Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

In 2022, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid received a radical redesign, propelling it past its predecessors in terms of aesthetic boldness. The vehicle sported sharp, angular cues throughout its exterior, significantly setting it apart from the previous bubbly design. Longer and wider, the Tucson was unmistakably modern, catching the eye with its dramatic grille that seamlessly blended with LED lights. The grille, especially on the top-tier Limited trim, came with a dark chrome finish for added flair.

The Tucson's interior matched its intricate exterior with perks like heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat, and a proximity key as standard. The SEL Convenience trim stepped up the game, offering a more immersive experience with a 10.25-inch digital display, wireless charging, and ambient lighting. Meanwhile, the Limited trim introduced 64 colors of ambient lighting and refined touches like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and ventilated front seats. Despite its bulkier center console, the Tucson maintained a promisingly open and airy interior view, thanks to its well-integrated infotainment and driver information displays.

By contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid had adopted a blockier, more robust design since its 2019 overhaul. The trapezoidal grille, inspired by Toyota's truck lineup, contributed to a powerful stance, further accentuated by sharp, angular bodywork. Although once trailblazing, this design approach became more common in the segment over time, with competitors like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50 following suit.

Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid retained an angular theme with a multi-tiered dashboard and plenty of physical buttons and knobs for ease of use. Material quality was average, with hard plastics countered by lightly padded surfaces where contact is frequent. A notable drawback was the subpar urethane steering wheel and center armrest in the base and Woodland trims, which felt cheap. Thankfully, higher trims offered a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its performance, thanks to its 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, generating a combined 226 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard AWD and responsive steering added to the driving pleasure, supported by a six-speed automatic transmission. The suspension absorbed road imperfections admirably, providing a smooth yet controlled ride.

Fuel efficiency was a strong suit for the Tucson Hybrid, boasting an EPA rating of 37 mpg city, 36 highway, and 37 combined, with the Blue trim reaching 38 mpg across the board. During our test, we observed an efficient 36.5 mpg, making it a practical choice for long-term savings on fuel.

In comparison, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid operated with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with an electric motor, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. A CVT managed power distribution to the front wheels, while a second electric motor enabled AWD. The RAV4 Hybrid accelerated to 60 mph in a respectable 7.5 seconds, slightly slower than the Tucson Hybrid but still competitive within its class.

The RAV4 Hybrid's brakes provided smooth transitions between regenerative and physical braking, maintaining a seamless driving experience. Its suspension ensured a composed ride over various terrains, though it didn't particularly stand out. Fuel economy for the RAV4 Hybrid was strong, but specific figures weren't provided to compare directly.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid did not compromise on interior space despite its more compact appearance. Offering an impressive 38.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 74.5 cubic feet with them folded flat, it led the segment in cargo capacity. Front and rear legroom both exceeded 41 inches, and rear seats benefited from reclining functionality. The dual-level cargo floor added versatility, complementing ample storage solutions throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid also delivered practical interior space, with significant front-seat room and accommodating rear seats, though with slightly less headroom and legroom compared to some rivals. It offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, slightly less than the Tucson, but on par with competitors like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage. Notable was the RAV4's interior storage, featuring a wide dashboard shelf, phone tray, large cupholders, and a spacious center armrest bin, although the lack of a wireless charging pad was a minor setback.

Hyundai equipped the 2022 Tucson Hybrid with advanced tech features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen on the Limited trim. However, running Apple CarPlay or Android Auto required a wired connection, and the touch-capacitive buttons for the HVAC and infotainment controls were less user-friendly. On the plus side, USB ports were plentiful, and the Bose premium stereo provided an excellent audio experience.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid saw significant improvements in its infotainment system, featuring modern graphics and logical menu arrangements. The base models included an 8.0-inch touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all models, although the wireless charging pad was optional. Over-the-air updates and a Wi-Fi hotspot were notable additions. Higher trims benefited from a fully digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL audio system for an elevated experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid excelled in safety, with a comprehensive suite of features including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot collision avoidance, and more. The Limited trim added a surround-view monitor, adaptive cruise control with highway-driving assist, and unique features like the blind-spot view monitor and remote smart park assist. The IIHS awarded the Tucson a Top Safety Pick+ status, underscoring its strong safety credentials.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid also demonstrated robust safety. It received five stars from the NHTSA for overall and side crash protection, although it scored "Acceptable" in the IIHS's new tests. Standard safety features included Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5, offering forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and optional surround-view cameras. The adaptive cruise control was particularly smooth, enhancing the driving experience.