Hyundai Tucson vs Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model, featuring Luxury trim, showcased striking 22-inch silver wheels, an expensive option that significantly enhanced its visual appeal. The TX's design was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative look that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's styling. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, excluding the yet-to-be-released TX 550h+. The test vehicle, a TX 350 with FWD and Luxury trim, had a base price of $60,950 and an MSRP of $67,869, including destination charges. The interior, though dark with its Peppercorn color scheme, felt luxurious enough for a Lexus, featuring premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede trim.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson, introduced in its current generation for the 2022 model year, carried over its fantastic styling into 2024. It featured taut angles and unique design choices, such as headlights blending into the grille, creating a contemporary and handsome package. Even in white, the test vehicle looked sharp, a testament to Hyundai's design prowess. Unlike some luxury brands that scale designs across models, Hyundai maintained unique styles for each vehicle. The Tucson offered trim levels including SE, SEL, XRT, and Limited, each with distinct features like alloy wheels, roof rails, and unique styling touches. The interior was modern and refined, with technology packaged in an approachable manner. The Limited trim, tested, was well-equipped with features like ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium stereo system, providing a comfortable and tech-savvy environment.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial skepticism about this engine choice for a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, it performed adequately for typical driving scenarios with up to four passengers. The engine's grating note and hints of torque steer with FWD were minor irritations. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD), though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The EPA rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg combined, a slight improvement over the previous RX L model. During testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, costing an additional $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and improved traction, especially in adverse weather conditions. The TX 350's ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension, accurate steering, and a quiet interior on highways. The brake pedal, though soft, was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This was the sole non-hybrid powertrain, which was adequate for city driving but required significant throttle input for highway speeds and passing maneuvers, resulting in noticeable engine noise. For more power, the Tucson Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid offered 226 and 261 horsepower, respectively. The Tucson's handling and ride quality were highlights, providing a comfortable ride and precise steering, though not as athletic as some competitors. The Tucson excelled in absorbing road bumps, making it suitable for long trips or daily commutes.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. Unlike the off-road-focused GX and LX models, or the cramped RX L, the TX offered a more practical and affordable solution. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium leather and suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional captain's chairs. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they were comfortable and supportive. The second-row seat, though less welcoming, offered climate control, USB ports, and window shades. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with adequate leg support and visibility. However, sliding the second-row seat forward for third-row comfort compromised second-row legroom. The TX provided ample storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson offered impressive cargo space, with up to 74.8 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded, and 38.7 cubic feet with them in use. These figures were among the best in the compact SUV segment, second only to the Honda CR-V. The Tucson SE featured a manual liftgate, while higher trims included a hands-free power liftgate, operable by simply standing near the rear bumper with the key fob. The Tucson accommodated up to five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows, making it suitable for longer trips. The cabin featured deep cup holders and a center tray with a wireless charging pad, enhancing convenience and functionality.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, the package replaced marked steering wheel controls with unmarked dual-purpose ones, requiring drivers to reference the head-up display, which was problematic with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, along with Wi-Fi and Remote Connect features. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system provided impressive audio quality.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson's standard infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, praised for its straightforward operation. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a fully digital instrument panel, though they lost wireless connectivity for smartphone integration. The Tucson's interface was glove-friendly, with haptic buttons and a touchscreen that worked in cold conditions. Hyundai's remote start system allowed for seamless vehicle operation, detecting the key fob and enabling the driver to simply put the car in Drive and go after remote starting.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, offered braking and steering assistance, though it wasn't always transparent in operation. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist, which provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways. LSS+ 3.0 generally performed smoothly, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in, causing frustration for following drivers.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson came standard with numerous driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. The Limited trim added parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, and Smart Park remote-parking feature, allowing the vehicle to be maneuvered into tight spots via the key fob. The Tucson also featured a blind-spot camera system, providing real-time video feeds of blind spots when signaling. The IIHS rated the Tucson highly, with a "Good" score in most crash tests and a "Superior" rating for crash-prevention technology. The NHTSA awarded it five stars in frontal crash tests and four stars in rollover tests.