2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the original Ioniq, by establishing itself as a standalone brand dedicated to 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 maintained a sense of practicality with aerodynamic alloy wheels and a spacious cabin. Inside, the Ioniq 5 embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a serene and comfortable environment with sustainable materials and innovative features like the Relaxation mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained its traditional design, focusing on functionality over flashy aesthetics. The Forester's exterior was characterized by its boxy shape, flared fenders, and robust roof rails, making it a practical choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The Premier trim added a touch of elegance with satin chrome exterior trim and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Forester offered a straightforward and user-friendly layout, with brown leather and metallic accents in the Premier trim. While the interior was not as visually striking as the Ioniq 5, it provided excellent visibility and ease of use, making it a reliable and practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and providing a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant featured a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and a range of 488 kilometres. For those seeking more power, the AWD version combined a 74-kW front motor and a 165-kW rear motor, delivering a total of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, albeit with a reduced range of 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its smooth handling and four drive modes, including a Sport mode for added excitement. The vehicle's quiet cabin and advanced regenerative braking system further enhanced the driving experience.

The 2023 Subaru Forester, powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generated 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios and Subaru's SI-Drive system for a sportier driving experience. The Forester's off-road capabilities were enhanced by the X-Mode traction control system, with additional settings for deep snow and mud in the Sport trim. The Forester Premier demonstrated its prowess in adverse weather conditions, providing confidence and stability on flooded roads and muddy trails. While the engine's performance was adequate, the Forester excelled in driving dynamics, offering a comfortable and communicative ride with precise steering and effective brakes.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), boasted a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. With a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, the Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort over cargo space, offering a flat floor and a moveable centre console for added convenience. The leatherette seats provided excellent comfort and support, making long journeys enjoyable. The Ioniq 5's interior design focused on creating a relaxing environment with soft touchpoints and sustainable materials.

The 2023 Subaru Forester emphasized practicality and functionality, offering a range of features across its trims. The Touring trim included a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. Higher trims like the Premier added leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. The Forester's interior was designed for ease of use, with excellent visibility and straightforward controls. While the rear seats lacked some comfort, the Forester excelled in cargo space, offering 762 litres behind the back seat and 1,957 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring 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's infotainment system included a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegantly designed and easy to read, even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Subaru Forester offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Starlink connected services. An 8-inch display was available, along with a navigation system and Harman Kardon audio. While the voice-recognition system was lacking, the Forester's user interface was straightforward, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. The absence of a wireless smartphone charger was notable, but the Forester's technology remained practical and user-friendly.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I system offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities, learning the driver's habits for a personalized experience. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high safety standards.

The 2023 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight system with improved software and cameras. It included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency steering, and blind-spot monitoring. The Forester's safety features performed well, although the Rear Automatic Braking system could be overly sensitive. The Forester received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, though it fell short in some new tests.