2022 Toyota Sienna 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 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, including 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 helped it stand out among compact SUVs. The Tucson rode on 17- or 19-inch wheels, depending on the trim, 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 a spacious, uncluttered dashboard design.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV styling cues. It featured a bold front end and re-engineered door hinges that concealed the slider channel, giving it a sleek profile. The Sienna's design included styling details integrated into the rear fender well, creating an assertive stance. It came with 17-inch wheels on base models, with options for 18- and 20-inch wheels on higher trims. Inside, the Sienna avoided the typical minivan feel with an uncluttered front cabin design and ample storage options. The second and third rows offered comfortable seating, with available captain's chairs and a spacious third-row bench. The third row could be easily stowed into the floor, and the second-row seats slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The Sienna's interior was designed for family convenience, with power-operated sliding doors and a rear tailgate, making it easy to load and unload passengers and cargo.

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 delivered 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly thrilling, 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 boasted excellent fuel efficiency, achieving 37 mpg combined, with the most efficient model reaching 38 mpg. A plug-in hybrid version was also in the works, promising even more power and efficiency.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna continued with its hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, enhancing traction without mechanical complexity. The Sienna used an electronically controlled CVT, offering smooth power delivery and maximizing fuel efficiency. It featured four selectable drive modes for different driving conditions. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to its TNGA platform and independent rear suspension. It achieved impressive fuel economy, with FWD models rated at 36 mpg combined and AWD models at 35 mpg combined. The Sienna's hybrid system included a 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, a budget-friendly compact SUV, offered a well-appointed interior that rivaled its competitors. It featured a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. Heated and ventilated front seats, memory settings, and an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat were also options. The Tucson's platform allowed for increased passenger and cargo space, with more rear legroom than the Toyota RAV4. It provided ample room for a family of four and boasted a 74.8 cubic-foot cargo area, comparable to the Forester, RAV4, and CR-V. The rear seats were 60-40 split-folding, with a dual-level cargo floor on ICE models and a hands-free liftgate available on mid-grade trims.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed as a family workhorse, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The third-row bench was 60/40-split and easily stowed into the floor. Each row featured storage cubbies and cupholders, with bottle holders in all four side doors. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for families on the go.

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. A 4.2-inch multi-information display was standard, with a fully digital instrument cluster available on higher trims. The SEL/Blue trim added satellite radio, Blue Link mobile app compatibility, and dual-zone automatic climate control. A 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen was optional, but required plugging in devices for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen integrated climate control and media functionality, though its flat surface made it challenging to use while driving. Steering wheel controls and voice commands were essential for ease of use.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna offered a wealth of standard and available technology features. A 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa was standard, along with SiriusXM and multiple USB ports. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not available, the Sienna included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect telematics services. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. A color multi-information display varied by trim, with a 10-inch head-up display on Platinum models. Limited and Platinum trims offered a digital rearview mirror, and remote keyless entry with push-button start was standard.

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 options included blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Hyundai provided a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and complimentary maintenance for three years.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also included 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. Tire-pressure monitoring and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire.