2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a rugged-looking exterior reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive styling set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and most other compact crossovers. Despite its bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models like the Camry and Sienna. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road models added unique styling elements such as an Ice Edge roof, matte black wheels, and red interior accents, enhancing its rugged appeal.

Inside, the RAV4's cabin featured large rubberized knobs and door handles, adding to its rugged aesthetic. Material quality was decent on lower trims but didn't improve significantly on higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model had SofTex upholstery, which was lighter and durable but lacked real leather options. Overall, the RAV4's interior was functional and distinct from other Toyota models, but it didn't offer the premium feel expected at higher price points.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson rode on a new platform and was offered in a long-wheelbase version in the U.S., providing ample cargo space. Its front end featured a parametric grille with hidden LED daytime running lights and Bi-LED headlights, forming a unique shape when illuminated. The side profile borrowed design cues from the Hyundai Elantra, with a silver D-pillar creating a floating roof effect. The rear had distinctive toothy taillights illuminated by LEDs, except for the base model.

The Tucson's wheels ranged from 17 to 19 inches, depending on the trim level, with high-end models featuring premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. Standard features included roof rails, body-color side mirrors, and solar glass. Higher trims added heated mirrors with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a sunroof option. Inside, the Tucson's cabin was well-appointed, with stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats, horizontal dashboard lines, and an uncluttered aesthetic, creating a sense of spaciousness.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive as an option. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and delivered impressive output for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. However, the transmission often hesitated to shift, and the steering lacked feel, making the driving experience less engaging. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime offered more power and better fuel economy, with the Prime delivering 302 horsepower.

On the highway, the RAV4 provided a comfortable ride with low cabin noise and a suspension that absorbed road imperfections well. Off-road, the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models featured a torque-vectoring rear axle, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, making them capable of handling rough terrain. However, the RAV4's off-road capabilities were limited by its lack of suspension articulation and shallow approach, departure, and breakover angles.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 1.6-liter hybrid engine with 226 combined horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The ICE engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid used a six-speed. The hybrid powertrain provided more power and a more enjoyable driving experience, especially during elevation changes. The Tucson Hybrid outperformed competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid in terms of power.

Front-wheel drive was standard on ICE models, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Tucson Hybrid came with standard all-wheel drive. In off-road testing, the Tucson's AWD system performed well on loose gravel roads, similar to Subaru's reactive AWD system. The ICE-powered Tucson achieved an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg combined, while the AWD version had slightly lower figures. The Tucson Hybrid was more fuel-efficient, with 37 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 37 mpg combined. The upcoming Tucson PHEV was expected to deliver 261 horsepower and around 25 miles of all-electric range.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4's tall, upright roof provided ample headroom in both rows and good outward visibility. However, legroom was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions, making long trips less appealing. The rear seat was a 60/40 split-folding bench but didn't slide fore and aft like some competitors. Cargo space was 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, above average but still behind the Honda CR-V. The oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls were easy to use, but the center-console storage was limited.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson's new platform made it more spacious than before, with ample room for passengers and cargo. The front seats offered six-way power adjustment as standard, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. Heated and ventilated front seats, memory settings, and an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat were also available. The tilt and telescoping steering wheel was standard, with leather wrapping and heating on higher trims. The rear seats provided more legroom than the RAV4, and the cabin had more passenger volume than the CR-V, RAV4, and Escape. The cargo area offered 74.8 cubic feet of space, comparable to the Forester, RAV4, and CR-V, and better than the Escape. The rear seat was a 60/40 split-folding bench with a dual-level cargo floor on ICE models, and a hands-free liftgate was available on mid-grade models and up.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Limited model had an 8-inch screen, and the RAV4 Prime offered a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system was an option. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly flashy, with a well-positioned touchscreen and easy-to-read graphics. However, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display, which was only available on the RAV4 Prime.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and two USB ports as standard. Higher trims added satellite radio, Blue Link mobile app compatibility, additional USB outlets, rear air conditioning vents, and dual-zone automatic climate control. A 10.25-inch touchscreen was available, but required plugging in devices for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen was part of a flat, black plastic head unit that included climate control and media functionality, making it difficult to use while driving. The steering wheel controls were narrow and less user-friendly than bulkier buttons.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests, and five stars in side crash tests. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 bundle included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, park assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA. The Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite included standard forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, driver attention monitor, rear occupant alert, speed limit assist, and leading vehicle departure alert. Optional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera system, parking collision avoidance assist, ultrasonic rear occupant alert, and remote parking assist. Hyundai's warranty coverage included a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, 7-year anti-perforation warranty, and 3 years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.