2022 Hyundai Tucson vs 2022 Lexus RX

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. Its front featured a parametric grille that hid standard LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. 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. Depending on the trim, the Tucson rode on either 17- or 19-inch wheels, with high-end trims featuring premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with standard stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats, and available sport combination and leather-trimmed seats. Horizontal lines across the dashboard and an uncluttered aesthetic gave the cabin a spacious feel.

The 2022 Lexus RX continued its modern and sporty design, having received a facelift in 2020. It was available in base 350, F Sport, and L trim levels, with a hybrid model also offered. The RX's exterior featured razor-sharp character lines and angular features, resulting in an eye-catching design. The F Sport trim was the most athletic, with 20-inch wheels, black-housing outside mirrors, and unique front and rear fascias. The interior of the RX maintained a luxury appeal, with F Sport models adding sporty elements like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. Despite the high-quality materials, the center stack felt dated due to an abundance of buttons. The RX excelled in driving comfort and cabin quietness, making it a pleasant companion on long drives.

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 combined horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, making it more powerful and fun to drive. The Tucson Hybrid was more fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 37 mpg combined, compared to the ICE model's 29 mpg combined. The forthcoming plug-in hybrid version was expected to deliver 261 horsepower and an estimated 25 miles of all-electric range. The Tucson offered all-wheel drive as standard on the hybrid and optional on ICE models, performing well in off-road testing.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h added two electric motors for a combined output of 308 horsepower. Both powertrains featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard on the RX 350 and AWD available. The RX 450h came with AWD as standard. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport trim added performance dampers, an adaptive variable suspension, and a Sport+ drive mode, but the driving experience remained uninspiring. The RX excelled in driving comfort and cabin quietness, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined for the RX 350 and 30 mpg combined for the RX 450h.

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

The 2022 Lexus RX had 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in the standard two-row model, comfortably fitting four adults. The three-row L models offered a 2/3/2 seating configuration, with limited cargo space behind the third row. The standard RX had 16.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The L models offered 7.45 cubic feet with all seats upright, increasing to 58.48 cubic feet with both back rows down. The rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the load-in height was high due to the sporty-styled bumper. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a dedicated smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net.

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, but required plugging in devices for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen was embedded within a black plastic head unit that included climate control and radio/media functionality, making it difficult to find the right button while driving. The Tucson also offered a fully digital instrument cluster on higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen display as standard, with a 12.3-inch version available as an option. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the touchscreen's positioning was ergonomically unfriendly, with a lip in front of the screen creating access issues. The alternatives were voice commands and a touchpad, the latter being difficult to operate. The RX offered a long list of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa compatibility, a WiFi hotspot, and premium audio systems. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start, vehicle settings, and service scheduling.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA. It came with 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 features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, 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 Lexus RX came with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision system, and intelligent high beams. Additional standard features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, head-up display, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional triple-beam LED headlights, but missed the top-tier "plus" designation. The NHTSA gave the RX a four-star overall rating, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal crashes and rollover resistance.