2022 CHRYSLER PACIFICA

CHRYSLER LEADS THE WAY IN HYBRID MINIVANS WITH PACIFICA

Chrysler was the first automaker to offer a gas-electric hybrid drivetrain in a minivan when it revived the Pacifica for the 2017 model year, and it remains the only manufacturer with a plugin version with the 2022 Pacifica Hybrid.

Considering all the emphasis on electric vehicles and their automotive future, it is kind of surprising that to date the Pacifica is the only plug-in minivan on the market. Toyota has put a standard hybrid drivetrain in all of its Sienna models, but offers no plug-in trim.

But then, minivans are a very small segment of the overall market and less than a half-dozen manufacturers even include one in their fleet. Only two — Honda with the Odyssey and Chrysler — reached five figures in sales for the third quarter this year, according to numbers from goodcarbadcar.net and.Odyssey sales were just over half of what they were for the third quarter of 2021. Pacifica’s were up almost a third.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid comes in three trims starting with the Touring L The Touring trim in the standard Pacifica portfolio is not included, but Limited and Pinnacle trims are offered with the hybrid drivetrain.

This review is based on the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle at the top of the portfolio.

Chrysler gave the Pacifica several updates last year after reintroducing the nameplate in 2017, but several new standard features were added for 2022. Chrysler notes that the Pacifica has more than 100 standard safety features, which, considering the minivan is likely destined for family use, is a big plus in its favor.

The spec sheet (Monroney label) for my test Pacifica Pinnacle included a 360-degree surround view camera system, parallel and perpendicular park assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, pedestrian emergency braking, full-speed forward collision warning, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alert, rain sensitive windshield wipers, advanced brake assist, and a full collection of seatbelts and airbags.

Standard interior features included 8-way power heated and ventilated front seats, a suede headliner, a wireless charging pad, built-in Amazon Fire TV, Harmon Kardon speakers, a wi-fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto, and Chrysler’s UConnect5 with a 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment features.

Hands-free sliding doors, LED headlights, roof rack, and 18-inch wheels also are standard.

The powertrain for all three trims features a 3.6-liter V6 engine working with two electric motors that provide just over 30 miles of electric-only driving range. Its combined 260 horsepower (less than the 287 in the V6 in non-hybrid Pacificas) gets to the front wheels via a Continuously Variable Transmission.

EPA ratings are 82 MPGe (combined rating) and 30 mpg for gas only with a range of 500 miles before fill-ups with 87 octane fuel and charging.

Base MSRP for the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Pinnacle is $59,645 including the $1,595 destination and delivery charge, but qualifying for the $7,500 tax credit and potential state tax breaks make the 2022 Chrysler Pacific Hybrid a compelling buy.

Depending on your driving habits, you could go a long time between stops at a gas station by keeping it charged to take advantage of that all-electric drive capability.

What I liked about the 2022 Chrysler Pacific Pinnacle: It’s a much peppier ride than you might expect. The interior is nicely appointed with room enough for seven passengers (38.1 inches of legroom for third-row riders) and their stuff. Capacity behind the third row is listed at 32.3 cubic feet, which is considerably more than the average standard 3-row SUV offers with all seats in place. As a plug-in (PHEV), range anxiety is not an issue as it is with EVs. Transition from electric mode to gas is seamless. Infotainment features are easy to catch onto. Hands-free sliding rear doors make for easy access to the second and third rows.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 Chrysler Pacific Pinnacle: Pacifica’s popular stow-n-go feature that allows you to fold second-row seats flat is not available because the battery pack uses that space. Chrysler does not recommend using the Pacifica Hybrid for towing. I don’t mind turning a knob to change gears, but the dial for the gear selector is very close to the volume knob for the radio and it could be confusing if it is dark and you aren’t playing close attention.

Would I buy the 2022 Chrysler Pacific Pinnacle? Wish I would have had this when my kids were growing up. No need for it now though! If you are leaning toward a three-row SUV to handle family duties, keep in mind the Pacifica has the advantage of being able to handle not only seven passengers but also their stuff on longer on trips. 

