2022 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered a visually refreshed appearance by riding on a new platform. In the United States, buyers could only purchase the long-wheelbase model, featuring two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front end showcased the new face of Hyundai, with a parametric grille that cleverly integrated standard LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. These lights, when illuminated, formed a shape reminiscent of the wings of the Aztec Spirit Bird.

Its side profile mirrored the styling of the Hyundai Elantra, highlighted by a silver D-pillar that created the illusion of a floating roof. The rear boasted toothy taillights, illuminated by LEDs in all but the base model, setting it apart amid other compact SUVs. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on either 17-inch or 19-inch wheels, with high trims receiving distinctive wheel designs, including a darkened variant on the N-Line trim.

High-end models featured premium fascias, skid plates, gloss black pillars, and a panoramic sunroof. Practical elements included roof rails, color-matched side-mirror housing, solar glass, and acoustic laminated glass. Upgraded trims offered heated mirrors with blind-spot monitoring, and optional sunroofs. Inside, the Tucson’s cabin was appointed with stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats, with sport combination and leather trim available on higher trims. The dashboard’s horizontal lines and uncluttered design contributed to the sense of spaciousness.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 maintained a size and sophistication that had evolved from its origins as a unique compact SUV. Its exterior design fit the general crossover aesthetic but featured angular flourishes in the wheel arches and sharp lines that contrasted with smoother body shapes. The expressive headlights, snub-nosed grille, and playful lower fascia created an anthropomorphic vibe that balanced playfulness with aggression.

Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dashboard with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by an uncomplicated center stack. The touchscreen interface sat top-center, minimizing driver distraction. Upon closer inspection, a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern was evident throughout the cabin, from seat inserts to dash pieces, tying the interior design together cohesively. The Adventure-trim model tested featured matte gray alloy wheels, echoing the geometric theme.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came with two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. An eight-speed automatic transmission paired with the ICE engine delivered 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Although it was competent, it wasn't particularly inspiring. This engine was a modest improvement over the last-generation Tucson’s 2.4-liter, with a targeted 28 mpg combined.

The hybrid powertrain, however, provided a more engaging drive with 226 total system horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It significantly outpowered competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Offering standard all-wheel drive on hybrid models and optional AWD on ICE versions, the Tucson showed impressive capability across various terrains. The hybrid models achieved superior fuel efficiency, with up to 37 mpg combined, and the anticipated plug-in hybrid promised an estimated 261 horsepower.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 also provided three powertrains. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine produced 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The FWD models achieved a fuel economy of 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, while AWD models fetched slightly lower figures.

The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor to produce 217 horsepower through an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT). It boasted impressive fuel economy at 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime stood out with its 2.5-liter engine, a large battery, and 302 total horsepower, achieving an EPA rating of 94 MPGe combined and up to 42 miles on electric power alone.

Driving the Adventure AWD model revealed a balanced power delivery from the four-cylinder engine, excelling in highway acceleration without turbo lag. The familiar eight-speed transmission provided smooth and quick responses. Higher trim levels brought additional drive modes, enhancing versatility. The RAV4 maintained its car-like handling, thanks to the MacPherson struts and multi-link suspension, while AWD models featured Multi-Terrain Select and dynamic torque vectoring.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, despite its budget-friendly classification, did not skimp on interior quality. It competed strongly with big names like the RAV4, CR-V, and Rogue. Standard seating included a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, with an eight-way version available on higher trims, along with lumbar support. Available features included three-stage heated front seats, ventilated front seats, and memory settings for the driver’s seat.

The remodelled platform allowed for increased passenger and cargo space. While front legroom was slightly less than the Forester, rear legroom exceeded that of the RAV4 by two inches, offering ample space for road trips. The Tucson's 74.8 cubic feet cargo capacity stood comparable to the RAV4, CR-V, and Forester, surpassing the Escape significantly. The rear included a 60-40 split-folding bench seat, remote release from the cargo area, and an optional hands-free liftgate on mid to high trims.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 mirrored this spaciousness, growing over generations to provide ample room. It offered 37.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats down. It also handled towing robustly, with varying capacities across trims; Adventure and TRD models could tow up to 3,500 pounds, far beyond Tucson's capacity.

Inside, the RAV4 accommodated four adults comfortably, with plenty of space for five in a pinch. The front row provided generous legroom, hip room, shoulder room, and headroom. Multiple cupholders, bottle holders, and storage compartments made the RAV4 ideal for families and road trips.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was well-equipped with tech features. Standard across the board were an 8-inch infotainment screen, six-speaker audio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and two USB ports. A 4.2-inch multi-information display provided vital information to the driver.

Upgrading to the SEL/Blue trim added satellite radio, Blue Link mobile app compatibility, dual-zone automatic climate control, and additional USB outlets. Higher trims offered a fully digital instrument cluster and a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, although this required wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, and comprehensive smartphone integration across all models. Upgrading to the XLE trim brought a 9-inch touchscreen, and the Premium Audio on Limited and RAV4 Prime XSE featured an 11-speaker JBL system and navigation.

Notably, the RAV4 Prime excelled in tech, equipped with multiple USB ports, power outlets, wireless charging, ambient lighting, a bird’s-eye camera system, and a head-up display. Despite navigation moving to smartphone reliance, the RAV4 provided robust connectivity and convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had yet to be rated by IIHS and NHTSA. However, it featured Hyundai SmartSense Safety, offering forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, driver attention monitor, rear occupant alert, speed limit assist, and leading vehicle departure alert. Buyers could opt for blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, surround-view cameras, parking assistance, and more.

Hyundai’s long warranties added another layer of security: a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, and more.

Toyota’s 2022 RAV4, a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA, came with Toyota’s Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. Standard features included pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alerts, and more. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and parking assist. Emergency assistance and a comprehensive suite ensured strong safety credentials.