Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid emerged as a bold new entry in Hyundai's lineup, showcasing a dramatic design that set it apart from its predecessors. With sharp, angular lines and a wider, longer stance, the Tucson Hybrid was unmistakably modern and distinct from the 2021 model. Its exterior featured a unique grille that seamlessly integrated with the LED headlights, creating a futuristic appearance. The interior was spacious and airy, with standard heated front seats and a range of tech features, including a 10.25-inch digital driver display in higher trims. Despite its innovative design, some questioned whether the Tucson's bold styling would age well.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid maintained a more conservative approach to design, with minimal changes from previous models. The Highlander Hybrid's exterior was characterized by exaggerated forms and a somewhat over-styled appearance, with scowling headlights and flared rear fenders. Inside, the cabin was spacious but lacked elegance, with oversized elements like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and large climate control knobs. The interior materials and build quality left something to be desired, with mismatched textures and flimsy components detracting from the overall experience. Despite these shortcomings, the Highlander Hybrid offered a quiet ride and ample space for families.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its performance, thanks to a 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 over the gas-powered Tucson, with responsive steering and a smooth six-speed automatic transmission. The Tucson Hybrid's suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, maintaining balance through corners. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with ratings of 6.3 L/100 km in the city and 6.6 on the highway, making it a practical choice for eco-conscious drivers.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 horsepower. While the Highlander Hybrid offered standard AWD and the ability to drive on electricity alone at low speeds, its performance was less engaging. The gas engine's limited torque made high-speed passing challenging, and the brakes showed signs of fading during demanding conditions. Despite offering Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, the Highlander Hybrid's soft suspension and CVT made for a less exciting driving experience. Fuel economy was decent, with a combined rating of 6.7 L/100 km, but real-world results were slightly higher at 8.2 L/100 km.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid excelled in terms of interior space and practicality. With a longer and wider footprint, it offered generous cargo capacity, with 1,097 litres in the trunk and 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. The dual-level cargo floor added versatility, while ample legroom and reclining rear seats ensured passenger comfort. The Tucson's interior featured thoughtful storage solutions, including cupholders and bottle holders, enhancing its family-friendly appeal.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, designed to accommodate seven or eight passengers, prioritized family functionality. However, the third-row seat was best suited for occasional use, with limited comfort and accessibility. The Highlander Hybrid's interior boasted standard three-zone climate control and heated front seats, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats in higher trims. While the second-row captain's chairs provided comfort, the third-row access was tight, and the cargo space was less impressive, with 453 litres behind the third row and 2,387 litres with all seats folded. The centre console's complex design and unlined storage areas detracted from its practicality.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered a range of tech features, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen in higher trims. However, the infotainment system's touch-capacitive controls were less user-friendly, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay required a wired connection on the larger screen. Despite these drawbacks, the Tucson provided ample USB ports and a premium Bose audio system in the Ultimate trim, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced updated technology, with a new 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with over-the-air updates. The Highlander Hybrid also offered connected services, including Remote Connect and Drive Connect, with features like natural voice recognition and cloud-based navigation. While the technology was generally user-friendly, the graphics could have been more visually appealing.

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, enhancing driver awareness. The Tucson received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, underscoring its commitment to safety.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid prioritized safety with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with additional features like parking sensors and a surround-view camera in higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, providing peace of mind for safety-conscious buyers.