2022 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was built on a new platform, offering a long-wheelbase model in the U.S. with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front design featured Hyundai's new vehicle face, with a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. When lit, these lights formed a distinctive shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird's wings. The Tucson's side profile borrowed design elements from the Hyundai Elantra, including a silver D-pillar that created a floating roof effect. At the rear, the Tucson sported LED-illuminated toothy taillights, except for the base model, which contributed to its standout appearance among compact SUVs. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on 17- or 19-inch wheels, with high-end models featuring premium fascias, skid plates, gloss black pillars, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats as standard, and sport combination or leather-trimmed seats available on higher trims. The dashboard's horizontal lines and uncluttered design added to the sense of spaciousness.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, continued its second generation into its 14th year, maintaining a mature design. Its exterior struck a balance with a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines. The Sequoia's dimensions were substantial, standing 77 inches tall, 79.9 inches wide, and 205.1 inches long, with a 122-inch wheelbase. It offered 9.6 to 10 inches of ground clearance, complemented by standard running boards and 18- to 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Sequoia's age showed, with a flat and old-fashioned dashboard design. The 7-inch touchscreen and 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen felt outdated compared to modern SUVs. However, the Sequoia's interior was built to last, with high-quality materials and tight seams. The Nightshade Special Edition model added a modern touch with darkened chrome or black-painted exterior trim and split-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its appearance.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. The ICE engine produced 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly exciting, it was competent and efficient, targeting 28 mpg combined. The hybrid powertrain, with 226 total system horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, provided a more engaging driving experience. The Tucson Hybrid outperformed competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. All-wheel drive was available for ICE models and standard on the hybrid, offering impressive off-road capabilities. The Tucson Hybrid achieved 37 mpg combined, with the most efficient model reaching 38 mpg. The forthcoming Tucson PHEV promised even more power, with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque, though range specifications were not yet available.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia featured a single powertrain option: the 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, it offered durability and reliability. The Sequoia's truck roots provided a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. However, its weight, ranging from 5,730 to 6,000 pounds, contributed to its low fuel economy ratings of 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/15 mpg combined for RWD models and 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/14 mpg combined for 4WD models. Despite its weight, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and ample ground clearance. The TRD Pro off-road model further enhanced its off-road prowess. The Sequoia's turning circle and sightlines made it a practical daily driver, though its height required caution in low spaces.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was a budget-friendly compact SUV with a well-appointed interior. It competed with popular models like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Ford Escape, offering comparable or superior features. The Tucson featured a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat as standard, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. Drivers enjoyed lumbar support, three-stage heated front seats, ventilated front seats, and memory settings. The tilt and telescoping steering wheel was standard, with leather-wrapped and heated options on higher trims. The new Tucson platform provided more passenger and cargo space, with rear seats offering two inches more legroom than the RAV4. The cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four, with more passenger volume than the CR-V, RAV4, and Escape. The 74.8 cubic-foot cargo area was comparable to the Forester, RAV4, and CR-V, surpassing the Escape. The rear featured a 60-40 split-folding bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor, with a hands-free liftgate available on mid-grade models.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with spacious seating across all three rows. Three-zone climate control catered to all occupants, and a standard one-touch tilt/slide power moonroof added to the airy feel. Heated and ventilated front seats were available on all trims. The center console and glove compartment offered ample storage, with additional pockets on each door. Rear passengers had access to cup holders, power outlets, and storage. The cargo compartment featured an auxiliary 12-volt outlet, ideal for tailgating and camping. With 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row, the Sequoia offered power-folding or manual-folding options for the third row, expanding cargo space to 66.6 cubic feet. Folding both the second and third rows flat provided a generous 120.1 cubic feet of space, making the Sequoia suitable for weekend getaways.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson boasted a strong set of standard tech features, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and two USB ports. A 4.2-inch multi-information display was positioned in front of the driver. Moving up to the SEL/Blue trim added satellite radio, Blue Link mobile app compatibility, additional USB outlets, rear air conditioning vents, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims offered a fully digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, though this required plugging in devices for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen was embedded within a black plastic head unit, housing climate control and media functionality. While touchpoints were responsive, the narrow steering wheel controls were less user-friendly than bulkier buttons.

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, along with WiFi connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Sequoia Limited added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, while a premium audio and convenience package offered 14 JBL speakers, a subwoofer, and an amplifier. Despite lacking modern powertrain technology, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting, a rear backup camera, and front and rear parking sonar. Upper trims included a power liftgate with a power window.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA. It featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, a driver attention monitor, rear occupant alert, speed limit assist, and leading vehicle departure alert. Additional safety features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and remote parking assist. Hyundai offered a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, and a 7-year anti-perforation warranty, along with complimentary maintenance for three years.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It featured the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including 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 standard. The STAR safety system included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart-stop technology. The Sequoia also offered a full complement of airbags, LATCH connectors, crumple zones, side-impact door beams, energy-dissipating interior trim, trailer sway-control, and parking-assist sonar.