2021 Lexus RX vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic that was emblematic of the brand's styling. It featured a large grille, angular headlamps, and a floating roof, complemented by sumptuous seating and perforated leather upholstery. Despite its luxurious interior, the center console design was considered bland and somewhat dated. The RX was available in five variants, including the performance-focused RX F Sport and the extended-body RXL with a third row of seating. The exterior boasted standard 18-inch aluminum wheels and LED lighting, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The interior offered a range of features from standard NuLuxe-trimmed seats to available semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated seats.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson rode on a new platform and was offered in the U.S. as a long-wheelbase model with two rows of seating. Its design featured a parametric grille that concealed LED lighting, creating a unique visual signature. The Tucson's side profile echoed the Hyundai Elantra's styling, with a silver D-pillar contributing to a floating roof effect. The rear showcased distinctive LED taillights. Depending on the trim, the Tucson rode on 17- or 19-inch wheels, with high-end models featuring premium fascias and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, offering stain-resistant cloth seats as standard, with sport combination and leather-trimmed seats available on higher trims. The dashboard's horizontal lines and uncluttered design contributed to a spacious feel.

The 2021 Lexus RX was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid models combined a V6 with three electric motors, producing 308 horsepower. The RX offered a comfortable ride with tuning adjustments enhancing its dynamics, though it exhibited some body roll at higher speeds. The F Sport Handling package added features like adaptive variable suspension and sport seats. The RX achieved 20-23 mpg combined, with the hybrid models offering up to 31 mpg in the city.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and a hybrid variant with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine producing 226 horsepower. The hybrid powertrain was more powerful than competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Tucson's AWD system performed well in off-road conditions, and the hybrid models achieved impressive fuel economy, with up to 38 mpg combined. A plug-in hybrid version was also planned, promising even more power and efficiency.

The 2021 Lexus RX provided a functional interior with seating for five in the two-row models and up to seven in the three-row RXL variants. Front and second-row seating offered ample space, though the third row was cramped. Cargo space was limited, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The three-row models offered even less cargo space, with just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson's interior was spacious and well-equipped, with a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat standard and an eight-way version available. The new platform allowed for increased passenger and cargo space, with the Tucson offering more passenger volume than competitors like the CR-V and RAV4. The cargo area provided 74.8 cubic feet of space, with a dual-level cargo floor and remote seat release. A hands-free liftgate was available on higher trims.

The 2021 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch screen, wireless charging, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system. The infotainment system was functional but not the most user-friendly, with a touchpad controller taking up console space.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, and a 4.2-inch driver display. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch screen, though it required wired connections for smartphone integration. The larger screen was part of a sleek head unit with touch-sensitive controls, which could be challenging to use while driving.

The 2021 Lexus RX received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with Good marks in crashworthiness tests. It came with a suite of safety features, including a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. However, it lacked the advanced hands-off systems found in some competitors.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard features included forward collision-avoidance assist and lane-keep assist, with options for blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera. Hyundai's warranties provided additional peace of mind.