2021 Hyundai Tucson vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson presented a more conventional styling compared to its futuristic successor, appealing to those who preferred a traditional small crossover design. Its upright layout offered a commanding view of the road, while the interior boasted a modern and attractive dash design. The tech features were seamlessly integrated into the overall aesthetic, with every button and dial easily accessible. The Tucson was available in six trim levels: SE, Value, SEL, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate. The base SE trim came with 17-inch alloy wheels, manually adjustable front seats, a digital driver information display, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As you moved up the trims, additional features such as LED headlight accents, heated side mirrors, and a hands-free power liftgate were included, culminating in the Ultimate trim with a panoramic sunroof and heated rear seats.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia continued its second generation into its 14th year, maintaining a mature design. Its exterior was characterized by a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines, giving it a substantial presence. The Sequoia's dimensions were impressive, standing 77 inches tall, 79.9 inches wide, and 205.1 inches long, with a 122-inch wheelbase. Inside, the Sequoia's age was more apparent, with a flat and old-fashioned dashboard design. The 7-inch touchscreen and 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen seemed outdated compared to modern SUVs. However, the interior was built to last, with high-quality materials and tight seams. The Nightshade Special Edition model added a contemporary touch with darkened chrome or black painted finishes and 20-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its overall appearance.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered two engine options. The base engine was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The SEL, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate trims featured a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard and 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 around town. The Tucson delivered a comfortable and refined ride, striking a balance between softness and athleticism. The towing capacity was 1,500 pounds with the base engine and 2,000 pounds with the 2.4-liter engine.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a single engine option: the 5.7-liter i-Force V8. This engine produced 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. Despite its weight, ranging from 5,730 to 6,000 pounds, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride on the highway. Its body-on-frame construction and ample ground clearance made it a competent off-roader, with the TRD Pro model enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Sequoia's fuel economy was less impressive, with ratings of 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/15 mpg combined for rear-wheel drive and 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/14 mpg combined for four-wheel drive.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson provided 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 61.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While this was on the lower side for the compact SUV segment, it offered adequate space for weekend bags or larger items. The Tucson's compact layout provided solid front-seat headroom and legroom, with comfortable and supportive seats for long trips. The rear seats were accommodating enough for adults on road trips, and there were plenty of storage compartments throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering roomy seating across all three rows. Three-zone climate control catered to all passengers, and a standard one-touch tilt/slide power moonroof added to the airy feel. The Sequoia's cargo compartment featured an auxiliary 12-volt outlet, with 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row. Folding the third row opened up 66.6 cubic feet, and folding both the second and third rows provided a massive 120.1 cubic feet of cargo space. The center console, glove compartment, and door pockets offered ample storage for supplies and personal items.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate trim offered an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen, which was optional on other trims. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with logical menu layouts and helpful hard buttons. Additional available features included navigation, satellite radio, and wireless device charging.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a clunky operating system. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, providing some modern connectivity. The 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen was outclassed by digital dashboards in other SUVs. Standard features included WiFi connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio, with navigation and a 12-speaker audio system available on the Limited trim. A premium audio and convenience package added native navigation, 14 JBL speakers, a subwoofer, and an amplifier. While the Sequoia's technology lagged behind competitors, Toyota updated the exterior lighting to LED and included a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered a solid list of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver drowsiness monitoring. Upper-tier trims added features like adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, automatic high-beams, a 360-degree parking monitor, and blind-spot monitoring. The Tucson earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was also standard. The Sequoia featured Toyota's STAR safety system, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart-stop technology. A full complement of airbags, crumple zones, side-impact door beams, and other safety features were standard across all models.