2021 Lexus GX vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Despite its age, the GX's design remained coherent, with the prominent spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights adding a distinctive touch. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. While leather upholstery was standard, the overall interior ambiance lagged behind contemporary luxury SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid showcased a bold and dramatic new design, with sharp, angular lines and a futuristic grille that seamlessly integrated with the LED lighting. The Tucson's exterior was a departure from its predecessor, offering a more aggressive and risk-taking aesthetic. Inside, the Tucson Hybrid boasted a spacious and airy cabin, with a dual-level cargo floor and ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The Limited trim added ambient lighting, enhancing the interior's modern appeal.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's hefty 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, standard 4WD with a low range, and several off-road driver aids. It also offered a respectable towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, on the other hand, impressed with its 1.6-liter turbo-four engine combined with an electric motor, producing a total of 226 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Tucson Hybrid's steering was responsive and direct, and its suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections while maintaining balance through corners. Fuel economy was commendable, with the EPA rating it at 37 mpg city, 36 highway, and 37 combined. The upcoming plug-in hybrid variant promised even greater efficiency with an 80 MPGe rating and 33 miles of all-electric range.

The interior of the 2021 Lexus GX revealed its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. While outward visibility was generally good, forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, significantly less than competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered generous cargo space, with 38.8 cubic feet in the trunk and 74.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Tucson provided excellent legroom for both front and rear passengers, and the rear seats could recline for added comfort. The dual-level cargo floor allowed for flexible storage options, and the cabin featured numerous cupholders and bottle holders for convenience.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. However, the GX did offer analog controls for most functions, providing a straightforward interface. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available for audiophiles.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, in contrast, featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with a sleek interface, though it required a wired connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The touch-capacitive buttons for infotainment and HVAC controls were less user-friendly, but steering-wheel controls offered an alternative. The Tucson provided ample USB ports and a premium Bose stereo system, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist. The Limited trim added a surround-view monitor, highway-driving assist, and unique features like blind-spot view monitor and remote smart park assist. The Tucson received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.