2023 GMC SIERRA

GMC SIERRA OFFERS MYRIAD OF CHOICES WHEN IT COMES TO OUTFITTING A PICKUP 

Imports pretty much have taken over the sedan, SUV/crossover, and coupe markets, but there is one automotive segment that U.S. products still dominate. We Americans love our pickup trucks.

Not only do domestic products — i.e., Ford F Series, Ram, and Chevrolet Silverado — dominate their segment, they also were 1-2-3 in U.S. sales of all vehicles through the third quarter of this year.

Just behind them is another home-grown entry. The GMC Sierra, a slightly more upscale version of the Silverado, comes in at No. 4 in the segment, comfortably ahead of other full-size pickups like the Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan and even compact pickups like the Toyota Tacoma and GMC’s own Canyon.

The 2023 GMC Sierra is all about variety with four engine choices, three cab configurations, and, with the introduction of the new AT4X model, eight different trim levels to choose from. There’s even an all-electric version in the works. GMC says the GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 will be available in early 2024.

This review is based on the 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X trim that carries a starting MSRP of $79,295 including a hefty $1,795 destination and delivery charge. (Note: You might find different numbers when searching the web, but that is what our spec sheet showed.)

Options quickly get that to over $80,000. For example, Rocker Protection adds $1,195. It protects rocker panels and also keeps you from getting stuck on rocks or tree stumps on your more aggressive off-roading ventures. Those bars run under the doors and if not a true running board to aid in getting in or out at least serve as a running “rail” to step up on.

With a starting price approaching the $80,000 mark and near the top of the Sierra portfolio (only the Denali Ultimate at over $82,000 is costlier), you would expect a long list of standard equipment, and you get it.

Though the hands-free driving system dubbed Super Cruise will be available only on Denali models, the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X comes with features that include the 6.2-liter V8 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-grain leather seats with a massage function, a multi-pro tailgate that provides a desk-like surface to work on, a premium sound system, LED headlights and taillights as well as LED fog and daytime running lights, keyless entry and push-button start, heated front and rear and ventilated front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual zone climate control, and spray-on bedliner.

Safety systems include automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian warning, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, blind-spot alert, front and rear parking assist, rear cross-traffic braking, and an HD surround view camera with bed view.

In addition to the off-roading enhancements found on the AT4 like the two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, all-terrain tires, recovery hooks, skid plates, and adjustable traction control, the 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X also gets off-road specific adaptive dampers, and electronic front and rear locking differentials.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X comes only with the 6.2L V8, the largest among the choices in the Sierra lineup. It is rated at 420 horsepower with 460 pound-feet of available torque which can provide up to 13,000 pounds towing capacity depending on the configuration.

Fuel numbers are 14 miles-per-gallon city, 17 highway, and 15 combined, which the EPA estimates will cost you an extra $10,500 more in fuel costs over the average new vehicle.

What I liked about the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X: The cabin is spacious and comfortable, and the numerous tech features are pretty user-friendly. Probably the best safety feature is the standard surround-view camera, especially when maneuvering in a crowded parking garage. There’s plenty of storage space, including under the back seat.

What I didn’t like about the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X: While the available 13.4-inch, hi-res touchscreen provides a clear picture for you to work with, side streets on the navigation map need more contrast for easier viewing at a glance. I would like a knob to tune the radio dial.instead of holding my finger down on an  arrow on the touchscreen. It’s OK to climb up into the cabin but getting down from it requires extra care so your foot doesn’t slip off the round surface of the rocker protection bars.

Would I buy the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X? I personally do not need a pickup of any size and particularly one of the Sierra’s heft. But the Sierra is all about choices and if your budget can accommodate the higher trims it is worth a look.

2023 CHEVROLET TAHOE

WHEN SIZE MATTERS, CHEVROLET TAHOE  STANDS OUT AMONG LARGE SUVS

If you’re in the market for a large SUV, sooner or later — probably sooner — you’re going to find yourself in a Chevrolet showroom looking at a new Tahoe and/or Suburban.

Likely it will be the Tahoe, which through the third quarter of this year had more than doubled its older stablemate in sales.

