When it comes to choosing a compact SUV on the used market, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and the 2022 Hyundai Tucson are two strong contenders. Both vehicles offer a range of powertrains and technology, as well as lots of space and great safety ratings. In this comparison, we will delve into various aspects of these models, with ratings and insights from CarGurus experts.
2022 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson
Look and Feel
The Toyota RAV4 has come a long way since its introduction in 1996, evolving from a quirky "cute-ute," into a mature crossover SUV. The 2022 RAV4 boasts contemporary crossover styling with angular wheel arches and crisp lines. Its expressive headlights and unique grille give it a distinctive presence on the road. Inside, the RAV4 offers a well-thought-out interior design with a touchscreen interface positioned for driver convenience. A circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern adds a touch of flair to the cabin, and the fit-and-finish throughout exudes Toyota's commitment to quality. All of this helped it to score a CarGurus rating of 9 out of 10 for its look and feel.
The redesigned 2022 Hyundai Tucson showcases a fresh face, featuring a parametric grille and LED daytime running lights that create a unique shape when illuminated. The silver D-pillar connects the window surrounds, giving the Tucson a distinctive floating roof. Its rear is adorned with stylish taillights. Inside, the Tucson offers a comfortable and well-appointed cabin, with stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats as standard. The horizontal lines on the dashboard contribute to a sense of spaciousness. If you find the RAV4's design a bit too conventional, the Tucson offers something really different and distinctive, and earns an 8 out of 10 rating from CarGurus experts.
Performance
CarGurus rates the 2022 Toyota RAV4 at 8 out of 10 for performance. It offers three powertrain options. The gasoline-only model is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It delivers fuel economy of 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined (FWD) and slightly less for AWD models.
The RAV4 Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 217 combined horsepower and achieving an impressive EPA rating of 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined.
At the top of the range is the RAV4 Prime Plug-in Hybrid. This boasts a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine, an 18.1-kilowatt-hour battery pack, and an electric motor to deliver a total of 302 hp. It can run up to 42 miles on electricity alone with an efficiency rating of 94 MPGe combined.
The RAV4 offers car-like handling, independent suspension, and various drive modes for a tailored driving experience.
CarGurus rates the 2022 Tucson at 7 out of 10 for performance. Like the RAV4, it offers various powertrains. The most affordable is the gasoline engine, which is a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder delivering 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. It targets 28 mpg combined.
Alternatively you can upgrade to the hybrid, which combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing 226 total system horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offers excellent fuel efficiency at 37 mpg combined.
At the top of the range Hyundai introduced a plug-in hybrid Tucson for the 2022 model year. This uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor to put out a combined 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque, along with an electric range of 33 miles.
The Tucson is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and all models perform well on the road thanks to their comfortable ride and reassuringly weighted steering.
Form and Function
The RAV4 may be classified as a compact SUV, but it offers impressive cargo capacity. With the rear seats up, it can hold up to 37.5 cubic feet of luggage, and folding them flat expands that to 69.8 cubic feet. It also boasts a substantial payload capacity of 1,050-1,230 pounds. Depending on the trim, it can tow up to 3,500 pounds, making it a versatile choice. In terms of seating, the RAV4 will fit four adults in comfort, or five at a push.
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson competes head-to-head with segment leaders like the RAV4 and offers a comfortable and well-appointed cabin. It actually provides a couple more inches of rear legroom than the RAV4, making it a better choice if you have tall passengers to transport. Cargo space is also generous, with 38.7 cubic feel of room with the rear seats in place, expanding to 74.8 cubic feet cargo with the seats folded flat.
Opt for the plug-in hybrid version of either model and the boot space does suffer due to the need to also package the big battery into the car. In the RAV4 this means you get 33.5 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, while the Tucson offers 31.9 cubic feet.
Technology
CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Toyota RAV4 with a commendable 8 out of 10 for its technology features. Standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and streaming audio are standard on all models.
RAV4 XLE models and above upgrade to Audio Plus with a 9-inch touchscreen, while Limited models and the RAV4 Prime XSE get an impressive 11-speaker JBL audio system and navigation.
Technology is where the Tucson really shines, so it's no surprise that CarGurus experts rate it with an excellent 9 out of 10 in this category. Entry-level models come with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Hyundai also includes HD Radio and two USB ports as standard.
Higher trim levels offer a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, although users will need to plug in their Apple and Android devices for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Do note that while the larger screen looks great, it is embedded within a larger black plastic head unit that also includes climate control and radio/media functionality, which can be less intuitive to use than the smaller screen.
Safety
Toyota is known for its commitment to safety, and the RAV4 is no exception, helping it to earn a CarGurus score of 9 out of 10 in this category. Every RAV4 model comes with Toyota's Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, brake assist, and more.
On top of that Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is also standard, offering features like pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. The RAV4 has received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a top choice for safety-conscious buyers.
Hyundai also scores 9 out of 10 for safety and equips the Tucson with an extensive range of safety aids including the SmartSense Safety Feature suite, which includes forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and more. Additional optional safety features such as blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system were also offered for the 2022 model, but you'll need to check with used examples as to whether or not they were specified by the original buyer. While there's no data for the 2022 model, the 2023 Tucson earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Cost Effectiveness
When new, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 started at $26,975 and offered a range of trim levels to suit different budgets and preferences. While it's not the most affordable option in its class and carries a premium on the used market too, the RAV4's reputation for reliability and resale value makes it a solid long-term investment as a used buy.
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson undercut the RAV4 when new, with a starting price of $24,950. At the time of order, the addition of all-wheel drive costs an extra $1,400 on applicable models, and plenty of buyers added it as an option. With its affordable pricing and generous list of standard features, we believe the Tucson offers excellent value for money, and rate it at 9 out of 10 in this category compared to the 7 out of 10 scored by the Toyota.
Verdict
According to CarGurus experts, both the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and the 2022 Hyundai Tucson receive an identical rating of 8.3 out of 10, which tells you all you need to know about how tightly run this comparison is. With the two vehicles being so close in so many areas, the choice might come down as much to which exterior or interior design you prefer, whether you have a fondness for one brand over the other, or which one happens to be offered with the best deal. Whatever the deciding factor, buyers can feel reassured that they are choosing between two of the very best compact SUVs on the market.
Choose the 2022 Toyota RAV4 if:
- You value Toyota's renowned reliability and dependability.
- You prefer it's understated exterior styling.
- You want a plug-in hybrid with the most cargo space possible.
Search for a 2022 Toyota RAV4 on CarGurus
Choose the 2022 Hyundai Tucson if:
- You seek exceptional value for your money with competitive pricing and standard features.
- You appreciate a comprehensive suite of safety features, even in base models.
- You love a cleaner and less clutered cabin that puts technology front and center.
Search for a 2022 Hyundai Tucson on CarGurus
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