2023 Lexus RX Hybrid 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 illuminated 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, with a silver D-pillar creating a floating roof effect. At the rear, the Tucson sported LED-illuminated toothy taillights, except for the base model, giving it a standout appearance among compact SUVs. Depending on the trim, the Tucson rode on 17- or 19-inch wheels, 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 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, redesigned for a more modern look, was difficult to distinguish from its non-hybrid counterpart, except for the badge on the liftgate. The RX 350h Luxury model, with its 21-inch wheels, maintained a sleek appearance without overt hybrid indicators. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its performance-tuned design, featuring a blacked-out grille, matte-black wheels, and aggressive styling. Despite its popularity, the RX's design was not considered stunning, with a blunt-nosed front and a wheelbase stretch that visually shortened the rear. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic approach, with fewer controls and an improved infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury model boasted Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance featured a black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim. Pricing for the 2023 RX models was not announced, but estimates suggested the RX 350h Luxury would be just over $60,000, and the RX 500h F Sport Performance around $70,000.

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, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivered 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, providing a competent but uninspiring performance. The hybrid powertrain, however, was the highlight, offering 226 combined horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, making it more powerful than competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid. The Tucson Hybrid's AWD system performed well in off-road testing, similar to Subaru's reactive AWD system. Fuel efficiency was a strong point, with the hybrid achieving 37 mpg combined, while the ICE model offered 29 mpg combined. The forthcoming Tucson PHEV promised even more power, with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque, though range specifications were not yet available.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a more efficient powertrain with the RX 350h, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It was expected to average 36 mpg combined, though testing showed 32 mpg. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. However, it achieved only 20.9 mpg in testing, short of the estimated 27 mpg. The RX 500h featured an adaptive damping suspension, upgraded brakes, and rear-wheel steering, providing a dynamic driving experience. The RX 350h, with its lower center of gravity and electric assist motor, offered a secure and quiet ride, making it a preferred choice over the standard RX 350.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, a budget-friendly compact SUV, offered a well-appointed interior comparable to its competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. It featured a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with an eight-way version available on higher trims, along with lumbar support and heated front seats. The spacious cabin provided ample room for passengers and cargo, with more passenger volume than the CR-V, RAV4, and Escape. The rear seats offered two inches more legroom than the RAV4, and the 74.8 cubic-foot cargo area was comparable to the Forester, RAV4, and CR-V. A 60-40 split-folding bench seat and dual-level cargo floor added to its practicality.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a comfortable and luxurious interior, especially in the RX 350h Luxury trim with ten-way power-adjustable front seats and premium leather. The RX 500h F Sport Performance featured eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard-grade leather. The hybrids' battery packs were housed under the rear seat, providing excellent leg support but tight headroom. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seat folded, an improvement over the previous model but still short compared to some rivals.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen, though it required wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's flat surface and lack of physical buttons made it challenging to use while driving, relying more on steering wheel controls and voice commands.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant, though it had some limitations, such as single-screen viewing and reflection issues. The available head-up display featured dual-function touch-sensing control pads, which could be challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, and driver attention monitor. Additional features like blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control were available. Hyundai offered a comprehensive warranty package, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available, though some features had limitations, such as the front cross-traffic alert system and curve-speed reduction tech.