2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, characterized by its blunt and bulbous nose, which gave it an aggressive appearance. Over time, however, this design became more familiar and less striking. The SUV's styling included black windshield pillars that created a floating roof effect, and swollen haunches that attempted to balance the overall look. Despite the presence of 20-inch alloy wheels, the exaggerated quarter panels seemed to overwhelm the design. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid Platinum trim offered a two-tone interior with soft leather, but the dashboard's asymmetrical design and glossy black detailing could suffer from reflections. The controls were well-organized, though the mix of illumination colours at night made the gauges appear busy.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson featured a new platform and a long-wheelbase version for North America, offering a spacious two-row seating arrangement. The Tucson's exterior design was marked by a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED lighting elements, creating a unique visual signature. The side profile borrowed design cues from the Hyundai Elantra, with a silver D-pillar contributing to a floating roof effect. The rear of the Tucson showcased distinctive LED taillights, adding to its standout appearance. The SUV rode on either 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, depending on the trim level, with high-end versions featuring premium fascias and a panoramic sunroof. Inside, the Tucson's cabin was well-appointed, with stain- and odour-resistant cloth seats as standard, and leather-trimmed options available on higher trims. The interior design emphasized spaciousness with horizontal lines and an uncluttered aesthetic.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, resulting in improved fuel efficiency. It achieved a combined rating of 6.7 L/100 km, with a total output of 243 horsepower. While this represented progress in terms of efficiency, the driving experience was less engaging. The Highlander Hybrid's power was adequate for climbing hills and reaching freeway speeds, but the engine sounded strained during hard acceleration. The steering felt lifeless, and the SUV exhibited unwanted body movement on uneven roads. However, it excelled in providing a comfortable and quiet ride on smooth highways, with regenerative brakes operating transparently.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine and electric motor. The ICE engine delivered 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid produced 226 combined horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain made the Tucson more enjoyable to drive, especially during elevation changes. The Tucson Hybrid was more powerful than some competitors, and its AWD system performed well in off-road conditions. The hybrid achieved impressive fuel efficiency, with a combined rating of 6.4 L/100 km. A plug-in hybrid version was also in the works, promising even more power and efficiency.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum trim provided comfortable accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with power-adjustable seats and leather upholstery. However, the second-row bench seat, while increasing seating capacity to eight, felt narrow, and the overhead air vents could be irritating. The third-row seat was uncomfortable, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum capacity of 2,387 litres, but storage solutions were not as well thought out as in previous generations.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered a spacious interior, with a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat as standard and an eight-way version available on higher trims. Heated and ventilated front seats, along with heated rear seats, were available. The Tucson's new platform allowed for increased passenger and cargo space, with rear seats offering more legroom than some competitors. The cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four, and the cargo space was comparable to other compact SUVs, with a dual-level cargo floor adding versatility.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Platinum trim boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and a navigation system. The infotainment controls were user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons. However, the JBL sound system's audio quality varied depending on the music genre. The Highlander also offered Driver Easy Speak technology and a video rearview mirror for added convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, and smartphone connectivity as standard. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a fully digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system was integrated into a larger head unit, which included climate control and media functionality. While the touchpoints were responsive, the lack of physical buttons made it challenging to operate while driving. Steering wheel controls and voice commands were more reliable options for accessing features.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included features like automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The system also offered intersection support and emergency steering assistance. While effective, the adaptive cruise control could feel uneven, and the lane-centring assistance was overly sensitive. The Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, with standard and available features such as forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Additional options included blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. While the Tucson had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, its comprehensive safety features were comparable to those found in luxury SUVs.