Hyundai Tucson vs Buick Envision

The 2021 Buick Envision had undergone a significant redesign after two consecutive years of facelifts. This two-row compact crossover, positioned between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave, was sold exclusively in China and North America. The 2021 model was lower and wider than its predecessor, boasting a more premium and planted appearance. Its sculpted look was more pronounced than its cousin, the Cadillac XT4, but not as sleek as the Acura RDX. The Envision came in three trims: Preferred, Essence, and Avenir, with the latter being the most premium, featuring upgraded exterior elements and a luxurious interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson rode on a new platform and was offered in a long-wheelbase version in the U.S., providing an expanded cargo area. The Tucson's front showcased Hyundai's new design language with a parametric grille hiding LED daytime running lights and Bi-LED headlights. The side profile mirrored the Hyundai Elantra's design, while the rear featured distinctive LED taillights. Depending on the trim, the Tucson rode on 17- or 19-inch wheels, with high-end models boasting premium fascias, gloss black pillars, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with standard stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats and available leather-trimmed seats on higher trims.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine produced 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, a downgrade from the previous model's 252 hp and 295 lb-ft. Despite shedding 200 to 300 pounds, the Envision's performance was more about comfortable cruising than sporty driving. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. Fuel efficiency improved, with the FWD model achieving 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined, while the AWD version managed 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.

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 delivered 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid produced 226 combined horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid powertrain made the Tucson more powerful and enjoyable to drive. The ICE engine achieved an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined in FWD configuration, while the hybrid models were significantly more fuel-efficient, with the most efficient version getting 38 mpg combined. The Tucson also offered a forthcoming plug-in hybrid variant with an estimated 261 horsepower.

The 2021 Buick Envision's redesign did not translate into a more functional cabin. Despite a longer wheelbase, the Envision had less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row, and rear-seat passengers lost two inches of legroom and nearly six inches of hip room. Cargo capacity was also reduced, with 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The driver-centric cockpit limited the front passenger's access to controls, and forward visibility was compromised for shorter drivers. However, the Envision offered standard heated front seats, power-adjustable seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson's new platform made it more spacious than ever, with ample room for passengers and cargo. The Tucson's rear seats offered two inches more legroom than the RAV4, and the overall passenger volume was greater than the CR-V, RAV4, and Escape. The cargo area measured 74.8 cubic feet, comparable to the Forester, RAV4, and CR-V. The rear featured a 60-40 split-folding bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor on ICE models. A hands-free liftgate was available on mid-grade models and up, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Buick Envision's tech offerings were not groundbreaking but included a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The driver could use an available 8.0-inch driver information display for quicker access to information. Standard features included USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and remote start. Available features included navigation, a surround-view camera, and wireless device charging.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came with a robust set of standard tech features, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 4.2-inch multi-information display. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, though it required wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen was part of a sleek, flat plastic head unit that integrated climate control and media functionality. The Tucson also featured a fully digital instrument cluster on higher trims and additional USB outlets in the rear.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time. Standard safety features included forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. The Envision also featured GM's Buckle to Drive system, ensuring the driver was buckled before shifting from park to drive. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic park assist were available on Avenir models.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson also had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. The Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite included standard forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and rear occupant alert. Additional available features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Hyundai's comprehensive warranty included a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and 3 years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.