There’s not really much difference between them. The Suburban is 15 inches longer which gives it the edge in cargo capacity, but the Tahoe offers its eight passengers the same amount of legroom in all three rows of seats.

Engine choices, trims, and features pretty much cancel each other out. Both are truck-based vehicles. The Tahoe holds a slight advantage in pricing, but the difference is really not to swing sales that much in its favor.

It’s all a matter of taste but to me the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe has a bit of a more stylish look about that the Suburban. The Suburban looks like it is made for work crews going to a construction site. The Tahoe looks like it is headed for the local country club.

The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe comes in six trim levels starting with the base LS. This review is based on the RST, which is up the food chain over the LS and LT trims with Z71, Premier, and High Country models at the top.

A 5.3-liter V8 engine is standard on the RST, but my test vehicle came with the  upgraded 6.2L V8 available in the optional Sport Performance Package. Also included in that package were Magnetic Ride Control and dual exhaust tips.

The larger V8 boosts horsepower and torque to 420 ponies and 460-pound feet over the 355/383, respectively, in the 5.3L. A diesel engine also is offered as an option.

Whichever engine you choose is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Fuel mileage with the 6.2L was given as 1 miles-per-gallon city, 18 highway, and 16 combined with the all-wheel-drive and using premium fuel, which isn’t all that different from what you get with the 5.3L model. The government puts the diesel version at 20/26/22 with a range of 528 miles.

The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe RST is well-equipped when it comes to both technology and comfort feats.

Among standard features a hands-free liftgate, leather seats, 9-speaker Bose Premium sound, heated front seats with memory settings for the driver, a digital instrument cluster and 10.2-inch touchscreen for operation of Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3 system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and push-button start, and wireless charging plus tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front bucket seats with memory for the driver, LED headlights and tail lamps, and LED fog lights.

Safety systems include automatic emergency breaking, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, an HD rear vision camera, and front and rear parking assist.

RST models ride on 22-inch wheels in place of the 18-inchers on the LS and LT trims,  the grille is unique, and specail RST seats get contrasting stitching.

Also available is the RST Sport Perfromance Package. Among options on my test Tahoe were a rear-seat media system and a power panoramic sunroof. The radiant red exterior also was extra.

Starting at $64,000, the final bottom line came to $73,605 with the options and destination and delivery included.

What I liked about the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD RST: The biggest thing going for the Tahoe is that it is just that — it is big with lots of room for both passengers (even in the third row) and cargo. Tech features are plentiful and user-friendly. The ride is comfortable enough and quiet. Leather seating surfaces are standard on the RST trim.

What I didn’t like about the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD RST: The size is also a negative when it comes to maneuvering around urban parking lots or parking garages. Changing gears on the the push-button transmission is a bit odd. Actually, calling it push-button isn’t accurate since you have to tug on the switches to change settings.

Would I buy the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD RST? Only once in the last two decades have I had a need for a full-size SUV, and the Tahoe filled the bill quite nicely. So if a big family hauler is your need, the Tahoe should be on your shopping list. But not mine.

 

2022 MERCEDES-BENZ EQB350

EQB SUBCOMPACT SUV LATEST ENTRANT 

IN MERCEDES-BENZ ALL-ELECTRIC FLEET

Mercedes-Benz keeps expanding its all-electric fleet with a new introductory sub-compact model based on the gas-powered GLB SUV as the latest newcomer.

It comes in two versions, the EQB300 and the EQB350, the former providing a bit more in the way of range and the latter more in the way of power and performance. Both come with Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system as standard. This review is based on the EQB350.

As you might expect from the German automaker, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB350 features premium materials throughout the cabin, though standard features fall short of those on SUVs higher on the German automaker’s food chain.

Standard features include the usual luxury niceties like dual zone automatic climate control, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED headlights and tail lamps, lumbar support for the power driver’s seat, sensors to aid in parking, a panoramic sunroof, and power rear liftgate.

What’s kind of interesting (in a negative kind of way) is that though push-button start is included, a proximity key that allows you to open the doors when approaching the vehicle while in possession of the key fob is not. You have to push a button on the fob to unlock the doors.

Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things but kind of puzzling.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are among included tech systems, and the “Hey, Mercedes” voice command system makes for easier operation considering what a pain it is to use the touchpad on the console to perforrm a simple task like changing a radio station when driving alone. It’s a bit on the sensitive side and you may get a query asking for what function you desire when you haven’t asked for anything, but you can cancel it by voice as well. (Note to self: “eff off” doesn’t work.)

Standard safety features start with the usual blind-spot and lane-keeping systems as well as the company’s Driver Attention Assist system that detects when fatigue might be setting in.

A surround-view camera would be a nice addition instead of only a graphic diagram that shows where obstacles might be lurking on the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle, but the 2022 Mercedes EQB350 is not a particularly large SUV and visibility around it is good, so it’s not a huge omission.

Five-passenger capacity is standard, though an optional third row expands capacity to seven. Mercedes, however, notes that the far back row is limited to people less than 5 feet, 4 inches tall. A third row also will infringe over the generous 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space on 2-row models.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB350 offers driving range of up to 260 miles on a full charge, and to ease fears of running out of juice prematurely the navigation systems provides maps to the closest charging outlets.

Mercedes claims that a fast-charging outlet will give the EQB250 up to 80 percent capacity in about half-an-hour. That’s about twice as long as filling up at your standard corner gas station usually takes, but should get you out for less than $20.

Starting MSRP for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB350 is $58,050. Destination and delivery and options (heated front seats and speed limit assist) ran the bottom line on my test EQB350 to $60,100.

What I liked about the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB350 4MATIC: Performance is a big selling point with 384 pound-feet of torque, nearly 100 lb.-ft. more than the EQB300. Range is good as well, but it seems to come down at an alarming pace even in Eco mode. The premium interior is roomy and comfortable.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB350 4MATIC: There is no AM radio as components on some EVs, apparently like those from Mercedes, interfere with reception on the AM band. The infotainment system overall is on the fussy side, mostly because of the “touchpad” operation. It’s very easy to accidentally change radio stations when reaching across the center console to make an adjustment. It may be an electric vehicle but it’s not a quiet one on the highway as road noise from the tires seemed excessive. Having to reset to your desired driving mode (Comfort, Sport, Eco) when you re-start the vehicle is kind of a pain. Why not pick up at the previous setting?

Would I buy the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB350 4MATIC? If you have read any of my earlier reviews on EVs (bless you!), you already know the answer to this. No, I wouldn’t. That’s not because of the vehicle but because of the lack of infrastructure to charge the battery. We are getting more charging stations every day, it seems, but upkeep seems to be lacking. Nothing more frustrating than to pull up at one and find out it isn’t working. (Or even to three and find two out of order.)

2023 CADILLAC XT6

 

AVAILABLE SUPER CRUISE PROVIDES HANDS-FREE DRIVING EXPERIENCE TO XT6 SUV

Since joining the fleet of Cadillac’s fleet of XT-designated SUVs for 2020, the XT6 has picked up a couple of extra features in ensuing years as it fights on in the large and very challenging midsize luxury SUV segment.

Over the past couple years, Cadillac has introduced a turbo 4-cylinder engine  model to go with the V6 that debuted in the XT6, added a new trim level to serve as the base, made wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto part of its tech systems, made blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alert standard features, and updated the top-of-the-line Sport trim with Brembo Performance Brakes.

New this year, buyers of the 2023 Cadillac XT6 have the option of adding Cadillac’s Super Cruise system that provides a hands-free driving experience on more than 400,000 miles of compatible roads and highways.

The 2023 Cadillac XT6 comes in three trim levels starting with the 4-cylinder Luxury trim that was introduced for 2021 and followed by the V6 Premium Luxury and Sport models. This review is based on the Sport trim that carries a starting MSRP of $61,490 including the $1,395 destination and delivery charge. The base Luxury trim starts at under $50,000.

The 2023 Cadillac XT6 Sport comes with all-wheel-drive, though you must remember to select AWD among drive options to take advantage of it. AWD is an option on FWD Luxury and Premium Luxury models.

