2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the original Ioniq, by establishing itself as a standalone brand focused solely on electric vehicles. This new model showcased a futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics. The exterior was a blend of minimalistic lines and intricate lighting details, creating a concept car-like appearance. Despite its bold design, the Ioniq 5's interior was a stark contrast, offering a serene and comfortable "Living Space" with sustainable materials and innovative features like the "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat. The cabin's simplicity and eco-friendly materials underscored Hyundai's commitment to a sustainable future.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness embraced a rugged and adventurous persona. With increased ground clearance and aggressive all-terrain tires, it was designed to tackle challenging terrains. The exterior featured unique design elements like a matte black hood decal and Anodized Copper accents, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the Outback Wilderness offered a practical and durable cabin with water-repellant StarTex upholstery and a host of features aimed at enhancing comfort and utility. While the interior lacked the Ioniq 5's futuristic flair, it provided ample space and functionality for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, starting with a base model featuring a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant boasted a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, extending the range to 488 kilometres. The AWD version, with a dual-motor system, delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, albeit with a reduced range of 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its smooth handling and four drive modes, including a Sport mode for added excitement. However, spirited driving could quickly deplete the range, making it more suitable for leisurely drives.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provided ample power for a midsize SUV, with a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. While the engine was robust, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) detracted from the driving experience with its droning and simulated gear changes. The Outback Wilderness excelled off-road, thanks to its lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and advanced traction systems. On pavement, it felt quick but limited by its tires, making it more suited for off-road adventures.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) allowed for a spacious interior, with a wheelbase longer than the seven-passenger Palisade. It offered a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The cabin featured a moveable centre console and a flat floor, enhancing versatility. The leatherette seats provided comfort and support, catering to various body types.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a practical interior with StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The cabin offered generous rear seat space and a cargo area measuring 920 litres, expandable to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. The Outback Wilderness also boasted a robust roof rack for outdoor gear, making it ideal for adventurers.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, including a high-voltage energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a digital key. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for clear visibility.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, integrating climate control and offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the voice recognition technology required learning specific prompts, the system was functional. However, the lack of a premium sound system was a notable omission for this adventurous model.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. It also offered Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. While crash-safety ratings were not available, Hyundai's track record suggested high safety standards.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness retained the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also featured steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The Outback Wilderness's EyeSight technology was effective and unobtrusive, contributing to its safety credentials. While crash-test results were unavailable, the standard Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.