2021 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often criticized for its generic appearance, blending in with the sea of compact crossovers on the market. Its styling was largely indistinguishable from competitors, with only minor details like the grille and chromed plastic features setting it apart. Colour options were limited, with a predominance of neutral shades, making it challenging to find more vibrant hues like Radiant Red. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and upscale touches like wood panels and chrome, but it still lagged behind competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson in terms of distinctive styling.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid boasted a bold and unique design that set it apart from its predecessor and competitors. With sharp, angular lines and a dramatic new face, the Tucson Hybrid was unmistakable. Its grille seamlessly integrated with LED lights, creating a futuristic look. The Tucson's design was a gamble, with some appreciating its aggressive styling while others found it polarizing. Inside, the Tucson offered a spacious and airy cabin with modern features like a hoodless driver information display and ambient lighting, although the centre console felt bulky. The Tucson's interior was both functional and stylish, providing a comfortable and visually appealing environment.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not known for its thrilling performance but rather for its smooth and steady acceleration. All trims featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower, with acceleration to 100 km/h in about 8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a consistent driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of competitors with conventional automatic transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The CR-V's suspension and handling were decent, offering a comfortable ride without surprises.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, on the other hand, impressed with its performance. The hybrid model combined a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Tucson Hybrid felt noticeably quicker than its gas-powered counterpart. Its six-speed automatic transmission managed shifts well, and the responsive steering added to the driving experience. The Tucson Hybrid's suspension excelled at absorbing road imperfections while maintaining balance through corners. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the hybrid achieving 6.4 L/100 km combined, a significant improvement over the gas model.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample interior space for five passengers and their gear. It boasted over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4 and provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Access to the cargo area varied by trim, with options for manual, power, and hands-free tailgates. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing versatility for carrying additional cargo.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, with its longer and wider footprint, offered impressive cargo space. The hybrid's trunk held 1,097 litres, expanding to 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. The Tucson provided excellent front and rear legroom, and the rear seats reclined for added comfort. Its dual-level cargo floor allowed for flexible storage options. The interior featured convenient storage solutions, including bottle holders and cupholders, while ambient lighting added a touch of flair.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came equipped with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin. The Touring trim also introduced a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen in higher trims, though Android Auto and Apple CarPlay required a wired connection. Lower trims offered an 8-inch screen with wireless connectivity. The infotainment system's touch-capacitive buttons were less user-friendly, but steering-wheel controls provided an alternative. The Tucson offered ample USB ports, a premium Bose audio system in the Ultimate trim, and a visually appealing touchscreen display.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. However, it fell short of the highest IIHS rating due to headlight and side crash test scores. Honda's approach to safety was commendable, with the Honda Sensing system standard across all trims, offering features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base trim was blind spot monitoring.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear occupant alert. Upgrading to the Preferred trim added blind-spot collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control. The Ultimate trim introduced advanced features like a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. The Tucson received an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, though NHTSA ratings were not yet available.