2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson rode on a new platform, offering a long-wheelbase model with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area for the U.S. market. Hyundai introduced a striking new design with a parametric grille hiding the LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. The headlights and daytime running lights formed a unique shape likened to the wings of the Aztec Spirit Bird when illuminated. The Tucson's side profile featured a silver D-pillar design, reminiscent of the Hyundai Elantra, giving it a distinctive floating roof effect. The rear had standout toothy taillights illuminated by LEDs in all but the base model, along with various wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches depending on the trim level. High-end trims came with premium-looking fascias, panoramic sunroofs, and gloss black pillars, enhancing the SUV’s overall appeal. Its well-appointed cabin included stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats, available upgrades to sport combination and leather-trimmed seats, and a sense of spaciousness achieved through horizontally lined dashboard vents.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, while maintaining a utilitarian design, had trim levels ranging from Base to Touring. Notably, the Wilderness trim aimed at ruggedness didn’t add much charm to Forester's homely look but served a purpose. The Wilderness model with a white paint coat, dark gray StarTex simulated leather interior, and added accessories brought practicality to the forefront. Its design incorporated a suspension lift, higher ride height achieving 9.2 inches of ground clearance, and extensive protective body cladding. Though some felt it looked like a raccoon on wheels, those invested in "overlanding" might appreciate its robust exterior. The interior kept things functional but somewhat dated, combining hard and soft surfaces. Despite its simplicity, the cabin quality was clear, and the 8-inch Starlink infotainment system’s user-friendly interface made technology easily accessible.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrains: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder delivering 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a more compelling turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. The hybrid powertrain generated 226 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Though the hybrid wasn't a speedster, it provided a more engaging driving experience, especially notable during elevation changes. Tucson’s AWD system performed impressively on gravel and switchbacks, akin to Subaru's reactive AWD system. The ICE model achieved 26/33/29 mpg (city/highway/combined) in front-wheel drive and 24/29/26 mpg with AWD. The hybrid boasted higher fuel efficiency at 37/36/37 mpg and possibly up to 38 mpg in its most efficient configuration. Anticipation surrounded the upcoming Tucson PHEV, promising 261 horsepower and around 25 miles of electric-only range.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its well-known 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. A continually variable transmission (CVT) and AWD were standard, with the Wilderness model featuring a CVT design supplying a 25% increase in initial torque, which doubled the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester demonstrated practical fuel efficiency, achieving around 25.9 mpg combined during testing. Despite the lack of a turbocharger, which could make a significant difference at higher altitudes, the Forester’s engine proved adequate near sea level. The CVT operated discreetly, and SI-Drive in the Wilderness model provided a sportier response. Subaru’s dual-function X-Mode enhanced off-road capability, with improved hill descent management and additional settings for various terrains. The Wilderness trim’s longer springs and shocks improved its approach, breakover, and departure angles, adding to its off-road prowess. However, engine power and wind noise detracted from the otherwise commendable driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, a budget-friendly compact SUV, featured an upscale and spacious interior. The standard six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat upgraded to an eight-way version for higher trims, with lumbar support and available three-stage heated and ventilated front seats. Its new platform allowed for increased passenger and cargo space, with rear seats offering more legroom than competitors like the RAV4. The Tucson's 74.8 cubic feet of cargo area compared favorably against the Forester, RAV4, and CR-V, markedly surpassing the Escape. The practical design included a 60-40 split-folding rear bench seat, dual-level cargo floor in ICE models, and available hands-free liftgate on mid-grade trims.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality with easy entry and exit and practical features geared toward outdoor enthusiasts. The Wilderness trim’s StarTex upholstery, water-resistant and rugged, paired with all-weather floor mats and rubber cargo mat, accommodated outdoor adventures. Upgraded roof rails supported a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds for roof tents. Comfort was paramount, with tall seating for excellent visibility and rear seat amenities like air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports. Despite Subaru missing certain storage opportunities, the vehicle’s cargo space—28.9 cubic feet without and 26.9 with the panoramic sunroof—was well-shaped and practical, enhanced by ceiling-mounted hooks and the Wilderness’s full-size spare. Folding the rear seats expanded the cargo space to 74.2 cubic feet (69.1 with the sunroof), ranking it among the most spacious in its class.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson impressed with its standard tech features: an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and two USB ports. Upgrading to SEL/Blue trims added satellite radio, Blue Link app compatibility, rear USB outlets, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen, though it required device plug-ins for Apple and Android functions. This touchscreen, integrated into a large black head unit, provided climate and media controls but suffered from vague touchpoints that required visual attention to operate.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, even in its base model, included a 6.5-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system, with Wilderness models adding a handy 180-degree forward-view camera. The infotainment system, though lacking a breadcrumb navigation feature, was clear and easy to use. Outdoor enthusiasts could appreciate the PIN Code Access for keyless reentry after activities.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came with a robust Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, comparable to Subaru's EyeSight system. Standard features included forward collision-avoidance, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, a driver attention monitor, and more. Optional safety enhancements included blind-spot warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera, and remote parking assist. Hyundai’s comprehensive warranties added to the vehicle’s appeal, covering powertrain, new vehicle limited warranty, anti-perforation, and complimentary maintenance.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0, featuring a broader field of vision for smoother operation and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. Standard ADAS included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist, with additional safety features like a rear-seat reminder, blind-spot monitoring, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim offered DriverFocus, a facial recognition system to monitor drowsiness and distraction, with a new gesture control function for climate adjustments. The Forester retained its 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with expectations of maintaining its “Top Safety Pick+” status from the IIHS for 2022.