2023 Lexus GX vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid was a bold departure from its predecessors, showcasing a dramatic new design that was both longer and wider. Its sharp, angular cues and distinctive grille, which seamlessly integrated with the LED headlights, gave it a futuristic look. The Tucson's exterior was a gamble, with its hard creases and aggressive styling, but it certainly stood out in the crowded SUV market. Inside, the Tucson offered a spacious and airy cabin, with standard heated front seats and a range of tech features, including a 10.25-inch digital driver information display on higher trims. The interior was thoughtfully designed, although the centre console felt a bit bulky. Despite this, the Tucson's open layout and hoodless driver information display provided an unobstructed view, making it a comfortable and modern choice for drivers.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX exuded a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille and high ground clearance. The GX's design was more traditional, with a sleek yet chunky aesthetic that hinted at its off-road capabilities. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality, with a disappointing amount of plastic materials that belied its luxury badge. Despite this, the GX offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery. The second row was comfortable, but the third row was cramped, making it more suitable for occasional use. The GX's side-hinged trunk door and limited cargo space were drawbacks, but its off-road prowess and robust build made it a solid choice for those seeking adventure.

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. This setup provided a noticeably quicker performance compared to the gas-powered Tucson. The hybrid's six-speed automatic transmission managed shifts smoothly, and its responsive steering and outstanding suspension ensured a balanced ride. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the hybrid achieving 6.3 L/100 km in the city and 6.6 on the highway. For those seeking even greater efficiency, the plug-in hybrid variant offered a 13.8 kWh battery and an impressive 2.9 Le/100 km rating with 53 km of all-electric range.

The 2023 Lexus GX, on the other hand, featured a robust 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. While it didn't excel on paper compared to more modern engines, the GX's V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. Its 6-speed automatic transmission and 2,948-kilogram towing capacity made it capable, though not class-leading. Fuel economy was a downside, with estimates of 16.2 L/100 km in the city and 12.3 on the highway. The GX's weight contributed to its rolling feel through corners, but its predictable handling and strong brakes made it manageable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a reliable choice for rugged terrain.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered impressive interior space, with a trunk capacity of 1,097 litres and 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. This was significantly more than competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4. The Tucson's dual-level cargo floor and ample legroom in both front and rear seats added to its practicality. The interior featured thoughtful storage solutions, including angled bottle holders and multiple cupholders, while ambient lighting in the Ultimate trim added a touch of flair.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX provided ample cubby space for small items, with a deep centre console bin and convenient cupholders. However, the lack of USB-C ports and small door pockets were drawbacks. The GX's physical controls were a welcome feature, offering ease of use compared to touchscreens. The second row was comfortable, but the third row was cramped, making it suitable for occasional use. The side-hinged trunk door and limited cargo space of 328 litres behind the rear seats were less practical, though folding the seats increased capacity to 1,832 litres.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with native software, though Android Auto and Apple CarPlay only utilized about 8 inches of the screen. The infotainment system's touch-capacitive buttons were frustrating, but steering-wheel controls offered an alternative. The Tucson provided ample USB ports and a premium Bose audio system in the Ultimate trim, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2023 Lexus GX's 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system was a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering standard features like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. However, the system felt dated compared to other Lexus models, with lagging performance and less crisp graphics. The inclusion of a CD player highlighted the GX's outdated tech offerings. Despite this, the GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) for improved driving dynamics.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The Preferred trim added blind-spot collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control, while the Ultimate trim offered a surround-view monitor and unique features like the blind-spot view monitor and remote smart park assist. The Tucson received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Lexus GX, while not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, featured the Lexus Safety System+ with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were up-to-date, providing peace of mind for drivers.