2022 Lexus GX 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 design featured the new face of Hyundai vehicles, with a parametric grille that concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. The headlights and daytime running lights formed a distinctive shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird's wings. The side profile mirrored the Hyundai Elantra's design, with a silver D-pillar creating a floating roof effect. The rear showcased toothy taillights illuminated by LEDs, except in the base model, giving the Tucson a standout appearance among compact SUVs. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on 17- or 19-inch wheels, with high-end models featuring premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats, and offered a sense of spaciousness with horizontal lines across the dashboard.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a striking vehicle, especially in its Black Onyx color, which eliminated almost all chrome from the exterior. This gave the SUV a bold, dark appearance, though it quickly accumulated dust, diminishing its allure. The GX's design was reminiscent of older models, with a spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights being the main modern touches. Inside, the cabin was crafted with care, offering the smooth refinement Lexus was known for. Despite its age, the GX remained quiet, with the V8 engine's roar barely audible. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with the Black Line Special Edition based on the Premium trim. Prices ranged from $56,700 to $66,210, with the Black Line starting at $60,535.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. The ICE engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivered 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. While not particularly thrilling, it was an improvement over the previous generation. The hybrid powertrain, with a six-speed transmission, provided 226 combined horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, making it more engaging to drive. The Tucson Hybrid outperformed competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. All-wheel drive was standard on the hybrid and optional on ICE models, performing well in off-road conditions. The ICE engine achieved an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, while the hybrid boasted 37 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 37 mpg combined. The forthcoming plug-in hybrid promised even more power and efficiency, with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. The engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, distributing power 40/60 between the front and rear wheels. The GX's design, with a drag coefficient of 0.35, contributed to its EPA fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg combined. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced the GX's stability and off-road capability, while the Off-Road Package added features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. Despite its age, the GX remained a capable off-road vehicle, though its steering and brake pedal required some adjustment.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was a budget-friendly compact SUV with a well-appointed interior. It offered a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat as standard, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. The Tucson's new platform provided more space for passengers and cargo, with rear seats offering two inches more legroom than the RAV4. The cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four, with more passenger volume than the CR-V, RAV4, and Escape. The cargo area measured 74.8 cubic feet, comparable to the Forester, RAV4, and CR-V, and featured a dual-level cargo floor and remote release for folding the rear seats.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. Its design, suitable for global markets, made it easy to maneuver in various environments. The interior featured comfortable seats and physical controls, though some switchgear was outdated. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and triple-zone automatic climate control. The rear seats were heated, but accessing them was challenging due to narrow door openings. The third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space, with a heavy tailgate that swung open to the side. The GX's cargo capacity was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with 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, though it required wired connections for smartphone integration. The Tucson also featured a digital instrument cluster, satellite radio, and Blue Link mobile app compatibility. The touchpoints on the center console were responsive, but the narrow steering wheel controls were less user-friendly.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them difficult to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The GX also included Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view cameras.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features were available, such as blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Hyundai offered a comprehensive warranty package, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings but included the Lexus Safety System+, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. It also had blind-spot monitoring and Safety Connect services. However, the GX lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.