2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from the original Ioniq. It featured a minimalist yet intricate exterior design, characterized by the Parametric Pixel theme, which incorporated numerous LED lights and pixelated elements. The interior, contrasting the exterior's complexity, offered a serene and comfortable "Living Space" with sustainable materials and a unique "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a new Onyx Edition trim with blacked-out exterior elements, giving it a sporty look. The interior featured water-repellent StarTex synthetic leather and a gray two-tone scheme. While the design was practical and ready for various weather conditions, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making it less comfortable on hot days.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came in three trims—SE, SEL, and Limited—and offered both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 128-kW rear motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models had a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and a 303-mile range. The AWD variants boasted a dual-motor system with a total of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, but the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well, especially in Sport mode, but aggressive driving significantly reduced its range.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The Ascent's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, and it could tow up to 5,000 pounds. The CVT provided smooth acceleration and quiet cruising, while the X-Mode off-road traction control system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance enhanced its off-road capabilities. However, the lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance technologies could feel unstable and unsettling.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. It provided 133.7 cubic feet of total interior volume, with 106.5 cubic feet dedicated to passenger space. The interior featured soft touchpoints, a moveable center console, and comfortable leatherette seats. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort over cargo space, offering 27.2 cubic feet of rear cargo capacity.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could seat up to eight people, but the third row was best suited for children. The second-row seats were easy to access, and captain's chairs were available. The Ascent offered 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including a dashboard shelf and large cupholders in the second row.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured 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, and offered a redesigned Blue Link connected car app. The Ioniq 5 also had a digital key, enhanced smartphone pairing, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for better visibility.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The voice recognition technology needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo speakers lacked sonic quality. The Touring trim offered additional features like a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. The Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I (HAD) provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also featured a head-up display (HUD) with augmented reality overlays, although it could be distracting in actual use. Safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available, but Hyundai's track record suggested high marks.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent came standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance tech, which included adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology. However, EyeSight's performance could be affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and optional blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking.