Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs Lexus TX

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid emerged as a bold departure from its predecessors, showcasing a striking new design that was both longer and wider. Its sharp, angular lines and dramatic grille, which seamlessly integrated with the LED headlights, gave it a futuristic appearance. The Tucson's exterior was a gamble, with its hard creases and aggressive styling, but it certainly stood out in the crowded SUV market. Inside, the Tucson offered a spacious and airy cabin, with heated front seats and a range of tech features, including a 10.25-inch digital driver information display. The Limited trim added luxury touches like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and ventilated front seats, enhancing the overall driving experience.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX maintained a more traditional luxury SUV aesthetic, with a large grille and sharp bi-LED headlights. The TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid featured a panoramic glass roof and 22-inch wheels, adding to its upscale appeal. Inside, the TX offered a spacious third row with ample headroom and a range of luxury features, including multi-zone climate control and heated and cooled front seats. However, the interior materials fell short of true luxury standards, with basic plastics scattered throughout. The redesigned door handles were a unique touch, but some might have preferred more attention to detail elsewhere in the cabin.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its 1.6-liter turbo-four engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided a noticeably quicker performance compared to the gas-powered model. The Tucson's steering was responsive, and its suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, offering a balanced ride. Fuel economy was commendable, with the hybrid achieving 37 mpg city and 36 highway, making it a practical choice for those seeking efficiency.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, on the other hand, boasted a powerful 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system, generating 404 horsepower. The TX offered multiple drive modes, including electric-only and hybrid options, catering to various driving preferences. Its AWD system provided excellent traction, and the suspension delivered a smooth ride, even on rough roads. While the TX excelled in power and versatility, its fuel efficiency was not as impressive as the Tucson's, but it offered a quiet and comfortable ride for long journeys.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered impressive cargo space, with 38.8 cubic feet in the trunk and 74.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It also provided generous legroom for both front and rear passengers, making it a practical choice for families. The dual-level cargo floor added versatility, and the ambient lighting system in the Limited trim added a touch of flair to the cabin.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ excelled in interior space, with a spacious third row and a total cargo capacity of 97 cubic feet when the second and third rows were folded. The second-row captain's chairs provided comfort, but folding them flat required some effort. The front seats were roomy, though they could have used more thigh support. The TX's climate controls were mostly on the screen, but physical dials for temperature adjustments were a welcome touch.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with native software, but Android Auto and Apple CarPlay required a wired connection. The touch-capacitive buttons for infotainment and HVAC controls were frustrating, but steering-wheel controls offered an alternative. The Tucson provided ample USB ports and a Bose premium stereo, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a 14-inch touchscreen with quick response times, but some features lacked polish. The steering wheel controls were multi-functional but confusing, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto sometimes conflicted with the native audio system. The TX included a back-up camera with a bird’s-eye view and an available Advanced Park system, adding convenience to parking.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist. The Limited trim added a surround-view monitor and unique features like a blind-spot view monitor and remote smart park assist. The Tucson earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, with features like forward collision warning and lane departure warning. The adaptive cruise control worked well, though setting it up was confusing. The TX 350 and 500h received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the TX earned mixed scores from the IIHS.