2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed out to the corners, eschewing the fake toughness of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of VW’s EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback. While it had SUV-like styling, it didn’t quite look like an SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. The interior design blended Volkswagen’s minimalism with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cloth seats on the base model.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, the first vehicle of Hyundai’s new Ioniq sub-brand, presented a polished exterior with minimal character lines and a unique Parametric Pixel design. This design was used extensively in the vehicle’s lighting elements, creating a concept car-like appearance. The Ioniq 5’s exterior also featured aerodynamic wheels and silver-contrast plastic bits. Inside, the cabin was designed with a “Living Space” theme, offering a mellow and comfortable environment with features like a “Relaxation” mode for the driver’s seat. The interior utilized sustainable materials, including recycled fibers and bio-materials, and continued the Parametric Pixel theme in subtle details.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It was the first rear-wheel-drive Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, with a smooth ride over bumps but noticeable body roll in corners. Volkswagen chose not to implement aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations, three trims, and three powertrains. The base SE Standard Range model featured a single 128-kW rear-mounted motor with 168 horsepower and 220 miles of range. The extended-range models had a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 303 miles. The AWD variants had a dual-motor system with a total output of 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, but a reduced range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well on various road conditions, with four drive modes including Sport mode. It also featured paddle shifters for adjusting regenerative braking levels and a quiet cabin thanks to noise-reducing features.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average for the segment. It had 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, more than some EV competitors but less than gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, but the interior felt spacious with good forward visibility. The center console was narrow, providing limited storage space for larger items, but the heated steering wheel and front seats were effective for maintaining cabin heat.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the new E-GMP platform, offered a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade, maximizing interior space. It had a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, more than the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger space over cargo, with 27.2 cubic feet of rear cargo space but a generous 106.5 cubic feet of passenger volume. The interior featured soft touch points and a moveable center console, creating a flexible and comfortable environment. The leatherette seats were supportive and comfortable, catering to both slim and larger drivers.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It featured a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster and haptic touchpads for controls. While the setup looked modern, it was difficult to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 also included a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light feature, which communicated information through a light strip at the base of the windshield. The touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and could charge other devices or vehicles. The Ioniq 5 offered a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, enhanced smartphone pairing, and over-the-air updates. It had 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, finished with an anti-glare coating for clear visibility. Hyundai also partnered with Electrify America to offer unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, enhancing highway driving and safety.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and front- and rear-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. It included a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though this feature could be distracting. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai’s recent track record suggested high marks were likely.