2023 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid presented a bold new design that was a departure from its predecessors. It featured sharp, angular lines across its fascia and sides, making it distinctly different from the 2021 model. The Tucson's exterior was a gamble with its aggressive styling, which some might have found appealing, while others might have considered it a risk. The grille, shared with the Santa Cruz, integrated seamlessly with the LED lights, creating a futuristic look. Inside, the Tucson offered a spacious and airy cabin with standard heated front seats and a range of tech features, although the centre console felt somewhat bulky. The Ultimate trim added luxury touches like a digital driver display and ventilated front seats, but the interior could get hot quickly due to its large sunroof.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a refined and purposeful design, moving away from the boxy shapes of older Volvo models. Its front end was solid yet understated, with a bold grille and distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The XC90's dimensions remained rectilinear but were far from the utilitarian designs of the past. The Ultimate trim featured 21-inch wheels and a sophisticated paint finish, adding a touch of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal speaker covers, and Nappa leather seats. The minimalist design was complemented by wood inlays, creating a clean and luxurious atmosphere, although storage space was somewhat limited.

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-only model. The Tucson Hybrid's steering was responsive, and its six-speed automatic transmission performed admirably. The suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, maintaining balance through corners. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with ratings of 6.3 L/100 km in the city and 6.6 on the highway. The plug-in hybrid variant offered even greater efficiency with a 2.9 Le/100 km rating and 53 km of electric range.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. This powertrain produced 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, slightly less than its predecessor but with improved fuel efficiency. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery to power a 13-volt starter generator, enhancing smoothness and reducing engine load. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a reliable eight-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle handled corners well, and its brakes provided a confident feel. While lacking extensive off-road features, the XC90 offered a straightforward driving experience with minimal drive modes.

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. This was significantly more than competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4. The Tucson also provided ample legroom for both front and rear passengers, with reclining rear seats for added comfort. The dual-level cargo floor allowed for flexible storage options, and the Ultimate trim's ambient lighting added a touch of flair to the cabin.

The 2023 Volvo XC90, while offering a peaceful and pleasant front-seat experience, had limited storage space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable but adjusting the seats could be challenging. The standard seven-passenger seating could be configured to six-passenger with captain's chairs. Cargo space was 356 litres with the third row in place, expanding to 1,183 litres with it folded, and maxing out at 1,856 litres. This was less than some competitors, but the XC90's smaller size contributed to its car-like driving dynamics.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with native software, though Android Auto and Apple CarPlay only used about 8 inches of the screen. The larger screen required a wired connection, while the smaller 8-inch screen offered wireless connectivity. The touch-capacitive buttons for infotainment and HVAC controls were less user-friendly, but steering-wheel controls provided an alternative. The Ultimate trim included a Bose premium audio system and multiple USB ports.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch vertical touchscreen ran on Google OS, integrating features like Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The system supported Apple CarPlay, though iPhones were less compatible. Natural-language recognition was a highlight, allowing for voice commands via Google Home devices. However, many functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, which could be frustrating. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was optional.

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

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keeping assist was effective, and the Pilot Assist technology provided semi-autonomous driving support. These features underscored Volvo's commitment to safety.