The 3.6-liter V6 engine in the XT6 Sport is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual gear selection. It is delivers 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque and has fuel economy ratings of 18 miles-per-gallon, 25 highway, and 21 combined using premium fuel.

The 2023 XT6 does have a distinctive Cadillac appearance with the bold front fascia featuring the familiar brand logo prominently in the new bold front grille. LED headlamps are standard.

At 198.5 inches long, the 2023 Cadillac XT6 is big enough to accommodate three rows of seating, though choosing available captain’s chairs for the second row reduces capacity from seven to six passengers.

The interior features lots of leather, heated and ventilated seats for the front row and heated seats for the second, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, heated steering wheel, a sunroof with a power shade, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, and the company’s CUE (Cadillac User Experience) system for operation of tech features that include navigation.

You don’t have to touch the touchscreen to operate many of the tech features and systems like climate control as Cadillac has put a dial on the console to let you spin through the options on the screen. There are also hard buttons to perform many functions as well.

In addition to blind spot and cross-traffic alert mentioned earlier, standard safety systems on the 2023 Cadillac XT6 include lane change alert, forward collision alert, and a following distance indicator.

Options on my test 2023 Cadillac XT6 Sport included a Platinum package (upgraded leather seating, a Modena leather-wrapped steering wheel with a French-stitched leather-wrapped horn pad cover, and premium floor mats), a Technology package (HD surround vision, automatic parking assist with braking, head-up display, rear camera mirror, rear pedestrian alert), and a Driver Assist package (reverse automatic braking, enhanced emergency braking, auto seat-belt tightening.

Among stand-alone extras were the Super Cruise hands-free driving system, and a cargo security shade. It has an initial cost of $2,500 and a subscription service is required after three years.

All that ran the final bottom line to $75,515, which is competitive in its segment and less than many similarly equipped rivals.

What I liked about the 2023 Cadillac XT6 Sport: It has plenty of passenger room with good legroom in the first two rows, though, as with many three-row SUVs, I wouldn’t want to spend a lot of time in the far back. Fuel economy is decent for the class. The 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder in the Luxury trim likely could use more punch but the 3.6L turbo V6 in Sport and Premium Luxury trim delivers adequate acceleration There are lots of standard features that are fairly intuitive to operate. The power folding third row comes with buttons at both the rear cargo area and just inside the doors to the second row.

What I didn’t like about the 2023 Cadillac XT6 Sport: As with many three-row SUVs, storage space behind the third row when the seats are in place is limited. The 8-inch display for the navigation map has a dated appearance. You pay extra for many desirable features like adaptive cruise control and a rear camera mirror that can boost the final price by around 25 percent.

Would I buy the 2023 Cadillac XT6 Sport? If you are a Cadillac fan, need a three-row SUV,  and want to avoid the splashy Escalade, the XT6 is a good option. Otherwise, I would go f or the XT5 or even the XT4.

HYUNDAI IONIQ 5

 

IONIQ 5 HATCHBACK AT THE HEART 

OF HYUNDAI’S ‘ELECTRIFIED’ LINEUP

Hyundai has embarked on an ambitious program with a goal of selling a million “electrified” models worldwide as soon as the year 2025 to fulfill the public’s growing demand for more eco-friendly vehicles.

Loren Wong, Assistant Manager for Product Planning for Hyundai North America, made that point last month in a visit Miami last month to talk about the South Korean automaker’s plans.

“Today’s consumer is lot more demanding and has many more transportation options to choose from,” he said. “State, city, and municipalities are making greater demands for more environmental friendly and economical transportation solutions.

“At Hyundai we ave embraced this challenge and are ready for the future.”

Cox Automotive, a global conglomerate that tracks industry trends, recenty reported that electrified vehicles, which includes standard gas-electric hybrids (HEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), or cars with all-electric drivetrains (EVs), are the fastest growing segment in automotive sales through the first half of this year.

That translates to a market share of about 12 percent, Wong said,  and that demand doesn’t figure to slacken.

“About one in three people,” he said. “are considering an electrified vehicle for their next vehicle purchase.”

