2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from its predecessor, the original Ioniq. It was the first model under Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand, dedicated solely to electric vehicles. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a blend of minimalism and complexity, featuring the unique Parametric Pixel design that evoked a sense of nostalgia with its 8-bit aesthetic. This design was evident in the vehicle's extensive use of pixelated lighting elements, from headlights to taillights. The interior, contrasting the exterior's boldness, embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a serene environment with sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, emphasizing comfort and eco-friendliness.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator exuded luxury and sophistication, with a focus on comfort and elegance. The Aviator's exterior was marked by a modern Lincoln face, though some wheel designs were considered too plain for its price point. The interior was a showcase of opulence, featuring high-end materials like rich caramel-hued leather seats and a simulated suede headliner. However, the cabin's design was busy, with a mix of patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, and chrome accents. The Aviator's third-row seating was less accommodating for adults, but the second-row captain's chairs offered ample comfort and space. The Aviator prioritized a smooth and quiet ride, aligning with Lincoln's brand ethos of effortless luxury.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, catering to different driving preferences. It came in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 128-kW rear motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. The extended-range models boasted a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and a 303-mile range. The AWD variant delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though its range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was adequate for a midsize crossover, with a focus on comfort and control rather than sporty dynamics. It featured four drive modes, including Sport, which enhanced the driving experience but reduced range. The Ioniq 5's quiet cabin and advanced regenerative braking system added to its appeal as a comfortable and efficient EV.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing an impressive 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. It offered 21 miles of electric range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator's driving modes, including Pure EV and Preserve EV, allowed for efficient use of the battery. Despite its power, the Aviator's drivetrain was sometimes unpredictable, with inconsistent acceleration and braking behavior. The Aviator's handling was commendable, thanks to its adaptive suspension, but it lacked the engaging driving dynamics of sportier SUVs. The Aviator prioritized a smooth and quiet ride, making it ideal for long highway journeys.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a spacious interior with a long wheelbase. It provided 133.7 cubic feet of interior volume, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5's cabin was designed for comfort, with soft touchpoints and a moveable center console. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to a range of body types. The Ioniq 5's interior emphasized practicality and comfort, with features like a retro front bench seat and ample storage space.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator focused on luxury and comfort, with features like a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious and comfortable, but the third-row seating was cramped for adults. The Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in use, expanding to 77.7 cubic feet with the third row folded. The Aviator's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, though its third-row seating was less practical for adult passengers.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with 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, digital key, and over-the-air updates. Its 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for improved visibility.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was loaded with technology, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and a Phone As A Key digital key system. Its digital instrumentation and head-up display were user-friendly, though the Sync 3 system was less impressive compared to competitors.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It also offered Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. The Ioniq 5 was expected to earn high safety ratings, though official ratings were not yet available.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The Aviator's safety features performed well, though the steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complicated. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the Grand Touring model had not been rated.