2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, with an MSRP of $42,083, presented a fully-loaded package that seemed excessive for a RAV4. Despite its high-end features, it looked similar to a standard rental car model. The trim level deserved larger wheels, and an Adventure trim would have been a welcome addition. The RAV4 Hybrid had a tough exterior, but the 18-inch wheels were bland and undersized. Inside, it was stylish and practical, though the quality was inconsistent, with a mix of impressive materials and glossy hard plastics. A rattle from the license plate was a minor annoyance.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid showcased a dramatic new design, with sharp, angular cues and a longer, wider body. It was unmistakably different from its predecessor, ensuring no confusion between the 2021 and 2022 models. The exterior styling was bold and futuristic, with a grille that blended seamlessly with the LED lights. The base Blue trim had 17-inch wheels, while the SEL Convenience trim featured 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and a smart tailgate. Inside, the Tucson offered heated front seats, cloth upholstery, and a power driver seat, with the Limited trim adding more luxurious features like a 10.25-inch digital display and ambient lighting.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. The rear electric motor provided standard AWD, and the vehicle offered several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. The RAV4 Hybrid weighed between 3,690 and 3,780 pounds, and its instant electric-motor torque made it feel lively. The EPA rated it at 40 mpg combined, and it averaged 39.7 mpg in testing. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The suspension design and Active Cornering Assist system enhanced ride and handling, though the tires lacked grip. The RAV4 Hybrid handled well on various road conditions and offered a comfortable daily driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The AWD system and six-speed automatic transmission provided responsive and direct steering. The suspension absorbed road imperfections well, maintaining balance through corners. The EPA rated the Tucson Hybrid at 37 mpg city, 36 highway, and 37 combined, with the Blue trim achieving 38 mpg across the board. The upcoming plug-in hybrid version promised even better efficiency with an 80 MPGe rating and 33 miles of all-electric range.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat legroom and foot space were decent, with a reclining backrest and heated cushions. The dashboard layout was user-friendly, with large climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and a roomy 37.5 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, despite its larger footprint, did not appear huge but offered impressive cargo space. The trunk provided 38.8 cubic feet, expandable to 74.5 cubic feet with the rear seats down. Front and rear legroom exceeded 41 inches, and the rear seats reclined. The cargo floor had a dual-level system for flexibility. The interior featured multiple cupholders, bottle holders, and ambient lighting in the Limited trim, enhancing the cabin's appeal.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. The top-tier infotainment system included an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, and various connected services. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs. The voice recognition system was mostly accurate, and the JBL sound system was satisfactory. Camera-based technology included a 360-degree surround-view system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the Limited trim, though it only utilized about 8 inches for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, requiring a wired connection. The smaller 8-inch screen in the Blue and SEL Convenience trims offered wireless connectivity. The touch-capacitive buttons for infotainment and HVAC controls were less user-friendly, but steering-wheel controls helped. The Tucson provided ample USB ports and a Bose premium stereo in the test vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, road-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Hybrid Limited trim added rear automatic braking. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered comprehensive safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and more. 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 IIHS awarded the Tucson a Top Safety Pick+.