2021 Lexus NX vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX retained a familiar Lexus design with sharp lines and a sculpted exterior, similar in dimensions to the Toyota RAV4. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added sportier elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and optional Circuit Red interior, with excellent material fit and finish. However, the center stack design appeared outdated, and the G-Force meter seemed more gimmicky than functional.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid showcased a dramatic new design, with sharp, angular cues and a grille that seamlessly blended with the LED headlights. The Tucson was longer and wider than its predecessor, making it unmistakable from the 2021 model. The base Blue trim shared design elements with the mid-level SEL Convenience trim, but with smaller 17-inch wheels. The Limited trim featured a dark chrome grille and additional amenities like a panoramic sunroof and hands-free smart tailgate. Inside, the Tucson offered a spacious and airy cabin with heated front seats, a digital driver information display, and ambient lighting. The center console felt bulky, but the hoodless driver information display provided a sharp, unobstructed view.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind competitors with more advanced transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with a relatively quiet ride except under hard acceleration. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar figures. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, with its 1.6-liter turbo-four engine and electric motor, produced a combined 226 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission managed the power efficiently, and the Tucson Hybrid felt noticeably quicker than its gas-powered counterpart. The steering was responsive and direct, and the suspension provided a balanced ride, absorbing road imperfections well. The Tucson Hybrid achieved an EPA-estimated 37 mpg city, 36 highway, and 37 combined, with the Blue trim level rated at 38 mpg across the board. A plug-in hybrid version with a 13.8 kWh battery and 80 MPGe was expected to offer 33 miles of all-electric range.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured a well-styled and comfortable interior, with ample room for front and rear passengers. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. However, cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were optional.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, despite its larger footprint, did not appear overly large. It offered impressive cargo space, with 38.8 cubic feet in the trunk and 74.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Tucson provided excellent front and rear legroom, with over 41 inches each, and the rear seats reclined for added comfort. The cargo floor had a dual-level system for flexible storage, and the cabin featured multiple cupholders and bottle holders. The Limited trim's ambient lighting added a touch of flair to the interior.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. However, the Lexus infotainment system was not user-friendly, and the touchpad interface was cumbersome. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the Limited trim, but only utilized about 8 inches for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, which required a wired connection. The Blue and SEL Convenience trims offered wireless connectivity with an 8-inch screen. The touch-capacitive buttons for infotainment and HVAC controls were frustrating to use, but steering-wheel controls helped mitigate this issue. The Tucson provided ample USB ports, including two for rear passengers, and a Bose premium stereo in the test vehicle.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, driver-attention monitor, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, safe-exit warning, and rear occupant alert. The Limited trim added a surround-view monitor, highway-driving assist with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot view monitor, and remote smart park assist. The Tucson received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, but the NHTSA had not yet tested it.