2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was built on a new platform, offering a long-wheelbase model in the U.S. with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front showcased Hyundai's new vehicle face, with a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. When lit, these lights formed a distinctive shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird's wings. The Tucson's side profile borrowed design elements from the Hyundai Elantra, featuring a silver D-pillar that created a floating roof effect. At the rear, the Tucson sported LED-illuminated toothy taillights, except for the base model, which contributed to its standout design among compact SUVs. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on either 17- or 19-inch wheels, with high-end trims boasting premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with standard stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats, and a dashboard with horizontal lines that enhanced the sense of spaciousness.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, making a statement of wealth and taste. Its design referenced the larger Range Rover's tall profile, scaled into a sporty package with a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a trademark Land Rover grille. The Velar's roof sloped gracefully toward the rear, creating a liquid form that was both blocky and streamlined. Special details included taillight lenses with mirrors for depth and air ducts reminiscent of Bugatti's NACA ducts. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. The interior was sleek, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The Velar featured three screens, including two touchscreens and a reconfigurable instrument panel, offering sharp graphics and sophisticated layouts. Despite being a base trim, the Velar's interior maintained a high level of quality and finish.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered 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. While not particularly exciting, it was competent and efficient, targeting 28 mpg combined. The hybrid powertrain, with 226 total system horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, provided a more engaging driving experience. The Tucson Hybrid outperformed competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid. All-wheel drive was standard on the hybrid and available on ICE models, offering impressive off-road capabilities. The Tucson Hybrid achieved 37 mpg combined, while the plug-in hybrid, with a 13.8-kilowatt-hour battery, promised 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful in the lineup.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling and braking. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, but its street-focused design limited off-road capabilities. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered 340 to 395 horsepower, depending on the trim. This powertrain provided high performance while reducing emissions. The Velar's mild-hybrid setup powered vehicle accessories and an electric supercharger, enhancing efficiency. While a V8 was available in earlier models, the Velar now focused on hybrid and mild-hybrid options.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, a budget-friendly compact SUV, offered a well-appointed interior comparable to top competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. It featured a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. The Tucson's new platform provided more passenger and cargo space, with rear seats offering two inches more legroom than the RAV4. The cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four, with a 74.8 cubic-foot cargo area. A 60-40 split-folding rear bench seat and dual-level cargo floor added versatility. A hands-free liftgate was available on mid-grade models and up.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, while stylish, offered limited interior space compared to midsize SUVs. Its design reduced headroom and visibility, with thick B-pillars and small rear windows. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet when folded. The Velar's interior design choices, like the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating. The P button for the transmission also controlled the parking brake, leading to potential confusion. The new Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, but the Velar's design sacrifices practicality for style.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with a robust set of standard tech features, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen, but required wired connections for Apple and Android devices. The Tucson's tech setup included a 4.2-inch multi-information display, satellite radio, Blue Link mobile app compatibility, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The touchpoints on the center console were responsive, though the narrow steering wheel controls were less user-friendly.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations, offering a simplified layout with fewer icons and logical arrangements. The system featured a voice assistant, PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The navigation system provided traffic detours and frequent route suggestions. The Velar's 4x4 app detailed off-road measurements, while the 360-degree cameras offered a 3D view. The instrument panel displayed full-width maps and customizable layouts. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite included forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Additional features like blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system were available. Hyundai provided a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and complimentary maintenance for three years.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been crash-tested by U.S. agencies, but it scored well in the European NCAP. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.