2023 Genesis GV80 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 with a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. The unique illumination pattern resembled the wings of the Aztec Spirit Bird. The side profile borrowed design cues from the Hyundai Elantra, featuring a silver D-pillar that created a floating roof effect. At the rear, the Tucson sported distinctive LED taillights, setting it apart from other compact SUVs. Depending on the trim, the Tucson rode on either 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, with high-end models boasting premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats, sport combination seats in the N-Line, and leather-trimmed seats in higher trims. The dashboard's horizontal lines and uncluttered design contributed to a spacious feel.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately midsize SUV just shy of 5 metres in length. In Canada, it came standard with 20-inch wheels, while the Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloys. The rear echoed the quad lamp design with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts. The hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy design, complemented by the elegant matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats, metal, and matte wood trim created a luxurious atmosphere. The centre console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was part of a spacious and luxurious interior, making it a pleasant place to spend time.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: 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, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly thrilling, it was competent and efficient, with a targeted fuel consumption of 8.2 L/100 km combined for FWD models. The hybrid powertrain, however, was the standout, delivering 226 combined horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, making it more powerful than competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Tucson Hybrid was also more fuel-efficient, with a combined rating of 6.4 L/100 km. The Tucson offered AWD as an option for ICE models and standard on the hybrid, performing well in off-road conditions.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with AWD and offered two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly agile or quick, the GV80 excelled in highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a comfortable and quiet ride. The GV80's performance was more about luxury and comfort than sporty driving dynamics.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was a budget-friendly compact SUV with a well-appointed interior that rivaled its competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue. It featured 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 allowed for increased passenger and cargo space, with more rear legroom than the RAV4 and a 1,095-litre cargo area. The rear featured a 60-40 split-folding bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a luxurious interior with heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors as standard. The Ergo driver's seat featured inflatable pockets to reduce fatigue, and the Nappa leather seats were sumptuous. A third row was available, though legroom was limited. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key. The tri-zone climate control system and 21-speaker Lexicon sound system added to the luxury experience. The GV80 boasted one of the largest cargo spaces in its class, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded. It also had a towing capacity of 2,720 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. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation and a fully digital instrument cluster. The touchpoints on the centre console were responsive, though the lack of physical buttons made it challenging to use while driving. Steering wheel controls and voice commands were more reliable options.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the 3D effects were somewhat gimmicky, the head-up display projected information into the driver's field of view. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered handwriting recognition. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed the car to park itself without the driver inside, a standout feature.

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 features like blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system were available. Hyundai offered a 5-year/100,000-kilometre limited warranty.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system displayed a video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation to provide a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid. The NHTSA awarded the GV80 a full five-star safety rating, while the IIHS rated it Good for crashworthiness and Superior for front crash prevention.