2021 Hyundai Tucson vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson had a design that seemed geared toward those who preferred a more futuristic aesthetic. Its upright layout delivered a commanding view of the road, which many drivers appreciated. On the inside, the Tucson presented a modern and attractive dashboard design where tech features were seamlessly integrated into the overall look. Every button and dial were easy to locate, making for a user-friendly experience.

Hyundai offered the Tucson in multiple trims: SE, Value, SEL, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate. The base SE trim was equipped with standard features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, manually adjustable front seats, a digital driver information display, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As you moved up the trim levels, additional features included LED headlight accents, heated side mirrors, roof rails, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat on the Value trim.

The SEL added 18-inch alloy wheels and dual-zone automatic climate control, while the Sport trim boasted 19-inch alloy wheels, LED head-and-taillights, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Limited trim included advanced features like a 360-degree camera system, integrated side-mirror turn signals, and chrome exterior accents. Finally, the Ultimate trim featured rain-sensing wipers, an 8-inch touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

On the other hand, the 2021 Honda CR-V's exterior design did not stand out significantly in the crowded compact crossover market. It looked nearly identical to many other vehicles in its class, with only minor details like the grille and some chromed plastic features distinguishing it. The CR-V was available in eight colors, although most were various shades of gray, black, or white. The only vibrant color option was Aegean Blue Metallic, which was rarely available at dealerships.

Inside, the CR-V offered black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather depending on the trim level. Higher trims included wood panels and more chrome for an upscale appearance. The angular design of the front and rear seats contributed to a modern feel. Overall, while the CR-V didn't break new ground in terms of looks, it maintained a clean and functional design that appealed to a wide range of buyers.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson came with a choice of two engines. The base model featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. However, this engine felt underwhelming, especially at higher speeds. Higher trims like the SEL, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate were equipped with a more robust 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine generating 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered either standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD).

On the road, the Tucson provided a comfortable and refined ride, balancing between being too soft or overly athletic. With the base engine, the Tucson's towing capacity was 1,500 pounds, while the 2.4-liter engine improved this to 2,000 pounds.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, regardless of trim, was powered by a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which provided smooth and steady acceleration, crucial for highway merging and predictable cornering. Its acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was clocked at around 7.8 seconds, making it comparable to the competition. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to a smoother but less engaging driving experience.

Standard FWD was offered across all trims, with AWD available as an option. The CR-V's unitized body structure, combined with a MacPherson strut front setup and multi-link rear suspension, ensured decent handling and ride quality.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 61.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. Though this wasn't the most generous in the segment, it provided sufficient space for most needs. Higher trims featured a hands-free power liftgate for added convenience. Inside, the Tucson provided solid front-seat headroom and legroom, with comfortable and supportive seats even on long trips. The rear seats were less spacious but still accommodating for adults during road trips. There were numerous cubbies and compartments for small items, making it user-friendly.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized fitting five people comfortably and accommodating their gear. It boasted a capacious 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, surpassing the Toyota RAV4 by four cubic feet. In terms of cargo space, the CR-V offered 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to a substantial 75.8 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded down.

Getting to that cargo area depended on the trim. The lower trims required manual operation of the tailgate, while the EX-L added a power tailgate, and the Touring featured a hands-free version. Although convenient, this hands-free feature sometimes required a bit of patience to operate correctly. Roof rails came as standard only on the top-tier Touring trim.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate trim upgraded this to an 8-inch touchscreen, which was also available on other trims as an optional feature. The touchscreen was user-friendly with logically arranged menus and helpful hard buttons. Additional available features included navigation, satellite radio, and wireless device charging in higher trims.

The 2021 Honda CR-V offered a basic 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity in the base LX trim. All other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, also integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Special Edition and EX trims included a 180-watt audio system with six speakers, and the EX-L added two more speakers. The Touring trim boasted a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. From the EX trim upwards, the vehicles featured Sirius XM and HD radio, with satellite navigation and voice recognition being exclusive to the Touring trim.

Except for the base LX, all CR-Vs sported numerous charging ports, including USB ports in the front console and second row, and a 12-volt outlet in the center console. The top-tier Touring trim further included a wireless phone charger.