At the heart of Hyundai’s electrified lineup is the all-electric 2022 Ioniq 5, a small hatchback the company began easing into U.S. markets late last year. It is offered in four trims with a range of over 300 miles in rear-wheel-drive configuration to ease fears of range anxiety, the No. 1 concern most people have when it comes to electric vehicles.

All-wheel-drive models don’t get quite that much on a full charge but still offer a respectable 256 miles of driving range.

Even with the reduced range, AWD models have been a popular choice for Ioniq 5 buyers.

“Surprisingly more than half of our Ioniq 5 sales have been for the all-wheel drive Ioniq 5s,” Wong said. “Range is a little less at little over 250 miles but a lot of customers like that tradeoff with increased driving performance for the all-wheel-drive model, which has 320 horsepower versus  225 for the rear-wheel-drive model. And you also get that peace of mind of all-wheel drive traction.”

This review is based on the top-of-the-line of the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited trim with AWD which comes fully packed. It carries a base MSRP of $54,500, which is a pretty good hunk of change, but you can save nearly $4,000 by going with RWD. SEL trim, which also has an extensive list of standard equipment, starts at $49,750 with AWD and $46,250.with RWD.

SE models start at $44,000 for RWD models and $47,500 with AWD.  Also available is an SE Standard Range model that starts at just under $40,000 but doesn’t offered AWD and has a more modest driving range of 220 miles on a full charge.

Designers have given the 2022 Ioniq 5 somewhat of a futuristic look both inside and out, which some may not find to their tastes. It does stand out, and the Limited has lots of friendly features when it comes to comfort and convenience.

Handles remain flush to the sides both front and rear doors until activated by the approach of the key fob, making for a clean exterior side surface. With a wheelbase of 118.1 inches and 182.5-inch length, there is good passenger room.

Infotainment systems on the Limited trim work off a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation and Android Auto/Apple CarPlan connectivity. Smart cruise control with automatic stop/start technology, a Bose premium audio system, a head-up display, surround view camera, and leatherette trimmed heated and ventilated seats are among features that often are not offered or are available only as options on typical econo hatchbacks.

Push-button start is included, and the 2022 Ioniq 5 Limited rides on 20-inch alloy wheels with a very distinctive design.

In addition to the excellent maximum driving range that the larger battery pack provides for SE, SEL, and Limited models, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 also has the capability to shorten charging times, another common concern for potential EV buyers.

Built on the company’s E-GMP platform (Electrification Global Modular Platform), the Ioniq 5 can reach from 10 to 80 percent capacity in about 18 minutes when connected to a fast-charger, Hyundai’s Wong said.

Hyundai also has a partnership with Electrify America, which has charging stations throughout the country, that will provide Hyundai owners with two years of free 30-minute charging sessions.

“That 30 minutes should be sufficient for these customers to get where they need to go when connected to a DC fast-charger,” Wong said.

What I liked abou
t the 2022 Ioniq 5 Limited: As is typical of EVs, the immediate torque response (446 pound-feet on AWD models, 256 lb.-ft. with RWD) makes driving a fun experience. The max driving range is over 300 miles on a full charge on RWD models. Tech features are easy enough to catch onto. I like the way the door handles pop out when you approach the car while with he key fob in your pocket or purse and then retract after you get in, leaving a clean exterior.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 Ioniq 5 Limited: Both exterior and interior styling in general are be a bit too funky for me and possibly older buyers (a neighbor mocked its look), but that may be an age thing. Hatchbacks generally appeal more to younger consumers. It’s a minor thing but gears are selected by turning a knob that sticks out from the steering column and the gear sequece has D (drive) at the top spot where R (reverse) would instinctively be found. You’ll typically find reverse at the head of your console’s gear shift, for example.

Would I buy the 2022 Ioniq 5 Limited? Again, I’m waiting for the infrastructure to catch up to provide more options for faster charging before I buy an EV even though the Ioniq 5 does have faster charging capability than many other EVs. But the range is good, and you can use the money you save on buy $4 or more gas to rent a car for longer trips.