Subaru Ascent vs Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid emerged as a bold new entry in Hyundai's lineup, showcasing a dramatic redesign that set it apart from its predecessors. With sharp, angular lines and a distinctive grille that seamlessly integrated with the LED lighting, the Tucson Hybrid presented a futuristic aesthetic. The vehicle's increased length and width contributed to its commanding presence on the road, ensuring that it was unmistakably the 2022 model. Despite its striking exterior, there were concerns about the longevity of its design appeal, as the aggressive styling might not age as gracefully as its more conservative predecessors. Inside, the Tucson Hybrid offered a spacious and airy cabin, with a nearly unobstructed view thanks to the integrated infotainment display and hoodless driver information display. The interior was equipped with standard heated front seats and cloth upholstery, with higher trims offering additional luxury features such as leather-wrapped steering wheels and ambient lighting.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced the Onyx Edition trim, which featured a blacked-out exterior for a sporty appearance. The Ascent's design was more traditional, with a focus on practicality and functionality. Inside, the Ascent offered a comfortable driving position and was well-prepared for harsh weather conditions with features like heated front seats and a wiper de-icer. The interior was spacious, accommodating up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent's cabin was equipped with practical storage solutions, including a dashboard shelf and large cupholders. The vehicle's panoramic sunroof and rear-side window shades added to the comfort and convenience for passengers.

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 provided a noticeable improvement in performance over the gas-powered Tucson, with responsive steering and a smooth six-speed automatic transmission. The Tucson Hybrid's suspension was particularly noteworthy, offering a comfortable ride while maintaining stability through corners. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with ratings of 6.3 L/100 km in the city, 6.6 on the highway, and 6.4 combined. 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 2022 Subaru Ascent, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The engine's flat-four layout contributed to a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling. The Ascent's CVT was well-tuned, offering eight programmed ratios and manual shift control for a more engaging driving experience. The Ascent excelled in towing capacity, with the ability to tow up to 2,270 kg. Its off-road capabilities were bolstered by Subaru's X-Mode traction control system and 22 cm of ground clearance. While the Ascent demonstrated agility in urban settings, its suspension tuning allowed for some body motion during spirited driving on country roads.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered impressive cargo space, with 1,097 litres available in the trunk and 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. The dual-level cargo floor added versatility, while the interior provided ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The Tucson's cabin was thoughtfully designed, with convenient storage solutions and ambient lighting enhancing the overall experience.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent accommodated up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent's interior was designed for practicality, with wide rear doors for easy access and captain's chairs available on higher trims. The vehicle offered 458 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,193 litres with the second row folded, and a maximum of 2,061 litres with both rows down. The Ascent's cabin featured numerous storage options, including a dashboard shelf and large cupholders.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen in higher trims, though it required a wired connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The interface relied on touch-capacitive buttons, which could be frustrating to use. However, the Tucson offered plenty of USB ports and a premium audio system in the Ultimate trim.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch display available on higher trims. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity, along with traditional volume and tuning knobs. While the voice recognition technology needed improvement, the system was user-friendly. The Ascent's Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, with a premium sound system available on higher trims.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear occupant alert. Higher trims 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 2022 Subaru Ascent also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and received five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA. The Ascent featured Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, which included adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology. While the system had some limitations, it was effective overall. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and reverse automatic braking.