2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. This model retained the brand's signature boxy profile and rectangular grille but introduced softer lines and more chrome detailing. The LED headlights, featuring the distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights, added a modern touch. The XC90's interior embraced "Swedish minimalism," offering high-quality materials and a thoughtful layout. The use of matte-finish wood trim and the option for wool upholstery set it apart from other luxury vehicles, while the Orrefors crystal shifter added a touch of elegance.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid showcased a bold new design, characterized by sharp, angular lines and a dramatic front fascia. The Tucson's exterior was a departure from its predecessor, with a longer and wider stance that made it stand out in its segment. The grille seamlessly integrated with the LED headlights, creating a futuristic look. Inside, the Tucson offered a spacious and airy cabin, with a dual-level cargo floor and ample legroom. The interior featured modern amenities like ambient lighting and a 10.25-inch digital driver display, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model delivered 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 variant increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft with the addition of a supercharger. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, known as the Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors to produce a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the XC90 struggled with acceleration on electric power alone, often requiring the gasoline engine's assistance. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 226 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Tucson Hybrid's steering was responsive, and its six-speed automatic transmission performed admirably. The suspension provided a smooth ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections. In terms of fuel efficiency, the Tucson Hybrid achieved 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.6 on the highway, making it a more economical choice compared to its gas-powered counterpart. The plug-in hybrid variant offered even greater efficiency with a 13.8 kWh battery and 53 kilometres of all-electric range.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across all three rows. The third row was somewhat cramped for adults, and the seats lacked support. The XC90's interior felt spacious, thanks to an optional power sunroof and upright roof profile. However, storage space was limited, with a shallow centre console and minimal storage options. Cargo capacity was 317 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered impressive cargo space, with 1,097 litres in the trunk and 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. The Tucson's dual-level cargo floor allowed for flexible storage options. The interior provided ample legroom for both front and rear passengers, and the rear seats could recline for added comfort. The Tucson's cabin featured practical storage solutions, including bottle holders in the doors and cupholders in the centre console and rear armrest.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which emphasized simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The system was easy to use, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that allowed for intuitive navigation. However, the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid boasted a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the Ultimate trim, though it required a wired connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The infotainment system's touch-capacitive buttons were less user-friendly than physical controls, but steering-wheel controls provided an alternative. The Tucson offered numerous USB ports and a Bose premium audio system in the Ultimate trim, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings, including a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, such as lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid also prioritized safety, with standard features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear occupant alert. The Ultimate trim added advanced features like a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. The Tucson received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were not yet available.