2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Ford Escape

The 2021 Ford Escape, a fourth-generation model, presented a blend of SUV and hatchback aesthetics. Its design featured a curved snout and sleek roofline, giving it a less truck-like appearance compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. Despite its SUV stance, the Escape's design was more generic than the Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage. For 2021, Ford introduced new appearance packages across three trim levels, enhancing the vehicle with features like 19-inch alloy wheels and upgraded upholstery. However, the interior design choices were inconsistent with the exterior, and the materials used felt low-end, even in the top-tier Titanium model.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a new chapter for Hyundai's electrified mobility, distinct from the original Ioniq. Its exterior design was a mix of minimal character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, giving it a concept car vibe. The Ioniq 5's interior, in contrast, was understated and comfortable, with a "Living Space" theme that included sustainable materials and a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat. The cabin was designed for comfort, with features like a moveable center console and supportive leatherette seats, making it a pleasant space for both driving and relaxing.

The 2021 Ford Escape offered a range of powertrains, including two gasoline engines and hybrid options. The base model featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. An upgrade to a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine increased output to 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric assist, delivering 200 hp. The plug-in hybrid's larger battery allowed for extended electric-only driving. Despite adequate power, the Escape's chassis tuning was criticized for its lackluster suspension and steering.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered three powertrains across SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The base SE Standard Range model had a 128-kW rear motor producing 168 hp and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models featured a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and a 303-mile range. The AWD variant boasted 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a 256-mile range. 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 2021 Ford Escape, despite its car-like styling, offered competitive interior space for a compact SUV. It featured a sliding rear seat that provided up to 40.7 inches of rear legroom in non-hybrid models. However, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions had reduced legroom due to battery placement. Cargo space varied, with gasoline models offering up to 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, while hybrid models had slightly less. Overall, the Escape's cargo capacity was less than some competitors like the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform, maximized interior space with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. It offered a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, surpassing rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. While its 27.2 cubic feet of rear cargo space was less than competitors, the Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort with 106.5 cubic feet of passenger volume. The interior featured soft touchpoints, a moveable center console, and comfortable leatherette seats, creating a spacious and flexible environment.

The 2021 Ford Escape utilized the older Sync 3 infotainment system, with base models featuring a 4.2-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot were standard. Upgrading to the SE trim added an 8-inch touchscreen and SiriusXM radio, while the Titanium trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. Despite its user-friendly interface, the Escape lacked some standard tech features found in competitors and missed out on wireless smartphone integration.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and offered two years of free fast-charging sessions through Electrify America. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and AI-powered voice recognition. Its 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegantly designed with anti-glare coating, providing clear visibility even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Ford Escape received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and park assist.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. A head-up display with augmented reality overlays was available, though it could be distracting. While official safety ratings were not yet released, Hyundai's strong safety record suggested high expectations for the Ioniq 5.