2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, offered a nostalgic nod to its heritage with the Heritage Edition trim. However, the standard model, which was reviewed, came in Magnetic Gray with Terra leather upholstery. From the outside, it resembled a first-generation Toyota Highlander with oversized headlights and a chrome-heavy design, lacking distinct character. Inside, the Land Cruiser mixed Toyota's parts-bin switchgear with Lexus-inspired design, featuring high-quality materials and a traditional hand-operated parking brake, creating a retro yet luxurious atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid showcased a bold new design, departing from its predecessors with sharp, angular lines and a futuristic grille that seamlessly integrated with the LED lighting. The Tucson's exterior was a gamble, with its aggressive styling potentially polarizing buyers. Inside, the Tucson Hybrid offered a spacious and airy cabin, with a center console that felt bulkier than necessary but provided an unobstructed view. The interior was equipped with modern amenities, including heated front seats and a digital driver information display, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, shared with the Toyota Tundra. Despite its power, the engine's roar was subdued, contributing to a quiet cabin but resulting in a fuel economy of 14.7 mpg, slightly better than the EPA's 14 mpg rating. The Land Cruiser's eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system, with a two-speed transfer case, provided impressive off-road capabilities. Features like the Torsen limited-slip differential, Active Traction Control, and Multi-Terrain Select ensured the SUV could handle various terrains. On-road, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, though its nearly 3-ton weight affected maneuverability.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, with its 1.6-liter turbo-four engine and electric motor, delivered a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, making it noticeably quicker than its gas-powered counterpart. The Tucson's six-speed automatic transmission and responsive steering contributed to a dynamic driving experience. Its suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, maintaining balance through corners. The Tucson Hybrid achieved an EPA rating of 37 mpg combined, with the Blue trim level reaching 38 mpg. The upcoming plug-in hybrid variant promised even greater efficiency with an 80 MPGe rating and 33 miles of all-electric range.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior, while luxurious, was somewhat dated. It featured plush leather upholstery and heated, ventilated front seats. The SUV offered a commanding view of the road, with a roomy second-row bench and a standard third-row seat. However, cargo space was limited, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 82.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The split clamshell-style liftgate provided convenient access to the cargo area.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, despite its compact appearance, offered impressive cargo space, with 38.8 cubic feet in the trunk and 74.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Tucson provided ample legroom for both front and rear passengers, with reclining rear seats for added comfort. The dual-level cargo floor allowed for flexible storage options, and the Limited trim's ambient lighting added a touch of flair to the cabin.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was reminiscent of a simpler era, with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that lacked modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system relied on Toyota Entune technology, offering basic functionality with large buttons and knobs for easy control. The rear-seat entertainment system was outdated, with non-touchscreen displays and limited streaming options. The JBL Synthesis audio system provided decent sound quality but fell short of high-end competitors.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the Limited trim, though Android Auto and Apple CarPlay required a wired connection. The infotainment and HVAC controls were touch-capacitive, which could be frustrating to use. However, the Tucson offered numerous USB ports and a Bose premium stereo, enhancing the overall tech experience. Steering-wheel controls provided an alternative for managing infotainment commands.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with 10 airbags and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked more advanced features like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and automated lane-keeping assistance. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, leaving its safety performance uncertain.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid prioritized safety with standard features like automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot collision avoidance. The Limited trim added a surround-view monitor, highway-driving assist, and unique features like the blind-spot view monitor and remote smart park assist. While the NHTSA had not tested the Tucson, the IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+.