2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning with Volvo's signature design elements like the "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The gasoline models offered a retro touch with a white contrasting roof, while the electric XC40 Recharge distinguished itself with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels. The interior was minimalist yet premium, featuring high-quality materials such as Nappa leather and Nubuck textile, with a coherent design that integrated elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen seamlessly.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson showcased a modern design with a new platform, offering a long-wheelbase model in North America. Its front featured a parametric grille with hidden LED lights, forming a unique shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird. The side profile mirrored the Hyundai Elantra's styling, with a floating roof effect, while the rear boasted distinctive LED taillights. The Tucson's interior was well-appointed, with stain- and odour-resistant cloth seats, and a spacious cabin that provided ample room for passengers and cargo, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a diverse powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline variants featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with the T4 producing 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, and the T5 delivering 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasting 402 hp and 486 lb-ft from dual electric motors, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery. The Recharge accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.4 and 8.5 seconds, respectively. All models were electronically limited to 180 km/h, emphasizing safety over speed.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and a hybrid powertrain combining a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with an electric motor, producing 226 total system horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid variant was more powerful and efficient, with a combined fuel consumption of 6.4 L/100 km. The Tucson also offered an all-wheel-drive option, standard on the hybrid, which performed well in off-road conditions. The upcoming plug-in hybrid version promised even more power, with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, while not the most spacious in its class, offered clever storage solutions to maximize utility. The interior featured a removable trash bin, a bag hook in the glovebox, and large door bins thanks to the repositioned speakers. However, the XC40 had less legroom and cargo space compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The gasoline model was more competitive against rivals like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, but the overall space was limited.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, on the other hand, provided a spacious and well-appointed interior, with a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat as standard and an eight-way version available on higher trims. The cabin offered more passenger volume than competitors like the CR-V, RAV4, and Escape, with a 1,095-litre cargo space. The rear seats featured a 60-40 split-folding bench, and the dual-level cargo floor added versatility. The Tucson's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, making it ideal for families.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with OTA update capability for software-controlled functions. The gasoline models retained the previous infotainment system, but the Recharge's tech offerings were more advanced, lacking a start button and potentially offering a Digital Key feature in the future.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker audio system as standard. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, dual-zone climate control, and a fully digital instrument cluster. The touchpoints on the centre console were integrated into a flat surface, requiring reliance on steering wheel controls and voice commands. Despite some usability challenges, the Tucson's tech features were comprehensive and competitive.

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 rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, with optional features like a 360-degree camera and Pilot Assist. The Recharge model featured a new sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it offered an extensive suite of safety features through Hyundai SmartSense. Standard features included forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. Additional options included blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Hyundai's safety offerings were comprehensive, rivaling those of luxury SUVs.