2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

When the 2021 Subaru Ascent was introduced, it filled a significant gap in Subaru's lineup, offering a three-row SUV that had been missing since the poorly received Tribeca. The Ascent's design was a scaled-up version of Subaru's smaller models like the Forester and Outback, making it instantly recognizable as part of the Subaru family. The interior followed suit, with a dashboard design that mirrored other Subaru models, likely to create a sense of familiarity for buyers. The Ascent was available in four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each offering progressively more features, from driver-assistance technologies to premium audio systems.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, on the other hand, marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the original Ioniq. This new model was part of Hyundai's strategy to position Ioniq as a standalone EV brand. The Ioniq 5 featured a minimalist yet intricate exterior design, heavily utilizing a "Parametric Pixel" theme in its lighting elements. The interior was a stark contrast, offering a serene "Living Space" with sustainable materials and a focus on comfort. The Ioniq 5 was available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with options for rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, and a range of powertrains to suit different needs.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Ascent was designed for comfort rather than sportiness, but it handled corners well and absorbed road bumps effectively. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, it was capable of light off-roading and performed admirably in snowy conditions. The Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds and came with standard Trailer Stability Assist.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and drive configurations. The base SE Standard Range model featured a single 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. The extended-range models, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, had a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 horsepower and a range of 303 miles. The all-wheel-drive variants featured a dual-motor system with a total output of 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, but the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well in various driving conditions, offering four drive modes, including a Sport mode for a more dynamic experience. The vehicle also featured paddle shifters for adjusting regenerative braking levels, adding an element of gamification to the driving experience.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent offered 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. This was competitive within the midsize three-row SUV class, though some rivals offered more space. The Ascent could seat up to eight passengers, or seven with the optional second-row captain's chairs. The first two rows were spacious, while the third row was better suited for children on longer trips. The Ascent also featured 19 cupholders and numerous storage compartments.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximized interior space with a longer wheelbase than even Hyundai's flagship Palisade. The Ioniq 5 offered a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The rear cargo space was 27.2 cubic feet, less than its rivals, but the passenger volume was a generous 106.5 cubic feet. The interior featured soft-touch materials and a moveable center console, enhancing its "Living Space" theme. The seats were comfortable and supportive, making the Ioniq 5 a pleasant place to spend time.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured the StarLink infotainment system with logical menus and large icons. It came with either a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, both supported by hard buttons and dials. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, four USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered additional USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was packed with advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system that supported ultra-fast charging and vehicle-to-load capabilities. It could reach 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes and offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years through Electrify America. The Ioniq 5 also featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, AI-powered voice recognition, and over-the-air updates. The interior boasted two 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, both with anti-glare coatings for better visibility.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was an IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick+ thanks to its crash test results and Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features. Standard safety equipment included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. Additional options included reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. A head-up display with augmented reality overlays was available, though it could be distracting in actual use. While official safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.