2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the original Ioniq, by establishing itself as a standalone brand focused solely on electric vehicles. This new model showcased a polished exterior with minimal character lines, avoiding the flashy designs seen in some competitors. However, the Ioniq 5's Parametric Pixel design, reminiscent of 8-bit graphics, was both fascinating and overwhelming, with pixelated elements integrated into all lighting features. The interior, contrasting the exterior's boldness, embraced a "Living Space" theme with a calm and relaxing atmosphere, offering features like a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat and sustainable materials throughout.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 underwent subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper for improved aerodynamics. The ID.4 maintained a distinct EV appearance but lacked the traditional SUV profile, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. Built on VW's MEB platform, the ID.4 offered a minimalist interior design with a focus on quality, featuring leatherette upholstery and recycled materials. The interior changes for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console and improved phone storage, enhancing functionality.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, including rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 128-kW rear motor with 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. The extended-range variants, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, boasted a 168-kW motor producing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 303 miles. The AWD version, with a dual-motor setup, delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by composure and control, with four drive modes, including Sport mode, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's regenerative braking system offered multiple levels of regen and an i-Pedal setting for one-pedal driving.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, while the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus retained the 82-kWh pack. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor AWD version offered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, enhancing acceleration and handling. The ID.4's regenerative braking system allowed for coasting in its default setting, with a more aggressive "B" setting, but lacked one-pedal driving. The AWD model provided acceleration comparable to hot hatchbacks but fell short in handling on twisty roads.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. It provided a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort with 106.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, while its cargo space was slightly smaller at 27.2 cubic feet. The interior featured soft touchpoints, a moveable center console, and comfortable leatherette seats with supportive bolsters.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more front and rear legroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with a capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console and three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

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 ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years through Electrify America. The Ioniq 5's multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, AI-powered voice recognition, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegantly designed with anti-glare coating.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 made the 12.0-inch touchscreen standard across all models, with software updates for improved responsiveness. The infotainment system retained wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with natural-language voice recognition. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel remained a drawback, lacking physical feedback. The ID.Light feature, part ambient lighting and part AI assistant, provided visual cues for navigation and drive modes.

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

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model, similar to the 2023 version, earned the IIHS' highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.