Toyota RAV4 vs Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

In 2022, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid showcased a bold new face characterized by sharp, angular cues across its fascia and sides. The vehicle was both longer and wider than its predecessor, making it unmistakably different compared to the 2021 model. It featured a unique grille design that blended seamlessly with its LED lights, especially striking in the top-tier Limited trim with its dark chrome finish. The Tucson Hybrid's interior felt spacious and airy, albeit with a somewhat bulky center console. The digital displays and ambient lighting added a premium touch, though the Tucson's futuristic styling risked not aging well over time.

On the other hand, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 carried forward the design introduced in 2019, particularly pronounced in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. These models featured a two-part face, blacked-out wheels, and heavy cladding for a rugged look. Inside, the RAV4 Adventure trim included orange accents and basic interior touches, such as a frameless rearview mirror. Fabric seats were available on the LE and XLE trims, while higher trims like the XLE Premium offered synthetic leather upholstery. The RAV4 delivered on convenience, with a shelf running the length of the glove compartment and ample door pockets.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid was equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine and an electric motor, combining to produce 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This configuration made it notably quicker than its gas-powered counterpart. The hybrid's AWD and six-speed automatic transmission ensured a smooth ride, complemented by a well-balanced suspension. The Tucson Hybrid's fuel efficiency was impressive, rated at 37 mpg city and 36 highway, with an average of 37 mpg. During testing, it achieved 36.5 mpg, making it a compelling choice for those focused on fuel economy.

By contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which, while avoiding the pitfalls of a CVT, didn't particularly excel in acceleration. AWD was standard on the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims and an option for others, adding a Snow Mode for slippery conditions. The RAV4 Adventure boasted a standard suspension setup, while the TRD Off-Road trim provided a more robust off-road capability with TRD-tuned components.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered ample cargo space, with 38.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down. It outclassed the competition, including the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, and others in its segment. The Tucson also provided over 41 inches of legroom both in the front and rear seats, adding to its appeal as a spacious and comfortable vehicle. Additional features included a dual-level cargo floor and multiple cupholders, enhancing its practicality.

In comparison, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 provided 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, placing it in the middle of the pack for storage capacity. It offered less headroom in the front row compared to the CR-V and Forester but more in the rear. Legroom was adequate with 41 inches in the front and 37.8 in the back. The RAV4 also featured convenient storage solutions like a long shelf above the glove compartment and side-by-side center cupholders.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen on its Limited trim, but integrating Android Auto or Apple CarPlay required a wired connection and utilized only 8 inches of the screen. This was in contrast to the Blue and SEL Convenience trims, which provided wireless capabilities on their 8-inch screens. The touch-capacitive buttons for infotainment and HVAC were less user-friendly than physical knobs. Nevertheless, the Tucson impressed with numerous USB ports and a premium Bose stereo system.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 updated its tech with an 8.0-inch standard touchscreen, with a 10.5-inch version available on the Limited and TRD Off-Road trims. The latest software supported over-the-air updates and included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Our tested Adventure trim, equipped with the upgraded multimedia system, featured an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system. A standard 7-inch driver-information display could be upgraded to a 12.3-inch screen in higher trims, offering a modernized and tech-savvy experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came loaded with safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic alert. Limited trims added a surround-view monitor, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot view monitor, and remote smart park assist. The Tucson Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though the NHTSA had yet to test it.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 included a comprehensive suite of safety features such as lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam LED headlights. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available starting from the XLE trim. The 2023 model upgraded to Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included full-speed adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, indicating excellent safety credentials.