2021 Hyundai Tucson vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson featured a more conventional design compared to its futuristic successor. Its upright layout provided a commanding view of the road, while the interior boasted a modern and attractive dash design. Tech features were seamlessly integrated, making buttons and dials easy to locate. The Tucson offered various trims, each adding more features, from the base SE with 17-inch alloy wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen to the Ultimate trim with an 8-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, and heated and ventilated seats.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had a sharp, streamlined profile with a scowling face, maintaining a familiar yet distinct look. The NX shared its platform with the previous-generation Toyota RAV4, which made it feel a step behind in engineering. The F Sport Black Line model added sporty elements like a larger mesh grille and dark-finish wheels. Inside, the design felt radical at debut but became familiar over time. The interior featured an F Sport heated steering wheel and NuLuxe upholstery, though material quality seemed more mainstream than luxury.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 161 horsepower and a 2.4-liter engine producing 181 horsepower. Both engines came with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option. The base engine felt underwhelming, especially at highway speeds, while the 2.4-liter engine provided a livelier experience. The Tucson delivered a comfortable ride, balancing softness and athleticism. Towing capacity ranged from 1,500 pounds with the base engine to 2,000 pounds with the 2.4-liter engine.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. It came standard with all-wheel drive. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX Hybrid was more focused on fuel efficiency than performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The sport-tuned suspension in the Black Line package improved handling, but the steering felt numb. Drive modes like Eco and Sport offered minimal impact on performance, with Eco mode further dulling acceleration.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson provided 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 61.9 cubic feet with seats folded. While slightly below average for its segment, it offered adequate space for various needs. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with ample headroom and legroom. Rear seats were less spacious but still accommodating for adults. The Tucson featured numerous storage compartments and a hands-free power liftgate in higher trims.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with rear legroom being the worst in its class. Despite this, the front seats were comfortable, offering excellent support and 10-way power adjustment. The sloping roofline and thick rear pillars hindered visibility, though large mirrors helped. Cargo space was limited to 16.8 cubic feet with seats up and 53.7 cubic feet with seats down. A power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate trim offered an 8-inch touchscreen, with navigation and wireless charging available. The system was user-friendly, with logical menus and hard buttons for convenience.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, featuring an 8-inch display with an optional 10.3-inch upgrade. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. However, the Remote Touch Interface touchpad was difficult to use while driving. Analog controls were available for climate and audio, but the system felt dated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. The base audio system was subpar, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered standard driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Upper trims added adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree parking monitor. It earned a five-star rating from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" from IIHS.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid received a “Top Safety Pick+” from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were newly standard. However, it lacked a 360-degree camera system.