2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson presented a more conventional design compared to its futuristic successor, appealing to those who preferred a traditional small crossover aesthetic. Its upright layout offered a commanding view of the road, while the interior boasted a modern and attractive dash design. The tech features were seamlessly integrated into the overall aesthetic, with every button and dial easily accessible. The Tucson came in several trims, including SE, Value, SEL, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate, each offering a range of features from basic 17-inch alloy wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system to more advanced options like a panoramic sunroof and heated rear seats in the Ultimate trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in its Wilderness trim, emphasized ruggedness and practicality. The Forester's design was functional, with a focus on utility rather than aesthetics. The Wilderness trim featured a suspension lift, higher ride height, and protective cladding, giving it a distinctive "overlanding" look. Inside, the Forester prioritized function over form, with a cabin that combined hard plastic and soft surfaces, exuding quality construction. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was intuitive, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal. Overall, the Forester's design was well-suited for those seeking a vehicle capable of handling off-road adventures.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered two engine options: a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, and a more robust 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. The base engine felt underwhelming, especially at highway speeds, while the 2.4-liter engine provided a livelier experience around town. The Tucson's ride was comfortable and refined, striking a balance between softness and athleticism. Towing capacity ranged from 1,500 pounds with the base engine to 2,000 pounds with the 2.4-liter engine.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All Foresters featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply. This CVT design doubled the Wilderness's towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester's engine was adequate at sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios provided a smooth driving experience, and the SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for more lively response. The Forester's dual-function X-Mode system enhanced off-road capabilities, and the re-tuned suspension improved ride and handling, making it a compelling choice for off-road enthusiasts.

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. While this was slightly below average for the segment, it provided adequate space for weekend trips. The Tucson's front seats were comfortable and supportive, with ample headroom and legroom. The rear seats were less spacious but still accommodating for adults. The interior featured numerous cubbies and compartments for storage, enhancing its practicality.

The 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The Forester's interior was comfortable, with high seating positions offering excellent visibility. Rear passengers benefited from air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Forester's squared-off cargo area and new cargo hooks added to its practicality, making it one of the roomiest options in the compact SUV segment.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate trim offered an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen, which was optional on other trims. The system was user-friendly, with logical menu layouts and helpful hard buttons. Additional features included navigation, satellite radio, and wireless device charging.

The 2022 Subaru Forester's base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and HD Radio. The Premium trim added a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, while the Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim also included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The Forester's infotainment system was intuitive, though the voice recognition system was inconsistent. The PIN Code Access feature allowed for keyless entry, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered a solid list of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver drowsiness monitoring. Upper-tier trims added features like adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, automatic high-beams, 360-degree parking monitor, and blind-spot monitoring. The Tucson earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, featuring improved camera-based technology with twice the field of vision. The system included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also offered a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim featured DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, and it was expected to retain the 2021 model's "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.