2022 Lexus GX vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid showcased a bold new design that set it apart from its predecessors. With sharp, angular cues across the fascia and sides, the vehicle was longer and wider, making it unmistakable from the 2021 model. The grille, blending seamlessly with the LED headlights and running lights, offered a dramatic, futuristic look, especially in the top-tier Limited trim with its dark chrome finish. The interior was spacious and airy, featuring heated front seats, cloth upholstery, and an eight-way power driver seat in the base Blue trim. Higher trims added more luxurious touches like a 10.25-inch digital driver information display, wireless device charging, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition featured a black-on-black aesthetic that eradicated almost all chrome from the exterior, transforming the SUV into a rolling black hole. Despite its modern touches like the signature Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, the GX's design felt dated, reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002. Inside, the cabin was crafted with care, featuring smooth, silky refinement and a quiet atmosphere. The GX offered a tall, narrow, and short design, making it easy to maneuver in various settings. However, the interior switchgear was old-school, and the rear seat access was challenging due to narrow door openings.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its 1.6-liter turbo-four engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This setup made the Tucson Hybrid noticeably quicker than its gas-powered counterpart. The six-speed automatic transmission managed the power efficiently, and the responsive steering added to the driving experience. The suspension was outstanding, soaking up road imperfections while keeping the vehicle balanced through corners. Fuel economy was commendable, with the EPA rating the Tucson Hybrid at 37 mpg city, 36 highway, and 37 combined. The upcoming plug-in hybrid variant promised even better efficiency with an 80 MPGe rating and 33 miles of all-electric range.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a 7.8-second run to 60 mph. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system provided a satisfying engine note and plenty of refinement. However, the GX's fuel economy was a drawback, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg combined. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) helped maximize wheel articulation off-road while reducing body motions on pavement. Despite its age, the GX remained agreeable to drive, though the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal were less appealing.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered impressive cargo space, with 38.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This was more than competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4. The Tucson also 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, and the interior featured multiple cupholders and bottle holders.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear outward visibility. The interior was comfortable, with NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner in the Black Line Special Edition. However, the rear seat access was tricky due to narrow door openings, and the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 64.7 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down. The side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading and unloading.

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 lower trims offered wireless connectivity. The touch-capacitive buttons for the infotainment and HVAC controls were frustrating, but the steering-wheel controls provided some relief. The Tucson also had plenty of USB ports and a Bose premium stereo in the test vehicle.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface touchpad. The system included standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The GX also featured a CD player, a smartwatch-compatible Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services with a WiFi hotspot. However, the stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition technology were notable highlights.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. The Limited trim added a surround-view monitor, highway-driving assist with adaptive cruise control, and unique features like the blind-spot view monitor and remote smart park assist. The Tucson Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2022 Lexus GX, despite its age, included Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked more advanced safety technologies found in competitors. The absence of these features might appeal to some buyers, but others would need to look elsewhere for more comprehensive safety tech.