Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs Toyota bZ

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid presented a bold new design that set it apart from its predecessors. With sharp, angular lines and a wider, longer body, it was unmistakably different from the 2021 model. The Tucson's exterior was a gamble with its aggressive styling, which some found appealing while others questioned its longevity. The grille, shared with the Santa Cruz, seamlessly integrated with the LED lights, creating a futuristic appearance. Inside, the Tucson offered a spacious and airy cabin, with a center console that felt bulkier than necessary but provided an unobstructed view thanks to the integrated infotainment display and hoodless driver information display.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota bZ underwent a restyling that improved its appearance, especially when body-color trim replaced the black overfender trim. The interior featured a cleaner dashboard and center console, enhancing the sense of quality and organization. The fabric seats in the XLE trim had an upscale pattern, and the 14-inch center touchscreen integrated climate control functions. However, the digital driver display was criticized for its placement and readability. Overall, the bZ's design improvements made it more visually appealing than its predecessor.

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 version. The Tucson's steering was responsive, and its six-speed automatic transmission managed the power efficiently. The suspension excelled at absorbing road imperfections while maintaining balance through corners. Fuel economy was commendable, with an EPA rating of 37 mpg city, 36 highway, and 37 combined, making it a more efficient choice than the gas model.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a single electric motor and a 57.7-kWh battery producing 165 horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles. Dual-motor models with the larger battery delivered 338 hp and varying ranges depending on the trim. The bZ's recharging capabilities were enhanced with compatibility with Tesla Superchargers and a CCS adapter. While the bZ performed well in efficiency tests, its handling on winding roads was less impressive due to the tires and steering.

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 provided ample front and rear legroom, and the rear seats reclined for added comfort. The dual-level cargo floor allowed for flexible storage options, and the interior featured convenient storage solutions like cupholders and ambient lighting.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on an EV platform, provided easy access with 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, and the Limited trim added ventilated front seats. While the bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment, it compensated with various storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed good legroom, but foot space was limited. Cargo space measured 27.7 cubic feet, expandable to 56.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the Limited trim, though it required a wired connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The interface relied on touch-capacitive buttons, which could be frustrating, but steering-wheel controls offered an alternative. The Tucson provided ample USB ports and a premium Bose stereo.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came with a 7-inch digital driver display and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the driver display was criticized for its placement and readability, the infotainment system was generally user-friendly. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with various connected service plans. The voice assistant worked well, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive suite of 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 and blind-spot view monitor. The Tucson earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim added Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. While the bZ's safety features were comprehensive, its IIHS ratings were mixed, with some areas falling short of Top Safety Pick criteria.