2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was built on a new platform, offering a long-wheelbase model in North America with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front showcased Hyundai's new design language, featuring a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. The side profile borrowed design cues from the Hyundai Elantra, with a silver D-pillar creating a floating roof effect. At the rear, the Tucson sported distinctive LED taillights, and depending on the trim, it rode on either 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels. High-end trims boasted premium fascias, gloss black pillars, and a panoramic sunroof, while the interior was well-appointed with stain-resistant cloth seats and upscale materials.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model, with updates to the grille surround and bumper styling. The RDX lineup included the exclusive PMC Edition, hand-built in Ohio, and offered in a striking Long Beach Blue Pearl paint. The RDX's interior was noted for its high-quality materials and solid build quality, providing a quieter ride thanks to enhanced sound insulation. The A-Spec Platinum Elite package, priced at $60,375 in Canada, offered a sporty driving experience with a turbocharged engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Despite some design quirks, the RDX maintained a stylish and comfortable interior, making it a compelling choice among compact luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, delivering a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain was the standout, providing more power and efficiency, with a fuel consumption rating of 6.4 L/100 km combined. The Tucson also offered an all-wheel-drive option, standard on the hybrid model, which performed admirably in off-road conditions.

The 2022 Acura RDX, on the other hand, came with a single powertrain: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the RDX delivered an engaging driving experience, though it fell short of its fuel consumption rating, averaging 11.4 L/100 km during testing. The RDX's SH-AWD system provided excellent handling, distributing up to 70% of the engine's power to a single rear wheel. The revised Integrated Dynamics System and adaptive-damping suspension enhanced the RDX's ride quality, making it a comfortable and responsive SUV.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson impressed with its spacious interior, offering more passenger volume than competitors like the CR-V, RAV4, and Escape. Standard features included a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with higher trims offering an eight-way version with lumbar support. The rear seats provided ample legroom, and the 1,095-litre cargo space was comparable to rivals. The Tucson's interior was well-appointed, with a tilt and telescoping steering wheel and a dual-level cargo floor.

The 2022 Acura RDX, while compact, offered generous space for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the cabin's airy feel. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. The RDX's front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation, while the rear seats, though less comfortable, folded flat to create 1,668 litres of cargo space. The RDX also included a power liftgate with hands-free operation and hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a fully digital instrument cluster. The Tucson's tech features were user-friendly, though the touch-sensitive controls required some adjustment.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller. While the TTI required a learning curve, the RDX also offered Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The RDX's audio options included a nine-speaker system, a 12-speaker ELS Studio system, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround-sound system. A 10.5-inch head-up display was available with the A-Spec Platinum Elite trim.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. Additional safety features were available, such as blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Hyundai backed the Tucson with a 5-year/100,000-kilometre limited warranty.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The RDX included the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assist features, with new additions like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The NHTSA awarded the RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, though some driver-assist systems were less refined compared to competitors.