Honda Pilot vs Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid turned heads with its dramatic and futuristic design. Featuring sharp, angular cues across its fascia and sides, it was a definite departure from its more conservatively styled predecessor. The new Tucson was notably longer and wider than the previous model, ensuring that anyone looking at a 2022 Tucson wouldn't mistake it for the 2021 version. Particularly distinctive was its grille, which blended almost seamlessly with the LED headlights, running lights, and turn signals—especially striking in the Limited trim with its dark chrome finish.

On the interior, the Tucson offered an open and airy feel. Heated front seats, cloth upholstery, and an eight-way power driver seat were standard in the base Blue trim, while higher trims added amenities like a 10.25-inch digital driver information display, wireless device charging, and an expansive 64-color ambient lighting kit. The hoodless driver information display added a modern touch, although it did tend to gather dust. The Tucson's large windshield and sunroof meant the interior could get hot quickly, making the efficient air conditioning and ventilated front seats particularly welcome.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot presented a more rugged and substantial appearance, emphasizing function over form without sacrificing attractiveness. It was larger than its predecessor, with an upright grille and boxier styling, fitting perfectly with the new TrailSport model's off-road capabilities. The interior adopted a more conventional design, with materials that met the high expectations of this competitive class. The Honda Pilot's utilitarian yet tidy aesthetic was favored over the previous generation, with a strong emphasis on versatility and functionality.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered a markedly better performance compared to its gas-only counterpart. Equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine and an electric motor, the hybrid system produced a combined 226 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This setup made the hybrid noticeably quicker and more responsive. The Tucson Hybrid featured an outstanding suspension system that handled road imperfections exceptionally well, maintaining balance through corners without feeling bouncy. The EPA rated it at 37 mpg in the city, 36 on the highway, and 37 combined, making it an efficient choice.

Conversely, the 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivered 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot's acceleration response was quick with minimal delay, although its power wasn't particularly thrilling. The SUV was tuned more for comfort than sportiness, with light steering that made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces but felt somewhat vague on the highway. The TrailSport model offered enhanced off-road capabilities with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, allowing it to handle a variety of outdoor adventures without sacrificing on-road comfort.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid excelled in cargo space and passenger comfort. It offered 38.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and a generous 74.5 cubic feet with them folded down, surpassing competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4. Both front and rear legroom were commendable at over 41 inches each, with rear seats that could recline for additional comfort. The Tucson also featured a dual-level cargo floor for added versatility, and the Limited trim's ambient lighting added a stylish touch to the cabin.

The 2023 Honda Pilot, however, provided even more cargo capacity and seating versatility. It featured a stowable second-row center seat that allowed for easy access to the third row, which was particularly useful when child seats were installed. The Pilot could accommodate 22.4 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row, expanding to 60.1 cubic feet with the second row flat, and a maximum of 114.3 cubic feet with all seats down. This capacity was about 30 percent more than what the Kia Telluride offered. The interior was designed with numerous storage solutions, including a dash shelf and a large center console bin that could hold a full-sized tablet.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the Limited trim. While the native software performed well, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay projections were limited to about 8 inches and required a wired connection. The touch-capacitive buttons for infotainment and HVAC controls were less user-friendly compared to physical alternatives. However, the Tucson did offer ample USB ports and a premium Bose stereo in the higher trims.

For the 2023 Honda Pilot, stepping up to the EX-L trim or higher brought significant technological benefits. These trims included a larger touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in all rows. Higher trims also offered a multi-view camera system, a head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The touchscreen interface was user-friendly, and features like Honda's CabinTalk, navigation system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were available in the Touring and Elite trims.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision avoidance, and more. The Limited trim added advanced features like a surround-view monitor, highway-driving assist, and a blind-spot view monitor. The IIHS awarded the Tucson a Top Safety Pick+.

Similarly, the 2023 Honda Pilot included a robust array of standard Honda Sensing safety features across all trims, such as forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot monitor. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and surround-view camera systems. The Pilot also received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and was expected to earn top scores from the NHTSA.