2023 Volvo XC90 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 elements from the Hyundai Elantra, with a silver D-pillar that gave the Tucson a floating roof appearance. 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, 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 added to the sense of spaciousness.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo's past boxy designs, presenting a purposeful yet understated look. Its front end was solid and assertive, with a grille that was bold without being flashy. The "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, while the overall dimensions maintained a rectilinear shape without resembling the toasters of old. The XC90 Ultimate trim featured 21-inch wheels with low-profile Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires, adding drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. The Platinum Grey paint had brown undertones, giving it richness and depth. Inside, the XC90's design was elegant, with a two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior featured wood deco inlays and a clean look, with few physical controls, creating a serene atmosphere.

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 and an electric motor. The ICE engine produced 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain delivered 226 total system 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 fuel consumption rating of 6.4 L/100 km. The Tucson PHEV, with a 13.8-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, offered an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful in the lineup.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid version of the previous powertrain, offering 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the gains were minimal. The B6 powertrain used a supercharger and turbo, with a lithium-ion battery powering a 13-volt starter generator for functions like climate control and ignition. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle's insulation kept road and wind noise at bay, and the brakes provided a confident pedal feel. The XC90 lacked extensive off-road features, focusing on simplicity with a manual shift feature and an off-road mode.

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 and heated rear seats as options. 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 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was elegant but had some space and storage limitations. The front seats were comfortable, but the lack of cubby space for smaller items was noticeable. The second row was reasonably spacious, but accessing the third row was challenging. The XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space with the third row in place, expanding to 1,183 litres with the seats folded. The maximum cargo capacity of 1,856 litres fell short of competitors like the Audi Q7 and Infiniti QX60. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a smaller car, offering a pleasant driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, 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, but the lack of physical buttons made it challenging to operate while driving.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS. This system integrated Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant, with natural-language recognition enhancing the user experience. However, many functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to some frustration. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was optional.

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 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 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology provided additional support for maintaining distance and lane position.