2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on Hyundai's electrified mobility, distinct from the original Ioniq. It featured a minimalist exterior design with a unique Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of 8-bit graphics, used extensively in its lighting elements. The Ioniq 5's exterior included aerodynamic wheels and silver-contrast plastic bits, giving it a futuristic yet somewhat polarizing look. Inside, the cabin was a stark contrast with a "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow and relaxing environment with sustainable materials and a zero-gravity "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was designed to push the boundaries of what a station wagon could be, almost resembling a Jeep. It featured a higher ground clearance of 9.5 inches, aggressive all-terrain tires, and unique design elements like a matte black hood decal and Anodized Copper accents. The interior was rugged with water-repellant StarTex upholstery, heated seats, and a robust roof rack capable of supporting a 700-pound static load, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations, three trims, and three powertrains. The base SE Standard Range had a single 128-kW rear motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. The extended-range models featured a 168-kW rear motor with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering a range of 303 miles. The AWD variants had a dual-motor system with a total output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, but the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well on various terrains, with four drive modes including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. Paddle shifters allowed for adjusting regenerative braking, and the vehicle was notably quiet due to extensive noise-reducing features.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It had a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs and an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving. The CVT, while functional, was less engaging than a dual-clutch transmission would have been. The Wilderness trim featured all-wheel drive, 17-inch all-terrain tires, and a suspension system designed for off-road capability. It excelled in off-road conditions with improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, and a dual-function X-Mode traction system.

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

The Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated and offered power adjustments, while the rear seats provided ample space and were also heated. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet, expanding to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The roof rack could support a 220-pound dynamic load and a 700-pound static load, making it suitable for rooftop camping.

The Ioniq 5 was equipped with a high-voltage, energy-dense system capable of ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes. It also featured vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices or even another EV. The infotainment system included 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, with an anti-glare coating. The Ioniq 5 also offered a digital key, enhanced smartphone pairing, and over-the-air updates.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness had an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with physical knobs for essential functions. However, the voice recognition technology was less intuitive, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable. The Outback also featured PIN code entry technology, allowing the key fob to be left inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 came with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. It 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 but could be distracting.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with EyeSight ADAS, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. It also had steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The Outback Wilderness was expected to maintain high safety ratings, similar to the standard Outback's "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS and 5-star overall rating from NHTSA.