2023 Lexus GX vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson presented a fresh design on a new platform, offering North American buyers a long-wheelbase model with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front showcased Hyundai's new vehicle face, with a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. The illuminated lights formed a distinctive shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird's wings. 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's toothy taillights, illuminated by LEDs, added a unique touch, helping it stand out among compact SUVs. The Tucson rode on either 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, depending on the trim level, with high-end models boasting premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. The cabin was well-appointed, with stain- and odour-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 contributed to a sense of spaciousness.

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its imposing spindle grille and 206 millimetres of ground clearance, exuded a commanding presence. The front end, framed by massive headlights, appeared ready to conquer the road. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colours, including the new Eminent White Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's interior featured a surprising amount of plastic, reflecting its low sales volume and the need for cost-effective manufacturing. However, it still offered luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery. The GX's design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky designs, with a hood that fell away from sight, making it easier to navigate technical driving. While the GX's V8 engine provided a satisfying sound and power delivery, its fuel economy and towing capacity lagged behind more modern SUVs. The GX's weight and handling were predictable, with strong brakes and a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhancing its off-road capabilities.

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, providing adequate performance but lacking excitement. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid used a six-speed transmission. The hybrid powertrain delivered 226 total system horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, making it more powerful and enjoyable to drive. The Tucson Hybrid outperformed competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. All-wheel drive was standard on the hybrid and available on ICE models, offering impressive off-road performance. 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 with AWD. The upcoming Tucson PHEV promised even more power, with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque, along with an anticipated 40-kilometre electric range.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't excel on paper compared to newer engines, the V8 provided a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. The GX's towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was respectable but fell short of some competitors. Its fuel economy, estimated at 14.5 L/100 km combined, was typical for a V8 engine. The GX's weight affected its handling, but it remained predictable and controllable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential distributed power effectively, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Despite its age, the GX's driving dynamics had improved, with communicative road feel and strong brakes.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered a spacious and well-appointed interior, competing with popular models 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 provided more passenger and cargo space, with rear seats offering 90 millimetres more legroom than the RAV4. Its 1,095-litre cargo space was comparable to competitors, with a dual-level cargo floor for added versatility.

The 2023 Lexus GX retained ample cubby space for small items, with a deep centre console bin and convenient cupholders. While it lacked USB-C ports, it featured hard buttons for controls, avoiding the trend of haptic-touch interfaces. The centre console lid had adjustable sliding mechanisms for comfort. The second row offered good legroom and headroom, with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat. However, the third row was tight and best suited for emergencies. The GX's side-hinged trunk door required effort to open, and its cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the rear seats and 1,832 litres with both rows folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a fully digital instrument cluster. The touchpoints on the centre console were responsive, but the narrow steering wheel controls were less user-friendly.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and a CD player. While the touchscreen was an improvement, it lagged behind newer Lexus models. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for enhanced performance.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been tested 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 rear occupant alert. 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 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Despite its age, it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. The Lexus Safety System+ enhanced its safety features, making it a safer choice despite its older design.