Hyundai Tucson vs Toyota Highlander

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. 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 sported LED-illuminated toothy taillights, setting it apart from other compact SUVs. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on either 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, with high-end trims featuring premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with standard stain- and odour-resistant cloth seats, and higher trims offering leather-trimmed seats and a spacious, uncluttered dashboard design.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander boasted a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window. Inside, it offered ample cabin space and clever storage solutions. The XSE trim stood out with its bold red leather interior, unique exterior styling, ambient lighting, and sport-tuned suspension. The Highlander came in various trims, including LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum, each offering a range of features. The base LE trim included standard all-wheel drive, 18-inch alloy wheels, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims added features like LED fog lights, power-adjustable seats, wireless charging, and a power sunroof. The Limited and Platinum trims offered premium features such as heated and ventilated seats, a JBL audio system, and a panoramic moonroof.

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 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 combined horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, making it more powerful and enjoyable to drive. The Tucson Hybrid was also more fuel-efficient, with a combined fuel consumption rating of 6.4 L/100 km. The Tucson's AWD system performed well in off-road testing, providing stability and control. The upcoming plug-in hybrid version promised even more power, with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission to standard all-wheel drive. The Highlander offered drive modes, including Sport, Normal, and Eco, as well as AWD modes for different terrains. The V6 engine provided good pickup and a throaty exhaust note, especially at highway speeds. The Highlander's handling was commendable, with a sport-tuned suspension on the XSE trim that reduced body roll while maintaining comfort. The Highlander could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and had a max payload of 775 kilograms.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was a budget-friendly compact SUV with a well-appointed interior. It featured a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with higher trims offering an eight-way version with lumbar support. Heated front seats were standard, and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and memory settings were available. The Tucson's new platform provided more passenger and cargo space, with 1,095 litres of cargo space and a 60-40 split-folding rear bench seat. The cabin offered ample room for a family of four, with more passenger volume than competitors like the CR-V, RAV4, and Escape.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered up to 2,387 litres of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded. With the second-row seats in use, there was 1,370 litres of cargo space, and 453 litres with all seats deployed. The Highlander's interior featured deep cargo pockets, extra storage ledges, and a spacious centre console. The XSE trim included second-row captain's chairs, providing a centre aisle to the rear seats. While the second-row seats were spacious for adults, the third row was best suited for short trips.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came 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 touchscreen with navigation and a fully digital instrument cluster. The Tucson's tech features were user-friendly, though the touchpoints on the centre console required some adjustment. Steering wheel controls and voice commands were helpful for managing functions while driving.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander featured Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system had a straightforward layout with hard buttons for easy navigation. A wireless charging pad and additional USB ports were available on higher trims. The Highlander also offered a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was equipped with 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 like blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system were available. The Tucson had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, featuring forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and dynamic radar cruise control. All trims included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and eight airbags. Optional features included parking sensors, a surround-view monitor, and a digital rearview mirror. The Highlander was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.