2021 Audi Q5 vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that seamlessly integrated the renowned Audi design language while maintaining its unique character within the lineup. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights squinting out beside the iconic Audi Singleframe grille, with horizontal elements emphasizing its width. The body boasted crisp character lines, and the greenhouse provided a protective shell-like effect. The rear of the vehicle was marked by brave, bold taillights, offering a classy and modern look from front to back. The plug-in hybrid version came with S-Line trim pieces, which included standard 19-inch wheels and an optional upgrade to 20-inch wheels, enhancing its stylish appearance even further.

Inside, the Q5 continued the theme of class and modernity. Despite being packed with technology, it maintained an uncluttered look, with buttons, switches, and knobs smartly grouped by function. Material selection was of high quality, offering real wood, real metal, and honed surfaces that met with crisp, well-defined lines. The 10.1-inch touchscreen floated at the top of the center stack, perfectly placed in the driver's line of sight, and the second row featured standard leather seating surfaces, further elevating its opulent feel.

In comparison, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson rode on a new platform, available in the U.S. as a long-wheelbase model with just two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. It featured Hyundai's new design language, with a parametric grille hiding the LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. When illuminated, these lights formed a unique shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird. The side profile was similarly striking, showcasing a silver D-pillar for a floating roof effect.

The rear of the Tucson featured toothy taillights illuminated by LEDs for all but the base model, and a less than basic design that helped it stand out among other compact SUVs. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on either 17- or 19-inch wheels, with premium options such as front and rear skid plates, gloss black pillars, and panoramic sunroof available on high-end models.

Inside, the Tucson was well-appointed for a vehicle in its category, with standard stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats. A notable layout featuring horizontal lines across the dashboard added to the sense of spaciousness and cleanliness. Soft-touch materials, leather-trimmed seats on higher trims, and an available panoramic sunroof contributed to an upscale feel that rivaled, if not exceeded, that of its competitors.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered an exhilarating driving experience. The plug-in hybrid enhanced the already fun-to-drive gasoline-only Q5, adding an extra 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery. This brought the total combined output to 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque, paired well with the Q5's 4,665-pound curb weight. The combination of an electric motor with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine allowed for a swift 0-60 mph time of just 5.0 seconds. With impressive fuel economy figures of 65 MPGe combined in hybrid mode and 27 mpg combined in gasoline-only mode, it was both powerful and efficient. Charging the battery could be done overnight with a standard Level 1 charger or in 2.4 hours with a Level 2 charger.

Handling was smooth, featuring a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive. The driver could select driving modes to either use the battery alone for up to 20 miles, reserve battery power for later, or use a hybrid mode. Speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and a four-wheel independent suspension ensured good handling and minimal body roll, offering a balance of comfort and road feel.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was available with a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine. The base ICE engine produced 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg combined. Though not particularly remarkable, it was competent. The hybrid powertrain was more exciting, delivering 226 combined horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, providing a more engaging driving experience. Front-wheel drive models were the most fuel-efficient, achieving 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while all-wheel drive models were slightly less efficient. The real standout in efficiency was the hybrid, with ratings of 37 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 37 mpg combined.

Hyundai planned to release a plug-in hybrid variant with an estimated total system output of 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque, expected to offer around 25 miles of electric-only range.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV excelled in smart packaging, fitting its battery pack under the luggage compartment floor to preserve cargo space. It provided 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. Rear passengers enjoyed reasonable legroom (37.8 inches), headroom (37.7 inches), and shoulder room (56.5 inches). The driver and front passenger had super-comfortable seats with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and ventilation on the Prestige trim. Various compartments and cupholders added to the functionality and uncluttered design of the interior.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson impressed with its spacious interior, benefiting from a new platform that allowed for more room for passengers and cargo. While it offered less legroom up front compared to the Subaru Forester, it surpassed the Toyota RAV4 in rear legroom. Its cabin space was comparable to other leading compact SUVs, with a total passenger volume that bested the CR-V, RAV4, and Escape. Cargo space was ample at 74.8 cubic feet, outperforming the Ford Escape significantly. The rear featured a 60-40 split-folding bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor in ICE models, with conveniences like a hands-free liftgate available on mid-grade trims and up.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV was equipped with Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supplemented by the Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. This system offered views including classic, sport, and dynamic, elevating the vehicle's tech sophistication. In navigation-equipped models, the hybrid system worked with the navigation to optimize fuel consumption. An Integrated Toll Module (ITM) and an available Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system further enhanced the technology suite, with wireless Apple CarPlay included.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered a robust set of standard tech features like an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, and multiple USB ports. Upgrading to higher trims provided a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, though it required plugging in for smartphone integration. The fully digital instrument cluster, various driver-assist features, and an app for Blue Link mobile compatibility showcased Hyundai's focus on modern technology. The interface, while stylish, could be challenging to navigate, requiring drivers to rely on steering wheel controls and voice commands.