2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson presented a bold new design, riding on a fresh platform that offered a long-wheelbase model exclusively in North America. This configuration provided two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area, enhancing its practicality. The Tucson's front showcased Hyundai's new design language, featuring a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. When illuminated, these lights formed 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 creating a floating roof effect. At the rear, the Tucson sported toothy LED taillights, adding a unique touch to its overall appearance.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive, flat-roofed SUV profile, embodying Volvo's clean design language. The XC40's exterior updates included pixelated "Thor’s Hammer" headlights, a more angular front bumper, and new wheel designs. These changes were subtle, making it challenging for even current XC40 owners to spot the differences. The XC40 shared its Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform with other Volvo and Polestar models, making it the only CMA-based model in North America available with a combustion engine. Inside, the XC40 retained its minimalist design, featuring thin air vents framing the central touchscreen and scalloped elements housing door handles and speaker grilles. The interior offered dual-zone automatic climate control and optional leather upholstery, with vegan leather available for Recharge models.

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, while the hybrid delivered a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain stood out for its enhanced power and efficiency, outperforming competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Tucson's AWD system, standard on the hybrid and optional on ICE models, performed admirably in off-road testing. Fuel efficiency varied, with the hybrid achieving 6.4 L/100 km combined, while the ICE models ranged from 8.2 to 9.0 L/100 km combined, depending on drivetrain configuration.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, featuring a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. The B5 models in Canada boasted a 2.0-litre turbo-four-cylinder engine with 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B5 models accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, offering a refined driving experience with smooth power delivery. The XC40 Recharge, with its two electric motors, produced a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a 359-kilometre range. The Recharge also had a higher towing capacity than the gasoline-powered XC40, making it a versatile option for those seeking electrification.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson impressed with its spacious interior, offering more passenger volume than competitors like the CR-V, RAV4, and Escape. 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 options for ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and memory settings for the driver's seat. The Tucson's rear seats provided ample legroom, surpassing the RAV4 by 90 millimetres. Its 1,095-litre cargo space was competitive, with a dual-level cargo floor adding versatility.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while compact, offered reasonable space for its class. It tied with the BMW X1 for rear-seat headroom and provided generous shoulder room, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness. Cargo space measured 566 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,328 litres with them folded, slightly less than some competitors. The XC40 excelled in interior storage, with scalloped door panels and a well-designed centre console storage bin. A power tailgate and keyless entry were standard, adding convenience to its practicality.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, and connectivity features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a fully digital instrument cluster. The Tucson's tech interface, while responsive, required drivers to rely on steering wheel controls and voice commands due to its flat, touch-sensitive surface.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 featured an Android-based infotainment system with Google apps, including Google Maps and Google Assistant. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch touchscreen were standard, with a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available on higher trims. The XC40's minimalist design meant most controls were accessed through the touchscreen, which could be challenging for some users. The system's graphics were pleasing, but Apple users might find the Google integration less satisfying.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered a comprehensive suite of safety features through its Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite. Standard features included forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Additional options included blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Hyundai provided a 5-year/100,000-kilometre limited warranty for added peace of mind.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 emphasized safety with standard features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Upgrading to higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control with Pilot Assist. The XC40 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS, although it dropped to an "Acceptable" rating in the updated side-impact test. The XC40's Pilot Assist offered smooth lane-centring but had a tendency to hug the right side of the lane.