2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a more traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch. It seamlessly integrated into the Volvo family with signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The gasoline models offered a unique touch with a white contrasting roof, adding a retro flair. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and model-specific alloy wheels. It featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a distinct rear bumper, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and upscale cabin environment.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid showcased a bold new design, departing from its predecessors with sharp, angular lines and a wider, longer stance. Its dramatic exterior was a significant departure from the previous model's more conservative design, making it unmistakably distinct. The Tucson's grille seamlessly integrated with the LED headlights, creating a futuristic look. The interior offered a spacious and airy feel, with standard heated front seats and a range of tech features across trims. The Ultimate trim boasted a 10.25-inch digital driver display, wireless device charging, and ambient lighting, enhancing the cabin's modern appeal. Despite its bulkier centre console, the Tucson maintained an open view, thanks to its integrated infotainment display and hoodless driver information display.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a versatile powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 variant delivered 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 variant offered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, producing a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the T5 and T4 achieved the same in 6.4 and 8.5 seconds, respectively. All models were electronically limited to 180 km/h. The Recharge model emphasized comfort and quietness, with excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability. It also had a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid's all-wheel drive was standard on most trims, providing a noticeable improvement in performance over the gas-powered Tucson. The six-speed automatic transmission managed shifts smoothly, and the steering was responsive and direct. The Tucson Hybrid's suspension excelled at absorbing road imperfections while maintaining stability through corners. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with ratings of 6.3 L/100 km in the city, 6.6 on the highway, and 6.4 combined. The plug-in hybrid variant offered even greater efficiency, with a 13.8 kWh battery providing 53 kilometres of all-electric range.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, while not particularly spacious, offered clever storage solutions to compensate for its limited interior space. The Recharge model had less legroom and headroom compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its cargo area was also smaller, and the frunk was limited due to powertrain components. However, Volvo incorporated practical features like a removable trash bin in the centre console, a bag hook in the glovebox door, and extra-large door bins by relocating the Harman Kardon speakers to the dashboard. A wireless charging pad was optional, but second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid boasted impressive cargo space, with 1,097 litres in the trunk and 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. It surpassed competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 in cargo capacity. The Tucson provided ample front and rear legroom, with reclining rear seats for added comfort. The cargo floor featured a dual-level system for flexible storage options. The interior included convenient features like angled bottle holders in the doors, cupholders in the centre console, and a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders in the rear seat. The Ultimate trim's ambient lighting added a touch of flair to the cabin.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, offering Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps for enhanced user experience. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. The standard setup comprised a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Recharge models introduced OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The absence of a start button simplified the driving experience, and a Digital Key feature was anticipated in future updates.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the Ultimate trim, though Android Auto and Apple CarPlay utilized only 8 inches of the screen. The interface relied on touch-capacitive buttons, which could be frustrating to use. However, steering-wheel controls provided an alternative for infotainment commands. The Tucson featured multiple USB ports, including two for rear-seat passengers, and the Ultimate trim included a Bose premium audio system. The infotainment system's native software looked impressive, but the wired connection for smartphone integration was a drawback.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with the gasoline model earning a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. The electric XC40 Recharge was expected to perform well in crash tests due to its safety cage around the battery and redesigned front crash structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Recharge model featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, allowing for future advancements in driver aids.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Preferred trim added blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Ultimate trim offered a surround-view monitor, highway-driving assist, and unique features like blind-spot view monitor and remote smart park assist. The Tucson received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were not yet available.