Home
Features
2022 Editors’ Choice: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Wins Motor1.com Star Award
The humble Hyundai EV overcame six-figure vehicles from Lucid, Cadillac, and Land Rover to win over our editors.
Brandon Turkus 
By: Brandon Turkus
Updated: Dec 8, 2022 at 9:04pm ET
Add InsideEVs as a preferred source in Google
- (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Finsideevs.com%2Ffeatures%2F625658%2Fmotor1-2022-star-awards-winners%2F&text=2022%20Editors%E2%80%99%20Choice%3A%20Hyundai%20Ioniq%205%20Wins%20Motor1.com%20Star%20Award&via=InsideEVs)
- copy
Share
Comment
Votes have been cast and arguments made, and we now know the winner Motor1.com’s 2022 Editors’ Choice award. The culmination of the 2022 Star Awards, our Editors’ Choice marks the moment we toss aside our objective hats and start to look for the vehicle that we’d spend our own money to buy and maintain because it best fit our wants, needs, and lifestyles. And that car is the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5.
It almost wasn’t, though. The Cadillac CT5-V, Audi RS3, and Hyundai Elantra N – all contenders for the title of Best Performance Vehicle – made strong plays for the top prize, and the Acura Integra’s accessible price tag, segment-leading features, and energetic driving character kept it in the running. But the Ioniq 5’s fantastic design, exceptional charge speed, and fun-to-drive character – all at a reasonable price – won out. Here’s what the team thought of the leaders and the winner of the 2022 Motor1.com Editors’ Choice Star Award.
Acura Integra | Audi RS3 | Hyundai Elantra N | Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing | Hyundai Ioniq 5
13
Acura Integra
Quick Stats 2022 Acura Integra A-Spec w/Technology Engine: Turbocharged 1.5-liter I4 Output: 200 Horsepower / 192 Pound-Feet Efficiency: 26 City / 36 Highway / 30 Combined Base Price: $30,800 + $1,095 Destination As-Tested Price: $37,395
While mechanically similar to the Honda Civic Si, the Integra’s hatchback body, revvy turbocharged engine, and snickety-snack six-speed manual won ample praise during testing.
“The Integra isn’t afraid of the scenic route, thanks to a frisky turbocharged engine, superb suspension tuning, a limited-slip front differential, and the best six-speed manual at just about any price,” Senior Editor Brett Evans wrote. “It’s the car I most wanted to take home for good.”
33
Audi RS3
Quick Stats 2022 Audi RS3 Engine: Turbocharged 2.5-liter I5 Output: 401 Horsepower / 369 Pound-Feet 0-60 MPH: 3.9 Seconds 60-0 Braking: 101 Feet As-Tested Price: $74,595
Our Kyalami Green Audi RS3 not only looks great, but it matches up a spacious and well-appointed cabin with a fantastic powertrain. But as Managing Editor Brandon Turkus explains, the RS3’s individual traits mingle to create a perfect do-anything vehicle.
“The Audi RS3’s performance is exhilarating, but there’s also tremendous depth thanks to the RS Torque Splitter. At the same time, it’s totally civilized in everyday driving, with excellent technology – both for entertainment and driver assistance – and a handsome, comfortable cabin. The RS3 has essentially everything I look for in a performance product.”
41
Hyundai Elantra N
Quick Stats 2023 Hyundai Elantra N Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 Output: 276 Horsepower / 289 Pound-Feet 0-60 MPH: 5.2 Seconds 60-0 Braking: 97 Feet As-Tested Price: $35,645
The Hyundai Elantra N is the kind of affordable performance car that any of our team would have loved at 22 or 23 years old. But even though some of us are (much) older, the Elantra N’s unapologetically rambunctious character won hearts.
“With 276 horsepower and the silliest exhaust note this side of a Fiat Abarth, the most powerful Elantra appeals to your right foot’s hedonistic desires better than any other pocket rocket. And its well-damped suspension feels taut and planted, but rarely harsh. It’s no surprise that Hyundai poached ex-BMW engineers to develop its N lineup,” Brett Evans said.
“The Elantra N exemplifies the things I love in a car: It feels equally at home on the track, on a twisty road, or even sitting in traffic, all while remaining relatively affordable,” added Video Producer Kyle Freudenberg. “That’s why it’s my choice for the 2022 Editor’s Choice Award.”
23
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Quick Stats 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Engine: Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 Output: 668 Horsepower / 659 Pound-Feet 0-60 MPH: 4.0 Seconds 60-0 Braking: 103 Feet As-Tested Price: $123,535
The big, bruising Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing’s intense pace, aggressively blue paint, and focused driving character nearly won it our Best Performance Vehicle award. And those same qualities put it near the top of the Editors’ Choice ranks.
“The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is not moving the game forward with innovative technologies or never-before-seen features. In a time when the very nature of how we get around is being reimagined, the fast Caddy could be dismissed as an anachronism,” Editor-in-Chief Seyth Miersma said.
