2023 Acura RDX vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, riding on a new platform, was a notable entrant in the SUV market. In the U.S., it was offered only in a long-wheelbase version with two rows of seating and an expansive cargo area. This model showcased Hyundai's new vehicle face, akin to the Santa Cruz truck, with a parametric grille that cleverly hid the LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. When the lights were illuminated, they formed a unique wing-like shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird.

The Tucson's side profile adopted a design style similar to the Hyundai Elantra, with a silver D-pillar connecting the window surrounds to the rear, creating a visually appealing floating roof. The rear featured LED-illuminated toothy taillights (except on the base model), adding a distinctive touch to the compact SUV market. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on either 17- or 19-inch wheels, with four different wheel designs available, including a darkened variant for the Tucson N-Line trim.

Higher-end Tucson trims boasted premium fascias, front and rear skid plates, gloss black pillars, and a panoramic sunroof. Standard features included roof rails (except on the SE trim), body-color side-mirror housing, solar glass, and acoustic laminated glass. Upgrading beyond the base model introduced heated outside mirrors with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic avoidance assist indicators, turn signals, and aero wipers.

The Tucson's cabin was well-appointed, with standard stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats. Higher trims offered sport combination and leather-trimmed seats. The interior's horizontal lines and uncluttered aesthetic provided a sense of spaciousness.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX struck a balance between sharp, angular style and conventional SUV design. The signature Acura grille, showing signs of age, was flanked by sleek wraparound headlights and deep body creases, lending the nose a sporty and aggressive look. The side featured a distinctive character line suggesting motion, while the rear was more conventional, resembling other small SUVs.

The RDX's interior diverged from the horizontal dashboard trend, favoring a vertical cockpit layout. The center stack, dominated by gear-selector buttons and a drive-mode dial, emphasized Acura's performance focus. A 10.2-inch infotainment display topped the center section, above physical climate controls. The instrument panel combined a digital center display and analog gauges with white faces and red accents, signaling the RDX's sporty intentions.

While the RDX's cabin seemed more like an updated older design, it offered familiarity over the more modern glass cockpits. Those preferring the latest digital integrations might find the RDX's interior somewhat dated.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson presented buyers with two powertrain choices: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. While a plug-in hybrid version was anticipated, the ICE engine delivered 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid version offered a more engaging drive with a combined 226 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque from a six-speed transmission, impressively maintaining performance even across a significant elevation change from Tucson to Mount Lemmon.

All-wheel drive (AWD) was standard on the hybrid and optional on ICE models. The AWD system performed well during off-road testing, comparable to Subaru’s reactive AWD system. The ICE-powered Tucson with FWD achieved an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, while AWD versions saw a slight reduction. The hybrid outperformed with 37 mpg combined, reaching up to 38 mpg in some configurations.

The forthcoming Tucson PHEV was expected to deliver 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque, with an estimated 25 miles of electric-only range, based on simple math, and a charging time of about two hours.

The 2023 Acura RDX featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with Acura’s ‘super-handling all-wheel drive’ (SH-AWD) available across all models and standard on top trims. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, performing on par with its class.

The RDX's turbo powertrain provided immediate throttle response and a satisfying engine and exhaust note. The transmission efficiently selected gears for power delivery, and the brakes were firm and easy to modulate for smooth stops. Acura’s advanced AWD system inspired confidence with excellent traction and sporty handling, offering a comfortable ride without sacrificing cornering prowess.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson's interior, despite its budget-friendly positioning, was anything but cheap. The spacious cabin rivaled big sellers like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape. Standard features included a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, with an eight-way version available on all but the base model, along with optional lumbar support.

Heated and ventilated front seats, memory settings, an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel (leather-wrapped and heated in higher trims) were available. The new platform allowed for more passenger and cargo space, offering more rear-seat legroom than the RAV4 and ample headroom.

The Tucson provided 74.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, comparable to the Forester, RAV4, and CR-V, and surpassing the Escape. A 60-40 split-folding rear bench seat with remote release and a hands-free liftgate were also available.

The 2023 Acura RDX offered generous front-seat space, with additional power adjustments for side bolsters and thigh extension in top trims. The comfortable cushioning made long drives a breeze, and the heated and ventilated seats provided quick relief from temperature extremes. Rear seats accommodated average-sized adults well, although six-footers might find headroom snug. The panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin's sense of space.

With up to 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 79.8 cubic feet with them folded, the RDX provided ample storage. A deep bin under the cargo floor, complete with a center drain plug, added utility. Front passengers had numerous storage options, including small cupholders, a center console bin, a rubberized wireless charging pad, and a large tray under the center console.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with a robust 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. A 4.2-inch multi-information display was positioned in front of the driver. Upgrading to the SEL/Blue trim added satellite radio, Blue Link mobile app compatibility, rear USB outlets, rear A/C vents, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

A 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen was available, but required wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This screen was embedded in a flat, black plastic head unit housing climate and media controls, challenging drivers to find the correct touchpoints without looking away from the road.

The 2023 Acura RDX controversially used a touchpad infotainment controller, which proved less intuitive than traditional systems. Despite being an improvement over Lexus' version, it required precision that made in-motion adjustments difficult. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration simplified its use. Sharp graphics, quick responses, and logical menus redeemed some of its shortcomings.

Standard tech included a Wi-Fi hotspot, Acuralink app compatibility, and optional premium audio, with the top A-Spec Advanced trim featuring a 16-speaker ELS system.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson's safety suite, Hyundai SmartSense, included forward collision-avoidance assist, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, driver attention monitor, rear occupant alert, speed limit assist, and leading vehicle departure alert. Optional features encompassed blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera, parking collision avoidance assist, 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 7-year anti-perforation warranty, with 3 years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.

The 2023 Acura RDX received five-star ratings from NHTSA for overall, side, and frontal crash protection and rollover protection. IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ honor. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist. Additional features in higher trims comprised parking sensors and a surround-view camera system.