Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs Lexus TX

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid was a bold departure from its predecessors, showcasing a dramatic new design that was both longer and wider. Its sharp, angular cues and distinctive grille set it apart from previous models, making it unmistakable on the road. The Tucson's exterior was a gamble, with its hard creases and futuristic lighting elements, but it certainly captured attention. Inside, the Tucson offered a spacious and airy cabin, with standard heated front seats and a range of tech features across its trims. The interior design was modern, with a hoodless driver information display that, while sharp, tended to gather dust. Despite some subjective concerns about its styling aging well, the Tucson Hybrid's interior was both functional and visually appealing.

The 2026 Lexus TX, meanwhile, presented a more traditional luxury SUV aesthetic with a large grille and sharp bi-LED headlights. Its rear LED lighting and available roof rails added to its sleek appearance. Inside, the TX offered three interior colour options and ambient lighting, though some materials fell short of luxury standards. The redesigned door handles were a unique touch, but not necessarily a needed innovation. The TX's interior was spacious, particularly in the third row, which provided ample headroom and comfort for adults. The front seats, while roomy, could have benefited from more thigh support. Overall, the TX combined luxury with practicality, though some design choices were more about form than function.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This setup made the hybrid noticeably quicker than its gas-powered counterpart. The Tucson's steering was responsive, and its six-speed automatic transmission performed admirably. The suspension was a standout feature, providing a smooth ride over various road conditions. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the hybrid achieving 6.4 L/100 km combined, a significant improvement over the gas model. For those seeking even greater efficiency, the plug-in hybrid variant offered a 2.9 Le/100 km rating with 53 km of all-electric range.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered two powertrains: the base TX 350 with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged engine and the TX 500h hybrid with 366 horsepower. The hybrid's six-speed automatic transmission was a welcome alternative to the typical CVT found in electrified vehicles. The TX 350 featured full-time AWD, while the TX 500h utilized Lexus's Direct4 AWD system for dynamic torque distribution. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode enhancing throttle response. While not a sports car, the TX provided a balanced ride, with the 500h offering adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered impressive cargo space, with 1,097 litres in the trunk and 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. This was more than competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4. The Tucson's dual-level cargo floor and ample legroom in both front and rear seats added to its practicality. The interior featured thoughtful storage solutions, including angled bottle holders and multiple cupholders, while ambient lighting in the Ultimate trim added a touch of elegance.

The 2026 Lexus TX excelled in interior space, with three-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious third row. The second row offered captain's chairs or a bench seat, with a one-touch button for easy third-row access. However, folding the second row flat required a specific sequence of lever adjustments. The TX's cargo capacity was notable, with 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,747 litres with all seats folded. The TX also boasted a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

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

The 2026 Lexus TX's tech was a mixed bag. Its 14-inch touchscreen was responsive, but some features, like satellite radio station input, were cumbersome. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but lacked clear labeling. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. The TX offered a range of subscription-based features, including navigation and a digital key. The backup camera and Advanced Park system were highlights, and the vehicle was well-equipped with USB ports and wireless charging options.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot collision avoidance. The Ultimate trim added advanced features like a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. The Tucson received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, with features like forward collision warning and lane tracing assist. While Proactive Driving Assist was intended to enhance safety, it often activated unexpectedly. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, and the TX received high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.