Toyota RAV4 vs Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid presented a bold new design 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 made a striking visual statement. The vehicle's increased length and width contributed to its commanding presence on the road, ensuring it was easily distinguishable from previous models. Inside, the Tucson Hybrid offered a spacious and airy cabin, with a centre console that, while somewhat bulky, provided an 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 features like a 10.25-inch digital driver information display and ambient lighting.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 maintained the design language introduced in 2019, with the Trail trim featuring a more aggressive grille and blacked-out wheels. The interior of the RAV4 Trail trim was accented with orange details, adding a touch of flair to an otherwise straightforward cabin. The RAV4 offered a sense of ruggedness with its truck-like nature, although it was more of a visual statement than a functional one. The interior provided practical storage solutions, including a shelf running the length of the glove compartment and generous door pockets. The RAV4's design focused on functionality, with a lever-style gear shifter and side-by-side cupholders in the front row.

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 noticeably quicker performance compared to the gas-powered Tucson. The hybrid's six-speed automatic transmission managed shifts smoothly, and the responsive steering added to the driving experience. The Tucson Hybrid's suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, maintaining balance through corners. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the hybrid achieving 6.4 L/100 km combined, a significant improvement over the gas model.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, offered a reliable but unexciting performance. The eight-speed automatic transmission was preferable to a CVT, but it didn't enhance acceleration. The RAV4's engine was noisier than some competitors, though not as loud as the Subaru Forester's. The Trail trim's 19-inch wheels and suspension setup were consistent with other RAV4 models, providing a stable ride but lacking the excitement of the Tucson Hybrid.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered impressive cargo space, with 1,097 litres in the trunk and 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. The dual-level cargo floor allowed for flexible storage options, and the interior provided ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The Tucson's design included practical features like angled bottle holders in the doors and multiple cupholders.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 provided 1,059 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the seats folded, placing it in the middle of its class. The RAV4 offered 958 mm of headroom in the front and 1,001 mm in the rear, with legroom measuring 1,039 mm in the front and 960 mm in the back. The interior featured convenient storage options, including a shelf above the glove compartment and large door pockets.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with native software, though Android Auto and Apple CarPlay only utilized about 8 inches of the screen. The infotainment system required a wired connection for smartphone integration, and the touch-capacitive buttons for controls were less user-friendly than physical buttons. However, the Tucson offered plenty of USB ports and a premium audio system in higher trims.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen standard and a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited trim. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with over-the-air updates. The RAV4 included connected services like Safety Connect and Drive Connect, with some requiring a subscription. The Limited trim also featured an 11-speaker JBL audio system and a 12.3-inch driver-information display.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear occupant alert. Higher trims added features like blind-spot view monitor and remote smart park assist. The Tucson earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 included standard safety features such as lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 also earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.