims. Kia Connect provided connected services, including emergency assistance and remote features. The Telluride featured a Quiet Mode for playing music only through the front speakers and a Driver Talk function for communicating with rear-seat occupants. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and a surround-view monitoring system.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. It also offered Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5's head-up display with augmented reality overlays provided additional information, though it could be distracting. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high safety marks.

The 2022 Kia Telluride prioritized safety with Kia Drive Wise, offering features like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It included Highway Driving Assist for highway driving assistance and Safe Exit Assist to warn occupants of approaching vehicles. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the IIHS, though it missed the highest award due to headlight ratings.