2023 Lexus GX vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson presented a fresh design 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 showcased Hyundai's new vehicle face, featuring a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. The unique illumination pattern resembled the wings of the Aztec Spirit Bird. The Tucson's side profile borrowed design elements from the Hyundai Elantra, with a silver D-pillar creating a floating roof effect. At the rear, the Tucson sported distinctive LED taillights, except for the base model, which contributed to its standout appearance among compact SUVs. The vehicle rode on 17- or 19-inch wheels, depending on the trim, with high-end versions featuring premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. Inside, the Tucson's cabin was well-appointed, offering stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats, with sport combination and leather-trimmed options available on higher trims. The interior design emphasized spaciousness with horizontal lines across the dashboard and an uncluttered aesthetic.

The 2023 Lexus GX boasted a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches. The GX's front end exuded a sense of readiness for the road, framed by large headlights. The Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colors, including the new Eminent White Pearl. Despite its imposing front, the GX's dimensions seemed to shrink along the sides, with a short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to Toyota's blocky designs, making it easier to maneuver in technical driving situations. Inside, the GX's interior featured a mix of luxury touches and an abundance of plastic materials, reflecting its low sales volume. Despite this, the GX offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery, maintaining a sense of luxury.

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 produced 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, however, delivered 226 total system horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, providing a more engaging driving experience. The Tucson Hybrid outperformed competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid in terms of power. All-wheel drive was available on ICE models and standard on the hybrid, offering impressive off-road capabilities. The Tucson Hybrid achieved 37 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 37 mpg combined, making it significantly more fuel-efficient than the ICE models. The forthcoming Tucson PHEV promised even more power with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque, along with an anticipated 25 miles of electric-only range.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 provided a satisfying driving experience with a linear power delivery. The GX's towing capacity of 6,500 pounds made it more capable than most three-row crossovers, though it lagged behind some SUVs. Fuel economy was a downside, with an EPA estimate of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight contributed to its rolling through corners, but its handling remained predictable and controllable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential distributed power effectively, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Despite its age, the GX's driving dynamics continued to improve, with strong brakes and communicative road feel.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered a spacious and well-appointed interior, rivaling competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape. It featured a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with an eight-way version available on higher trims, along with lumbar support. Heated and ventilated front seats, memory settings, and an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat were also available. The Tucson's new platform allowed for increased passenger and cargo space, with more rear legroom than the RAV4 and ample headroom. The cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four, with a 74.8 cubic-foot cargo area that surpassed the Escape. The rear featured a 60-40 split-folding bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor, with a hands-free liftgate available on mid-grade models.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided ample cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, relying on older USB-A ports. The GX retained physical controls, favoring hard buttons over haptic-touch interfaces, which some drivers appreciated. The center console lid featured sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests, and the second row offered comfortable seating with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat. While legroom was sufficient, the third row was cramped and best suited for occasional use. The GX's side-hinged trunk door required effort to open, revealing a limited 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Folding the third row increased cargo capacity to 46.7 cubic feet, while folding both rows provided 64.7 cubic feet, still less than a Toyota RAV4.

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, additional USB outlets, rear air conditioning vents, and dual-zone automatic climate control. A 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen was available, though it required wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen integrated climate control and media functions, but its flat surface made it challenging to operate while driving, necessitating reliance on steering wheel controls and voice commands.

The 2023 Lexus GX received an infotainment update for the 2022 model year, featuring a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface remained but was less necessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote, a remote-start feature, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo on the Luxury trim. However, the GX's tech offerings felt dated compared to newer Lexus models, with lagging touchscreen performance and less crisp graphics. The GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a real 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case, low range, and a locking center differential. Additional driving-focused technology included downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and stability control. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced on- and off-road driving, while the Off-Road Package added features like a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA. However, it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features through Hyundai SmartSense, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and more. Additional safety options included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Hyundai provided a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, and complimentary maintenance for three years.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and parking assist. Despite its older design, the GX featured modern safety technology, enhancing its overall safety profile.