2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more muscular and imposing presence for this compact SUV. Its squared-off nose featured a deeper interpretation of Nissan’s V-Motion grille design, flanked by narrow, angled LED headlamps and separate LED daytime running lights. Functional forward air vents and active grille shutters contributed to a lower coefficient of drag, despite the Rogue's boxier proportions. The exterior colour palette was simplified to a few basic colours, with additional two-tone options available on the Platinum grade. Inside, the Rogue offered cloth seating surfaces in most grades, with leatherette upholstery available in the SV AWD model through a Premium Package. The Platinum model boasted semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather, elevating the interior to a more luxurious level.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a new chapter for Hyundai's electrified mobility, debuting as the first vehicle in the Ioniq sub-brand. Its exterior design was a blend of minimal character lines and a unique Parametric Pixel design, giving it a concept car-like appearance. The Ioniq 5's lighting elements, including headlights and taillights, were adorned with pixelated designs, creating a futuristic look. The interior, in contrast, was designed with a "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow and relaxing environment. Sustainable materials were used throughout, with stain-resistant cloth seats and recycled fibres in door inserts. The Ioniq 5's cabin was spacious, thanks to its long wheelbase, and featured a moveable centre console and flat floor, enhancing its practicality and comfort.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), providing a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The Rogue's curb weight ranged from 1,536 kilograms for the front-wheel-drive S grade to 1,653 kilograms for the all-wheel-drive Platinum model. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with the front-wheel-drive configuration achieving 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.0 on the highway. The all-wheel-drive version saw slightly higher figures. The Rogue's handling was improved with a 27% increase in torsional rigidity and a revamped multi-link rear suspension, offering a stable and planted road feel.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations and three powertrains. The base model featured a single 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor, producing 168 horsepower and offering a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant had a larger 168-kW rear motor, delivering 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version combined a 74-kW front motor with a 165-kW rear motor, producing 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5's performance was complemented by four drive modes, including Sport, which enhanced the driving experience. Regenerative braking could be adjusted using paddle shifters, and the vehicle's noise, vibration, and harshness were minimized through various design features.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system, creating additional storage space under the centre stack. The rear doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and the second-row headroom was enhanced. Standard features included heated front seats, a steering wheel, and exterior mirrors. The SV trim added a 360-degree Around View Monitor, remote start, and a panoramic sunroof. The Platinum grade included a redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system, offering 1,028 litres of cargo space with the second row seats upright and 2,064 litres with them folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximizing interior space and utility. Its wheelbase was longer than the seven-passenger Palisade, providing a roomy cabin with a total interior volume of 3,786 litres. The Ioniq 5's interior featured a moveable centre console and a flat floor, enhancing its practicality. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, and the cabin was designed with soft touch points and usable spaces throughout.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SV grade added an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports. The Platinum grade featured a 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The Bose 10-speaker audio system was a notable upgrade, though the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster had readability issues.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted 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. The Ioniq 5 featured 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 improved visibility.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was equipped with the Safety Shield 360 suite, including forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model introduced ProPILOT Assist, a hands-on highway driving assist feature. The Rogue received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, with lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system, was also included. The Ioniq 5 offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting. Safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available, but Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were expected.