2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a bold step into the future of electrified mobility, marking a departure from the original Ioniq. It was designed as a standalone brand representing Hyundai's commitment to electric vehicles. The Ioniq 5's exterior was a mix of minimalistic lines and intricate design elements, such as the Parametric Pixel design, which gave it a concept car feel. The lighting details were particularly striking, with pixelated LEDs used throughout the vehicle. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene "Living Space" theme, with sustainable materials and a focus on comfort, including a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift that gave it a more aggressive appearance. The redesigned front end featured new LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray cladding. The Onyx Edition added black wheels and trim, enhancing its bold look. Inside, the Outback Touring trim offered a luxurious experience with premium Nappa leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with thoughtful touches like a height-adjustable driver's seat and a robust roof rack for added utility.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. The extended-range variants, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, had a 168-kW rear motor delivering 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 303 miles. The AWD models boasted a dual-motor system with a total output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was solid for a midsize crossover, with a focus on comfort and control rather than sporty dynamics. It featured four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, with its standard 2.5-liter flat-four engine, produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While it offered decent performance at lower speeds, it struggled with passing and climbing power. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine in the XT models delivered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing a more responsive driving experience. The Outback's CVT mimicked an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the Active Torque Split AWD system ensured stability in various conditions. The Outback excelled off-road, thanks to its X-Mode traction system and generous ground clearance, making it a capable choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) provided a spacious interior with a long wheelbase, offering 133.7 cubic feet of total interior volume. The cabin was designed for comfort, with soft touchpoints and a moveable center console. The Ioniq 5's seats were supportive and comfortable, with a modern take on a retro front bench seat. The vehicle's design prioritized passenger space over cargo capacity, with 27.2 cubic feet of rear cargo space.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack and flat door sill trim. The Touring trim offered a luxurious interior with premium Nappa leather seats, heating and ventilation, and a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The Outback's cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. The vehicle's design made it easy to enter and exit, and the rear seat cushion provided excellent support.

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. The Ioniq 5 also offered a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, 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 clear visibility.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, came with an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The system's usability improved for 2023, though the voice recognition system was lacking. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view 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 collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I system offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities, learning the driver's habits for a personalized experience. A head-up display with augmented reality overlays was available, though it could be distracting.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured EyeSight, a comprehensive safety suite with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The system added new Automatic Emergency Steering and a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for improved pedestrian and cyclist detection. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS, though the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems could feel artificial.