Toyota 4Runner vs Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid emerged as a bold new entry in Hyundai's lineup, showcasing a striking design that set it apart from its predecessors. With its sharp, angular lines and a longer, wider stance, the Tucson Hybrid made a statement on the road. Its distinctive grille, seamlessly integrated with LED headlights and running lights, offered a futuristic look that was both dramatic and unique. The interior of the Tucson Hybrid was spacious and airy, featuring standard heated front seats and a range of tech upgrades in higher trims, such as a 10.25-inch digital driver information display and ambient lighting. Despite its modern appeal, some questioned whether the Tucson's aggressive styling would age well over time.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner maintained a classic, rugged appearance reminiscent of truck-based SUVs from the past. The 40th Anniversary Special Edition added retro body stripes and bronze accents, enhancing its nostalgic charm. Inside, the 4Runner's cabin was practical and solid, with easy-to-use controls and comfortable seating. While the interior featured plenty of plastic, it felt durable and of good quality. The 4Runner's design prioritized functionality, with features like a power-down rear window and a tailgate bumper that doubled as a seat. Despite its utilitarian focus, the 4Runner's design had an enduring appeal that resonated with those seeking a traditional SUV experience.

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 boost in performance compared to the gas-only model. The Tucson Hybrid's steering was responsive and direct, and its six-speed automatic transmission managed shifts smoothly. The suspension excelled at absorbing road imperfections, maintaining balance 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. 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 2023 Toyota 4Runner, equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine, produced 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. Its five-speed automatic transmission powered a standard 4WD system, providing a towing capacity of 2,268 kg. The 4Runner's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with a combined rating of 13.8 L/100 km. The 4Runner excelled in off-road environments, but its on-road performance was less refined, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering.

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. The interior provided ample legroom for both front and rear passengers, and the rear seats reclined for added comfort. The Tucson's cabin featured thoughtful storage solutions, including angled bottle holders and multiple cupholders.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's standout feature was its power-down rear window, providing excellent ventilation. The interior offered comfortable seating, with dual-zone climate control and numerous storage locations. The second-row seating area was spacious, with good legroom and USB charging ports. However, the optional third-row seat compromised cargo space, reducing it to just 254 litres. Without the third row, the 4Runner provided a substantial 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it a practical choice for those needing ample storage.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with native software, though Android Auto and Apple CarPlay only utilized a portion of the screen. The infotainment system included touch-capacitive buttons, which some found frustrating. However, the Tucson offered plenty of USB ports and a premium Bose audio system in higher trims.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was more traditional, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The 4Runner's controls were user-friendly, with large knobs and buttons. The voice recognition system performed well, handling most commands accurately.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. 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 2023 Toyota 4Runner included essential safety features such as forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard across all trims. However, the 4Runner's crash-test ratings were less favourable, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a three-star rating for rollover resistance.