2023 Lexus RX Hybrid 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 that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. The headlights and daytime running lights formed a distinctive shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird's wings. The Tucson's side profile mirrored the Hyundai Elantra's design, featuring a silver D-pillar that created a floating roof effect. At the rear, the Tucson boasted toothy taillights illuminated by LEDs, contributing to its standout design among 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, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with stain- and odour-resistant cloth seats as standard, and leather-trimmed seats available on higher trims. The dashboard's horizontal lines and uncluttered aesthetic added to the sense of spaciousness.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, redesigned for the year, was tested in Santa Barbara, California. The RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance hybrid versions were the focus, with the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid arriving later. Visually, the RX 350h was nearly indistinguishable from the standard RX 350, save for the badge on the liftgate. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint job, blacked-out grille, and matte-black 21-inch wheels. The 2023 RX models maintained the RX's traditional blunt-nosed design, with a wheelbase stretch that reduced the SUV's rear overhang, making it appear smaller despite its similar size to the outgoing model. Inside, the RX adopted a cleaner, more minimalistic appearance, with a new Lexus Interface infotainment system and contemporary textures and detailing. The RX 350h Luxury test vehicle featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had an all-black interior with artificial suede and dark grey aluminum trim.

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 and 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. Fuel efficiency for the Tucson Hybrid was impressive, with a combined rating of 6.4 L/100 km. The upcoming Tucson PHEV promised even more power, with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new powertrain lineup. The RX 350h, with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving a combined fuel efficiency of 6.5 L/100 km. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, but consumed 8.6 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 500h featured an adaptive damping suspension, Dynamic Rear Steering, and Active Sound Control, enhancing its driving dynamics. The RX 350h offered a more secure and comfortable ride, with a lower centre of gravity and instant electric motor torque. The RX 500h's Sport mode provided an engaging driving experience, but its fuel economy fell short of expectations during testing.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, a budget-friendly compact SUV, offered a well-appointed interior comparable to its competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape. 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 and heated rear seats available. The Tucson's new platform provided more passenger and cargo space, with 1,095 litres of cargo space. The rear seats offered 90 millimetres more legroom than the RAV4, and the cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable and luxurious interior, especially in the RX 350h Luxury trim with ten-way power-adjustable front seats and premium leather. The RX 500h F Sport Performance featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger side bolsters. The hybrids' battery packs were housed under the rear seat, providing excellent leg support but limited headroom. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with the back seat folded, an improvement over the previous model but still slightly less than some rivals.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation. The touchpoints on the centre console were flat, making it challenging to find the right button while driving. The steering wheel controls were stylish but not as user-friendly as bulkier buttons.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a new infotainment system, requiring a subscription for connected services after the trial period. The Lexus Interface offered Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant. The system worked well, but the touchscreen displayed only one menu at a time, and reflections were an issue. The available head-up display had dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which were distracting, especially with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Additional features like blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system were available. Hyundai provided a 5-year/100,000-kilometre limited warranty.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available. The system had some irritations, such as the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction tech. The driver monitoring system could be obstructed by certain driving positions.