2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

Back in 2022, the Hyundai Tucson rode on a new platform and, for U.S. buyers, this model was offered with a long-wheelbase version featuring just two rows of seating, thereby maximizing cargo area. The front end of the Tucson showcased the new Hyundai design aesthetic, particularly reminiscent of the Santa Cruz truck. The parametric grille cleverly concealed the standard LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. When lit, these lights formed an eye-catching shape that resembled the wings of the Aztec Spirit Bird.

From the side, the Tucson borrowed design cues from the Hyundai Elantra, featuring a silver D-pillar that visually connected the window surrounds to the rear of the vehicle, creating a unique floating roof effect. At the back, the vehicle was characterized by its toothy LED taillights, adding an unconventional yet distinctive touch that set it apart from other compact SUVs.

Wheel options for the 2022 Tucson ranged from 17 to 19 inches, depending on the trim level, and included four different designs. High-end models of the Tucson sported premium fascias, front and rear skid plates, gloss black pillars, and a panoramic sunroof. Even the standard features impressed, with roof rails (except the base SE trim), body-color side-mirror housings, solar glass, and acoustic laminated glass. By stepping up from the base model, customers could enjoy additional amenities such as heated outside mirrors with blind-spot monitoring, aero wipers, and an optional sunroof.

Inside, the Tucson was well-appointed, featuring stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats, sport combination and leather-trimmed seats on the N-Line and Limited trims, respectively, and a mix of hard and soft-touch surfaces that conveyed an upscale feel for its price point. The dashboard's horizontal lines and uncluttered aesthetic contributed to an impression of spaciousness.

In contrast, Volvo made some subtle yet notable styling updates to the XC60 for 2022. The new front fascia incorporated "air blades," which gave the vehicle a sportier look, while a redesigned rear bumper concealed the tailpipes. The front grille was reworked, now housing the driver-assist sensors behind a heated Volvo logo to ensure functionality in cold temperatures.

The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with the XC90, S90, S60, V90 Cross Country, and V60 Cross Country models. Inside, the overall design remained minimalistic, highlighted by a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design trim added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and elaborately textured seats, although the interior still seemed somewhat subdued compared to other Volvo models. In higher trims like the Inscription, Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel were included.

Regarding performance, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson was available in two powertrain variants: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, with a plug-in hybrid version on the horizon. The ICE engine delivered 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While this setup provided a competent and capable driving experience, it was far from exhilarating. Hyundai targeted a combined 28 mpg for the 2.5-liter engine, marking a slight improvement over the previous generation.

The hybrid powertrain was the standout, producing 226 total system horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. During testing, it performed admirably across various driving conditions, including a dramatic elevation change. The Tucson Hybrid outperformed rivals like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid in terms of power.

Hyundai offered all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option for ICE models and standard on the hybrid. Both setups excelled in off-road conditions, offering performance comparable to Subaru's renowned AWD system. Fuel efficiency varied depending on the configuration, with the hybrid models leading the pack at 38 mpg combined.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 setups. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator. The B5 produced a total of 258 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, supplemented by an electric supercharger.

Both engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard and AWD optional on the B5, and AWD standard on the B6. Although output was reduced compared to the 2021 models, the performance remained respectable, with the B5 reaching 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The B6 R-Design trim delivered a smooth and refined driving experience, emphasizing comfort over outright performance.

Volvo continued to offer the XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid, which combined a 2.0-liter engine with both turbocharging and supercharging, an integrated starter generator, and a rear electric motor. This setup generated 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph time of 5 seconds.

For those seeking even more performance, the XC60 Polestar Engineered delivered 415 horsepower and 494 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. This trim also featured performance upgrades like Öhlins adjustable dampers, Akebono brakes, and a front strut bar.

The Hyundai Tucson positioned itself as a budget-friendly compact SUV without compromising on interior quality. Compared to its competitors—the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Ford Escape—it offered a well-appointed cabin with stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats and the option for sport combination or leather-trimmed seats on higher trims.

Standard features included a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, while higher trims offered an eight-way version with lumbar support. Additional amenities like three-stage heated front seats, ventilated front seats, driver’s seat memory, and a power-adjustable passenger seat enhanced comfort. The tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated on the Limited trim, allowed for easy customization of the driving position.

Thanks to its new platform, the Tucson provided ample space for passengers and cargo. Although it had slightly less front legroom than some competitors, its rear seats offered more legroom than the RAV4. With 74.8 cubic feet of cargo space, it compared favorably to the Forester, RAV4, and CR-V, and greatly surpassed the Escape.

On the other hand, the 2022 Volvo XC60 retained its competitive edge in passenger space. Although it offered above-average front-seat headroom, it tied with the Audi Q5 for the least rear-seat headroom in its segment. Legroom in both rows was about average.

Cargo space for the mild-hybrid models stood at 21.6 cubic feet with the seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded down. The plug-in hybrid models were slightly less capacious, offering 21.1 cubic feet and 49.3 cubic feet, respectively. This was less cargo space than most similarly sized luxury crossovers.

Nonetheless, the XC60 provided a commanding driving position with excellent forward and rear visibility, bolstered by large exterior mirrors.

Hyundai equipped the 2022 Tucson with a robust set of standard tech features. The base model came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and two USB ports. The driver benefited from a 4.2-inch multi-information display.

Stepping up to the SEL/Blue trim added satellite radio, Blue Link mobile app compatibility, two additional USB outlets, rear air vents, and dual-zone automatic climate control with ionizer functionality. Higher trims offered a fully digital instrument cluster.

A 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen was available, but it required plugging in Apple and Android devices for CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen was embedded in a black plastic head unit that included climate controls and media functions. While responsive, the touch interface's indistinguishable touchpoints required more driver attention, making steering wheel controls and voice commands essential.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent a tech overhaul, retaining its 9-inch touchscreen but switching to the Android Automotive operating system. This system included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Optional upgrades included a head-up display and premium audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins.

Android users benefited from built-in Google Assistant voice control, Google Maps navigation, and the ability to sync profiles with the car. The Google Play Store also provided access to third-party apps like Spotify. The system allowed over-the-air (OTA) updates and promised full iPhone compatibility, although Apple users couldn't sync their Google profiles.

The new system featured sideways swiping to navigate menus, which proved an efficient use of screen space. The digital instrument cluster could display a map between the speedometer and tachometer, with a “Calm” setting to minimize distractions.

Optional safety features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, forward and reverse park distance warning, parking collision avoidance assist, ultrasonic rear occupant alert, and remote parking assist—comparable to what one might find in luxury SUVs of similar size. Hyundai also backed the Tucson with industry-leading warranties.

Similarly, the 2022 Volvo XC60 did not have safety ratings yet. The 2021 model, however, received a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

New features for 2022 were the Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist system, combining adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, was available but was no longer a standout feature as many competitors offered similar technology.