Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid emerged as a bold new entrant in the automotive market, showcasing a dramatic redesign that set it apart from its predecessors. With sharp, angular lines and a wider, longer stance, the Tucson Hybrid made a striking impression. Its grille, seamlessly integrated with LED headlights and running lights, offered a futuristic aesthetic, especially in the higher trims with dark chrome finishes. The interior was equally impressive, featuring an open and airy design with a hoodless driver information display that minimized glare. Despite its bulkier centre console, the Tucson Hybrid provided a nearly unobstructed view, complemented by standard heated front seats and a range of tech features across trims.

In contrast, the 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ captivated with its sleek exterior styling, reminiscent of the classic Seville. Its long hood and low ground clearance gave it the appearance of a long sedan, while vertical light bars and LED headlights added a modern touch. The interior was a testament to Cadillac's attention to detail, with leather-wrapped seats, polished controls, and a unique three-spoke steering wheel. However, the floating centre console, while visually appealing, lacked practicality. The 33-inch OLED display was a standout feature, offering a seamless integration of technology without dominating the space.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque when paired with an electric motor. Its all-wheel-drive system was standard on most trims, providing a responsive and direct steering experience. The six-speed automatic transmission managed the power efficiently, while the suspension absorbed road imperfections with ease. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the hybrid achieving 6.4 L/100 km combined, a significant improvement over the gas-only version. The plug-in hybrid variant offered even greater efficiency, with a 2.9 Le/100 km rating and 53 km of all-electric range.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, while not as sporty as its exterior suggested, excelled on the highway with its calm and poised ride. The dual-motor powertrain delivered an impressive 500 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, though the handling was hindered by its substantial weight of 2,630 kg. The Lyriq's regenerative braking and acceleration were smooth, enhancing its long-distance comfort. However, its handling was less agile compared to other Cadillac models, with noticeable understeer and uninspiring steering feel. The AWD Lyriq had a towing capacity of 1,587 kg, but the lack of handling-enhancing features was a drawback.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered generous cargo space, with 1,097 litres in the trunk and 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. Its dual-level cargo floor allowed for flexible storage options, while front and rear legroom exceeded a metre each. The interior was well-equipped with cupholders and ambient lighting, enhancing the overall cabin experience.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, despite its midsize dimensions, sacrificed cargo space for a spacious back seat. It provided 793 litres of cargo space behind the seats and 1,722 litres when folded. However, functionality issues arose with misaligned rear fenders, a problematic charging port, and a cumbersome glovebox. The floating console and small centre cubby further detracted from its practicality.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with native software, though Android Auto and Apple CarPlay required a wired connection. The touch-capacitive buttons for infotainment and HVAC controls were less user-friendly, but steering-wheel controls offered an alternative. The Ultimate trim boasted a Bose premium audio system and ample USB ports.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ's 33-inch OLED screen was a highlight, with touch-enabled sections for lighting and trip information. The infotainment system ran native Google Maps and Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Super Cruise system provided excellent hands-free driving capabilities, while the 19-speaker AKG stereo delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Ultimate trim added a surround-view monitor and unique features like blind-spot view monitor and remote smart park assist. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ offered standard safety features such as forward automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. However, it received a poor rating for its headlights from the IIHS and an acceptable mark for its front pedestrian collision avoidance system. It had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA.