Hyundai Tucson vs Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model featured striking 22-inch wheels in a silver finish, part of the TX 350 Executive packages, enhancing its visual appeal. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's aesthetics. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, though the TX 550h+ was not yet available. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, with options for Ultra Luxury or Executive packages in Canada. The interior, while dark with the Peppercorn colour scheme, felt luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson, introduced in its current generation for the 2022 model year, carried over its fantastic styling into 2024. It featured taut angles and unique design choices, such as headlights blending into the grille, creating a handsome and contemporary package. Even in white, the Tucson looked sharp, a testament to its design execution. Unlike some luxury brands that scale designs across models, Hyundai maintained unique styles for each vehicle. The Tucson's trim levels in Canada included Preferred, N Line, Luxury, and Ultimate, each offering distinct features like alloy wheels, dark chrome grilles, and upgraded headlights. Inside, the Tucson boasted a modern and refined cabin with approachable technology, though some controls were less intuitive. The base Preferred trim included essential features like USB ports, dual-zone climate control, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added luxury touches like leatherette upholstery, panoramic sunroofs, and advanced audio systems.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial skepticism about its suitability for a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, the engine performed adequately for typical driving scenarios with up to four passengers. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The official fuel economy rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, a slight improvement over the previous RX L model. During testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km, with the ride and handling striking a balance between firmness and comfort. The steering was accurate, and the interior remained quiet on highways. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Preferred came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission to standard all-wheel drive. While adequate for city driving, the engine struggled with highway acceleration and passing maneuvers, requiring heavy throttle input and producing significant noise. For more power, the Tucson Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid offered 226 and 261 horsepower, respectively, though they featured a button-style shifter design that required acclimatization. The Tucson excelled in handling and ride quality, providing a comfortable and composed driving experience. It absorbed road imperfections well, making it suitable for long trips or daily commutes. The steering was well-weighted and precise, though not as athletic as some competitors like the Mazda CX-5.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a more affordable and practical option compared to the GX, LX, and RX L models. The TX 350 test unit featured premium materials, including semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery. Standard equipment in Canada included heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional heated and ventilated captain's chairs. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they provided comfort and support. The second-row seat, though less welcoming, offered triple-zone climate control and USB charging ports for all rows. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with adequate leg support and visibility. However, adjusting the second-row seat for third-row comfort compromised second-row legroom. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,625 litres with the third row folded, and 2,746 litres with the second row down.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson offered impressive cargo space, with up to 2,119 litres available with the rear seats folded and 1,097 litres with them in use. The Tucson Preferred featured a manual liftgate, while higher trims included a hands-free power liftgate. This intuitive system allowed easy access when carrying items, requiring only proximity to the rear bumper with the key fob. The Tucson accommodated up to five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The front seats were particularly spacious, making it suitable for longer trips with four adults. The cabin featured deep cup holders and a centre tray with a wireless charging pad, enhancing convenience.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, standard on all but the base package. The Executive packages added a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. While the larger display and camera were beneficial, the head-up display's unmarked steering wheel controls were distracting, especially for those wearing polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a Drive Connect subscription was required for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect free for three years. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson's standard infotainment system included a fully digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. While the layout was intuitive, the lack of wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay was a drawback. The volume control was a haptic toggle, which some found less convenient than traditional dials. However, the touchscreen and haptic buttons worked with gloves, useful in cold weather. Hyundai's remote start system evolved to allow seamless transition from remote start to driving without pressing the start button, enhancing convenience.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, road sign assist, and automatic high beams. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, offered braking and steering assistance but was not always transparent in operation. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit assist. The Executive packages added parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and traffic jam assist. While LSS+ 3.0 generally performed well, it occasionally slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in, causing frustration.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson came standard with numerous driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Ultimate trim added parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, and Smart Park remote-parking. The blind-spot camera system provided real-time video feeds, enhancing safety. The IIHS rated the 2024 Tucson highly, with a "Good" score in most crash tests and "Superior" for crash-prevention technology. The NHTSA awarded it five stars in frontal crash tests and four stars in rollover tests.