2024 Hyundai Tucson vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX presented a commanding visual presence with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Its overall height of 74.2 inches, slightly less in the Luxury trim, contributed to its road-dominating stance. The front end, with its large headlights, gave the GX a distinctive face that seemed ready to conquer the road. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to the blocky designs of other Toyota models. However, the interior was somewhat disappointing due to the extensive use of plastic materials, which detracted from its luxury appeal. Nevertheless, it offered some luxury features like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson maintained its contemporary appeal with a design that featured taut angles and unique elements like headlights integrated into the grille. This cohesive design gave the Tucson a sharp and athletic presence, even in a color like white. Hyundai's approach to styling ensured that each vehicle had its own unique look, unlike some luxury brands that scaled designs up or down. The Tucson's interior was modern and refined, with technology that felt approachable. While some controls were not ideally placed, the overall layout was user-friendly. The Tucson offered a range of trim levels, each with distinct features, from the base SE to the well-equipped Limited trim.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered through a six-speed automatic transmission, providing a linear rise in power and noise as the accelerator was pressed. Despite its power, the GX's V8 didn't excel on paper compared to more modern engines like Toyota's 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid. The GX's towing capacity of 6,500 pounds was respectable, but its fuel economy was less impressive, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight contributed to its rolling feel through corners, but its driving dynamics were improved over the years, offering a communicative road feel and strong brakes. The standard 4WD system with a Torsen limited-slip differential made it capable off-road.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. While the engine was adequate for city driving, it struggled to provide quick acceleration on highways. For more power, the Tucson offered hybrid options with 226 and 261 horsepower. The Tucson's handling and ride quality were highlights, offering a comfortable ride and precise steering. It wasn't as sporty as some competitors, but it provided a well-rounded driving experience.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, featuring only USB-A ports. The GX's physical controls were a blessing for those who preferred hard buttons over touchscreens, though the abundance of buttons required some getting used to. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs or a bench seat option, but the third row was too tight for regular use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson excelled in cargo space, offering up to 74.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and 38.7 cubic feet with them in use. The Tucson's smart liftgate system was intuitive, allowing easy access when hands were full. The cabin accommodated up to five passengers comfortably, with ample headroom and legroom. The Tucson's interior featured deep cupholders and a center tray for storage, along with a standard wireless device charging pad.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. While an improvement over the previous system, it felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The GX included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo and a CD player, but its infotainment technology lagged behind competitors. The GX's strength lay in its off-road capabilities, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and other driving-focused technologies.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson boasted an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, praised for its straightforward operation. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with a fully digital instrument panel, though it lost wireless connectivity for smartphone integration. The Tucson's remote start system was advanced, allowing seamless operation once inside the vehicle. The infotainment system was user-friendly, even with gloves on, and the Tucson's technology package was well-regarded.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included several advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were commendable.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson came with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Limited trim added parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, and Hyundai's Smart Park feature. The Tucson received high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, with the 2023 model being an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.