2022 Volvo XC60 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 design featured a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals, creating a distinctive shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird's wings. The side profile borrowed design cues from the Hyundai Elantra, with a silver D-pillar that gave the Tucson a floating roof appearance. At the rear, the Tucson sported LED-illuminated toothy taillights, setting it apart from other compact SUVs. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on either 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, with high-end models featuring premium fascias, gloss black pillars, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats as standard, and leather-trimmed seats available on higher trims. The dashboard's horizontal lines and uncluttered aesthetic contributed to a sense of spaciousness.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look and a reworked grille that housed sensors for driver-assist systems. The rear bumper was redesigned to hide the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, ensuring a consistent design language. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, adding flair to the otherwise subdued interior. The Inscription trim level offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, enhancing the luxury feel.

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 produced 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid delivered a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain was more powerful and efficient, 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 well in off-road testing. A plug-in hybrid version was set to join the lineup, boasting an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque, with an expected electric range of around 40 kilometres.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 options. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, with the B6 adding an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive standard in Canada. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid delivered 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 horsepower and 494 lb-ft, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds. The XC60 emphasized luxury and comfort, with a quiet cabin and smooth ride, enhanced by optional air suspension.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was a budget-friendly compact SUV with a well-appointed interior, comparable to competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. It featured a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat as standard, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available. The Tucson's new platform provided more passenger and cargo space, with 1,095 litres of cargo capacity. The rear seats offered 90 millimetres more legroom than the RAV4, and the cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive interior space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded, while the plug-in hybrid models had slightly less capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and a 4.2-inch multi-information display. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a fully digital instrument cluster. The touchscreen was embedded in a larger head unit, with touchpoints for climate and media controls. While responsive, the lack of physical buttons made it challenging to use while driving, relying more on steering wheel controls and voice commands.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system integrated Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation, with access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates and promised full iPhone compatibility. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, 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 offered a 5-year/100,000-kilometre limited warranty.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2021 model received high ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. An optional driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring.