2022 Volvo XC40 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 vehicle face, with a parametric grille concealing LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. The headlights and daytime running lights formed a unique shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird's wings. The side profile mirrored the Hyundai Elantra's design, featuring a silver D-pillar that created a floating roof effect. The rear boasted toothy taillights illuminated by LEDs, making the Tucson stand out among compact SUVs. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, with high-end models featuring premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. The cabin was well-appointed, with stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats, sport combination seats in the N-Line, and leather-trimmed seats available from the Preferred Trend trim. The interior's horizontal lines and uncluttered aesthetic provided a sense of spaciousness.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge maintained a design closely resembling its gasoline counterpart, with a few upgrades. The most noticeable difference was the solid panel in the grille, redirecting airflow around the vehicle. The XC40 featured trim-specific 19-inch alloy wheels and "Recharge" badging, with the absence of tailpipes hinting at its electric nature. The exterior was impeccably assembled, with even gaps, glossy paint, and chrome accents. Inside, the XC40 embraced Scandinavian design, offering an airy and roomy cabin. The dash's harmonious shapes and lines, from the HVAC vents to the centre stack touchscreen, contributed to its premium feel. The XC40 Recharge was a genuine luxury SUV, reflecting Volvo's steady progression into the premium automotive category.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain variants: a 2.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. The ICE engine delivered 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain, with a total system output of 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, provided a more engaging driving experience. The Tucson Hybrid was more powerful than the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Tucson's AWD system, standard on the hybrid and available on ICE models, performed well in off-road testing. The Tucson Hybrid was notably more fuel-efficient, with a combined rating of 6.4 L/100 km, compared to the ICE model's 9.0 L/100 km. The upcoming Tucson PHEV promised even more power, with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack powering two electric motors, delivering 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the XC40 Recharge to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The gasoline-powered XC40 T4 and T5 models, with turbo four-cylinder engines, offered 0-100 km/h times of 8.5 and 6.4 seconds, respectively. The Recharge's regenerative braking system recaptured energy during deceleration, with the option for one-pedal driving. The XC40 Recharge's lower centre of gravity improved handling, and its suspension setup provided a stable ride. Natural Resources Canada rated the XC40 Recharge at 2.8 Le/100 km combined, with a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge. The gasoline XC40 models had combined ratings of 9.3 and 9.4 L/100 km for the T4 and T5, respectively.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, a budget-friendly compact SUV, offered a well-appointed interior comparable to its competitors. Standard features included a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and memory settings available. The Tucson's new platform provided more space for passengers and cargo, with rear seats offering 90 millimetres more legroom than the RAV4. The cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four, with more passenger volume than the CR-V, RAV4, and Escape. The Tucson's cargo space of 1,095 litres was comparable to the Forester, RAV4, and CR-V, and exceeded the Escape's capacity. The rear featured a 60-40 split-folding bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. The absence of a gasoline engine allowed for a front trunk, ideal for storing the charging cable or small items. The cabin featured ample storage, including door pockets, a bag hook, and map pockets. The front seats provided comfort for driver and passenger, while the rear seats were suitable for outboard passengers. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the second row folded flat and a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, HD Radio, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. The Preferred trim added satellite radio, Blue Link mobile app compatibility, additional USB outlets, rear air conditioning vents, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims offered a fully digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation. The touchscreen's flat surface and lack of physical buttons required reliance on steering wheel controls and voice commands.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured a comprehensive suite of tech, including Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring. The Recharge's heat pump supported climate control, extending the vehicle's range. The 9.3-inch centre-stack touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel featured new graphics and menu structures. The Android Automotive operating system integrated Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store, with Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth also available. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates, though the range display relied on a percentage of charge rather than distance, potentially causing range anxiety.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA. Its Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite included forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, a driver attention monitor, and rear occupant alert. Additional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and remote parking assist. Hyundai offered a 5-year/100,000-kilometre limited warranty.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ rating. The NHTSA had not rated the Recharge but awarded the gasoline XC40 T5 AWD a five-star overall rating. The XC40 Recharge's safety features included collision warning, blind-spot information, lane keep assist, and a high-strength protective cage for the battery. The vehicle's top speed was electronically capped at 180 km/h. Volvo's Connected Safety system shared road condition data with other connected vehicles, enhancing safety.