“And yet, for old guys like me, the Blackwing was the most involving, emotional, and satisfying car of the 20 vehicles we invited to Star Awards this year. It might cost me a small fortune in fuel bills and speeding tickets, but of all the cars I drove at Test Week the Blackwing is my runaway choice for the car I’d bring home.”
17
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Quick Stats 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited Motors: Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors Output: 320 Horsepower / 446 Pound-Feet 0-60 MPH: 4.5 Seconds EV Range: 266 Miles As-Tested Price: $58,005
The humble Hyundai might seem like an odd choice considering the sporting credentials of the other top vehicles in this year’s competition, but it provides a fantastic blend of that performance we crave with the space, comfort, and style that makes the Ioniq 5 work so well in everyday life.
“With ample range, lickety-split charge rates, a fantastic design inside and out, and excellent technology, the Ioniq 5 suits the needs of my wife and I perfectly,” Turkus said. “That it’s fun to drive, loaded down with active safety gear, and agreeably priced for all it brings to the table doesn’t hurt matters.”
Senior Editor Jeff Perez, meanwhile, highlighted the styling both inside and out before praising the Ioniq’s comfort.
“The retro-futuristic styling and the minimalist, modern interior both appealed to me, and although it wasn't the sportiest EV out there, the Ioniq 5 still felt quick and handled well," Perez said. "But what I liked most was how comfortable the Ioniq 5 was to drive. It offered exceptional all-around visibility thanks to its open and airy cabin design, while its slightly taller – but not too tall – ride height provided an excellent view of the road ahead. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a car worthy of widespread recognition.”
Star Awards Wrap-Up:
Get Ready For The 2022 Motor1.com Star Awards
Meet The 20 Vehicles Competing For A Motor1.com Star Award
2022 Best Truck: Ford F-150 Lightning Wins Motor1.com Star Award
2022 Best SUV: Kia Sportage Hybrid Wins Motor1.com Star Award
2022 Best Luxury Vehicle: Land Rover Range Rover Wins Motor1.com Star Award
2022 Best Value: Ford Maverick Wins Motor1.com Star Award
2022 Best Performance Vehicle: Audi RS3 Wins Motor1.com Star Award
2022 Best EV: Ford F-150 Lightning Wins InsideEVs.com Star Award
What do you think?
View
Comments
How We Choose Star Awards Winners
The Motor1.com Star Awards start with vehicles that received the highest Star Ratings throughout the year. Our awards consideration set starts with vehicles that are either all-new or significantly revised over the last year. From there, we invite the best vehicles to join us for a week of head-to-head testing.
During the year we let data take the lead in our rating system, but the goal of Test Week is to compare vehicles head to head – on the road, on the track, or in the dirt as the case may be – to see which competitor in each segment stands out with unmissable value, incredible technology, and impressive real-world behavior. Any vehicle invited to participate in Star Awards is excellent, but only the very best in each segment can claim the title.
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Insideevs.com?
Take our 3 minute survey.
- The InsideEVs team
Share this Story
- (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Finsideevs.com%2Ffeatures%2F625658%2Fmotor1-2022-star-awards-winners%2F&text=2022%20Editors%E2%80%99%20Choice%3A%20Hyundai%20Ioniq%205%20Wins%20Motor1.com%20Star%20Award&via=InsideEVs)
- copy
GO TO COMMENTS
(
)
Got a tip for us? Email: tips@insideevs.com
View all comments ( )
Trending
Kia EV3 Lease Deals Are Here, And It’s Cheaper Than The Chevy Bolt And Nissan Leaf
I Let Android Auto Plan My EV Roadtrip. Here’s How It Worked
This Chevy Bolt Has 470,000 Miles. Here’s How Much A New Battery Was
Here's What It's Like To Take Delivery Of A Rivian R2
latest articles
- The Boring Company Uses Tesla Model 3 Sleds To Shuttle Shipping Containers Through Its Tunnels Oct 20 - News -
- How Much Range Do EVs Lose When Parked? (And How to Stop It) Oct 20 - EV 101 -
- This Chinese EV Is Now Made In Europe. More Are Coming Oct 20 - News -
- GM Is Closing Its Detroit EV Battery Plant Oct 20 - Industry -
- The 2027 Lexus NX Plug-In Hybrid Gets A Bigger Battery And Fast Charging Oct 20 - Official -
- Kia EV3 Lease Deals Are Here, And It’s Cheaper Than The Chevy Bolt And Nissan Leaf Oct 20 - Pricing -
- Here's What It's Like To Take Delivery Of A Rivian R2 Oct 19 - News -
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
This YouTuber Got Burned By His Lucid Air And Elon Musk. So He Bought A Mustang Mach-E GT
Here's What It's Like To Take Delivery Of A Rivian R2
The Longest-Range EVs You Can Buy In 2026
Used EVs Hit A Record Share Of Overall Used Car Sales In September
The Best Electric Sedans To Buy In 2026: Top Picks For Range, Performance & Style
Your EV's Range Is Usually Set In Stone. Not This One
Lucid Overhauled The Air's Infotainment. You Might Need $950 Hardware To Get It