2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

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 and an expanded cargo area. Up front, it featured Hyundai's new design language with a parametric grille that hid the LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. The headlights and daytime running lights formed a unique shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird's wings. The side profile borrowed design cues from the Hyundai Elantra, including a silver D-pillar that created a floating roof effect. The rear showcased toothy taillights illuminated by LEDs in all but the base model, helping the Tucson stand out among compact SUVs. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on either 17- or 19-inch wheels, with high-end trims featuring premium fascias, skid plates, gloss black pillars, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model, including updates to the grille surround and front and rear bumper styling. Acura also refreshed the wheel designs and paint colors, with the limited-production PMC Edition returning in exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint with an Orchid white interior. The PMC Edition was hand-built at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, where the NSX sports car was also produced. The RDX lineup included the base model and option packages named Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance, with starting prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300. The A-Spec Advance package, which we tested, featured high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin, making it a more appealing alternative to many of its rivals.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came in two powertrain variants: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. The ICE engine delivered 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain offered 226 total system horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain made the Tucson more powerful and fun to drive, especially during testing on a 7,000-foot elevation change. The Tucson Hybrid was more powerful than the Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on ICE models and standard on the hybrid. The ICE engine achieved an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, while the hybrid achieved 37 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 37 mpg combined. The forthcoming plug-in hybrid version was expected to deliver 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque, with an estimated 25 miles of all-electric range.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Front-wheel drive was standard on the base, Technology, and A-Spec packages, while the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages included Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70 percent of the engine's power to a single rear wheel, enhancing driving dynamics on winding roads. The RDX's standard Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered distinct driving modes, and the adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg, but during testing, it averaged 20.6 mpg.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered a spacious and well-appointed interior, comparable to competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Ford Escape. It featured a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat as standard, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. The cabin provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with more passenger volume than the CR-V, RAV4, and Escape. The rear seats offered two inches more legroom than the RAV4, and the cargo area provided 74.8 cubic feet of space. The rear featured a 60-40 split-folding bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor on ICE models. A hands-free liftgate was available on mid-grade models and up.

The 2022 Acura RDX offered plenty of room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior emphasized a sporty driving position and featured a dramatic IDS driving mode knob on the center of the dashboard. The control layout required some acclimation, with transmission buttons and the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system control pad. The standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation. The back seat, however, felt flat and lacked support. The RDX featured a standard power liftgate with available hands-free operation, revealing 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space and hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor. Folding the back seat down created 58.9 cubic feet of cargo area.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came with a strong set of standard tech features, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and two USB ports. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, satellite radio, Blue Link mobile app compatibility, additional USB outlets, rear air conditioning vents, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The larger touchscreen required plugging in devices for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the flat surface with touchpoints for climate control and media functionality could be challenging to use while driving.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, pairing a 10.2-inch display screen with a sectioned touchpad controller. The TTI required a learning curve, as it involved matching finger location on the touchpad with the cursor location on the screen. The RDX also included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Standard features included satellite radio and AcuraLink connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Technology package added a navigation system, and premium sound systems ranged from a nine-speaker setup in the base model to a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system in higher trims. The Advance and A-Spec Advance packages included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

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

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety and added a rear seatbelt reminder system. The standard AcuraWatch collection included pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims featured front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. The NHTSA awarded the RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings and five-star side-impact ratings. The IIHS had not yet published ratings for the 2022 model.