2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD, priced at $45,341, presented a robust yet somewhat understated appearance. Despite its fully loaded status, it resembled a standard rental car model, lacking the larger alloy wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart. The RAV4 Hybrid's styling was rugged for a compact SUV, though it could have benefited from bolder wheels. Inside, the vehicle was both stylish and practical, with a mix of high-quality materials and some less impressive glossy hard plastics. A minor rattle from the license plate was noted, but overall, the interior was functional and user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid showcased a bold new design, with sharp, angular lines and a distinctive grille that integrated seamlessly with its LED lighting. The Tucson was longer and wider than its predecessor, offering a more dramatic and futuristic look. While some might have found the design risky, it certainly set the Tucson apart from its competitors. Inside, the Tucson boasted a spacious and airy cabin, with a centre console that felt bulkier than necessary but did not obstruct the view. The interior was equipped with modern features, including a 10.25-inch digital driver display and ambient lighting, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. This setup provided a lively acceleration experience, although the engine's sound was less than pleasant at high revs. The RAV4 Hybrid's fuel efficiency was impressive, averaging 5.9 L/100 km during testing. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The SUV's suspension and steering offered a comfortable and engaging drive, though the tires lacked grip during spirited cornering.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, delivered a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This made it noticeably quicker than its gas-powered counterpart. The Tucson's six-speed automatic transmission performed well, and the steering was responsive and direct. The suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, maintaining balance through corners. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with a combined rating of 6.4 L/100 km. The Tucson PHEV variant offered even greater efficiency with a 13.8 kWh battery and 53 km of electric range.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided a comfortable interior with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed decent legroom and reclining backrests, though the seat height was slightly low. The dashboard layout was intuitive, with oversized climate control knobs and a user-friendly infotainment system. The RAV4 Hybrid offered 1,059 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, with its longer and wider dimensions, offered generous cargo space of 1,097 litres, increasing to 2,108 litres with the rear seats down. The dual-level cargo floor allowed for flexible storage options. Both front and rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom, and the rear seats reclined for added comfort. The Tucson's interior featured ambient lighting and practical storage solutions, including cupholders and bottle holders in the doors.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured a choice of infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, both supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-tier system included an 11-speaker JBL audio setup and dynamic navigation. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and knobs for easy operation. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered advanced camera-based technology, such as a 360-degree surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid's tech was impressive but had some drawbacks. The 10.25-inch touchscreen looked great with native software but required a wired connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The touch-capacitive buttons for infotainment and HVAC controls were less user-friendly than physical buttons. However, the Tucson provided ample USB ports and a Bose premium audio system in the Ultimate trim.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The SUV received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid included standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Upgrading to the Preferred trim added blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Ultimate trim offered advanced features like a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. The Tucson received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.