2022 Chevrolet Traverse 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 futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics. The exterior was a blend of minimalistic lines and intricate lighting details, creating a concept car-like appearance. Despite its bold design, the Ioniq 5 maintained a sense of practicality with aerodynamic alloy wheels and a spacious cabin. Inside, the Ioniq 5 embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a serene and comfortable environment with sustainable materials and innovative features like the Relaxation mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse presented itself as a more traditional SUV with a focus on practicality and family-friendly features. The Traverse underwent a light restyle for the 2022 model year, featuring updated headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The RS trim, in particular, added a touch of sportiness with blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Traverse offered a spacious cabin with black leather upholstery and thoughtful design elements like Smart Slide second-row seats for easy access to the third row. While the interior materials were a mix of hard plastics and polished accents, the layout was logical and user-friendly, catering to the needs of families on the go.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations to suit different preferences. In Canada, it came in two trims: Essential and Preferred, with options for long-range and all-wheel drive (AWD). The base model featured a single 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant boasted a larger 168-kW motor, producing 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with an impressive range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version combined a 74-kW front motor with a 165-kW rear motor, resulting in a total power output of 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, albeit with a reduced range of 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its smooth handling and four drive modes, including a Sport mode for added excitement.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a single engine option: a 3.6-litre V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, making it suitable for hauling trailers or boats. The V6 engine provided ample power for everyday driving, and the Traverse's ride quality was comfortable, absorbing smaller road imperfections with ease. However, the Traverse's handling was less precise, with a tendency to feel disconnected from the road at higher speeds. Despite this, the Traverse's predictable handling and firm road feel made it a reliable choice for family road trips.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) allowed for a spacious interior, with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. The Ioniq 5 offered a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, providing ample space for passengers and cargo. The cabin featured a flat floor and a moveable centre console, enhancing versatility and comfort. The leatherette seats were both supportive and comfortable, catering to drivers of various sizes. The Ioniq 5's interior design prioritized passenger comfort, with soft touchpoints and a modern take on the retro front bench seat.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, offered a roomy interior with seating for up to seven passengers in the RS trim. The second-row captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, and the Smart Slide function allowed for convenient entry and exit. The Traverse's cargo space was generous, with 651 litres behind the third row and a maximum cargo volume of 2,781 litres. The cabin featured thoughtful storage solutions, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and additional storage under the cargo floor. While the Traverse's interior materials were a mix of hard plastics and polished accents, the layout was practical and family-friendly.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. This allowed the Ioniq 5 to charge other devices and vehicles, in addition to supporting ultra-fast charging. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link connected car app, offering EV charge management and scheduling. The infotainment system included 12.3-inch screens with anti-glare coating, providing clear visibility even with polarized sunglasses. The Ioniq 5 also supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air updates, enhancing connectivity and convenience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a range of infotainment options, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the LS model and an 8-inch high-definition display on higher trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as connected services like a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Traverse's voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, reducing frustration when using infotainment features. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system, although it may not impress audiophiles. The Traverse also offered a digital rearview mirror and a surround-view camera, enhancing visibility and safety.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included lane keeping assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 also offered Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. This system learned the driver's tendencies and preferences, providing a personalized driving experience. The Ioniq 5 was expected to earn high safety ratings, although official ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse's driving aids were generally accurate and refined, although more advanced systems like lane-centring assist were not available. The IIHS rated the Traverse as Good in most categories, but it received an Acceptable rating in the new side impact test and Poor for its LED headlights and seatbelt reminders.