2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2023 Subaru Outback

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 maintained a sense of practicality with aerodynamic alloy wheels and a spacious interior. Inside, the cabin offered a serene "Living Space" environment, featuring sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, emphasizing comfort and eco-friendliness.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a facelift, adopting a more aggressive look with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper. The Outback's rugged appearance was further enhanced by dark grey cladding and a simulated skid plate. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, added a touch of sophistication to the design. Inside, the Outback Limited trim boasted premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel, ensuring comfort in colder climates. The interior was well-appointed, with thoughtful details like light grey contrast stitching and a cohesive design, although the infotainment system's gloss black trim was prone to collecting dust and smudges.

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 258 lb-ft of torque, extending the range to 488 kilometres. For those seeking more power, the AWD version combined a 74-kW front motor with a 165-kW rear motor, delivering 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 composed handling and four drive modes, including a Sport mode for added excitement. Regenerative braking could be adjusted using paddle shifters, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, known for its boxer engine design, offered a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While the CVT made good use of this power at lower speeds, the engine struggled with passing and climbing. The Outback XT models, equipped with a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, provided a more satisfying 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. However, the XT models were less fuel-efficient, with ratings of 9.5 L/100 km combined. The Outback's AWD system and X-Mode traction system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

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. The Ioniq 5 offered a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The cabin featured a flat floor and a moveable centre console, providing flexibility and comfort. The leatherette seats were both supportive and comfortable, catering to drivers of various sizes.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack and flat door sill trim. The Limited trim offered a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front and rear seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. The Outback's cargo space measured 923 litres behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the seats folded down. The vehicle's high ground clearance and easy entry and exit made it practical for various driving conditions. However, the Outback could benefit from additional storage space in the cabin.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5's multimedia features 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 elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for improved visibility.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls for essential functions. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, reducing clutter. However, the voice recognition system was less effective, and the graphics were not as appealing. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, enhancing visibility and convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I system offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, adapting to the driver's habits through machine learning. While crash-safety ratings were not available, Hyundai's track record with IIHS Top Safety awards suggested high safety standards.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, earning top marks from the IIHS. The EyeSight system included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Outback Premier XT added a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for improved pedestrian and cyclist detection. While the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems were effective, they introduced an artificial feel to the steering. The rear automatic braking system had limitations in certain situations.