2021 Lexus NX vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Lexus NX carried forward the brand's signature design elements, offering a sharp and sculpted exterior that was reminiscent of its siblings, the smaller UX and larger RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were available, with the latter focusing on a sportier appearance. The F Sport variant featured a distinctive honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch wheels, enhancing its athletic look. Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and a choice of interior color schemes, including the bold Circuit Red. The interior was well-crafted, with high-quality materials and a familiar gauge cluster design, though the center stack's dated layout and lack of open storage space were notable drawbacks.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson introduced a fresh design with a new platform, offering a long-wheelbase model in the U.S. that provided ample cargo space. The Tucson's exterior featured a parametric grille with integrated LED lighting, creating a unique visual signature. Its side profile borrowed design cues from the Hyundai Elantra, while the rear showcased distinctive LED taillights. The Tucson rode on 17- or 19-inch wheels, depending on the trim, and offered premium features like a panoramic sunroof and gloss black pillars on higher trims. Inside, the Tucson's cabin was well-appointed, with stain-resistant cloth seats and a spacious layout that rivaled its competitors. The dashboard's horizontal lines and uncluttered design contributed to a sense of openness, making it a comfortable choice for families.

The 2021 Lexus NX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed the NX to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in approximately seven seconds, a respectable figure for its class. The six-speed automatic transmission, while adequate, lagged behind the smoother transitions offered by newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX's all-wheel-drive system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle, though it lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the NX was moderate, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The AWD variant had similar figures, with a slight drop in combined efficiency. The NX's adaptive suspension system, borrowed from the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a comfortable ride, though the steering feedback was somewhat numb. The NX offered three drive modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—each affecting throttle response and power-steering assist.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 1.6-liter hybrid engine. The ICE engine produced 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid delivered a combined 226 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid powertrain was particularly impressive, providing more engaging performance and better fuel efficiency. The Tucson's AWD system, standard on the hybrid and optional on ICE models, performed well in off-road conditions, similar to Subaru's reactive AWD system. The ICE-powered Tucson achieved an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, while the hybrid models boasted 37 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 37 mpg combined. The forthcoming plug-in hybrid variant promised even more power and efficiency, with an estimated 261 horsepower and a potential 25-mile electric range.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured a well-styled and comfortable interior, with ample room for front passengers and decent legroom for rear occupants. Heated and ventilated seats were available, enhancing comfort. However, the NX's cargo space was limited, with just 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it one of the smallest in its class. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology was available, along with power-folding rear seats.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, on the other hand, offered a spacious and well-appointed interior, comparable to top competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. The Tucson's new platform allowed for increased passenger and cargo space, with a 74.8 cubic-foot cargo area that rivaled the Forester, RAV4, and CR-V. The rear seats provided ample legroom, and a dual-level cargo floor was available on ICE models. The Tucson's interior featured a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with an eight-way version available on higher trims, along with heated and ventilated front seats and a hands-free liftgate on mid-grade models.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch version available as part of the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist, though the interface was criticized for its complexity. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system was standard, with a Mark Levinson 14-speaker upgrade available. The Lexus Enform Remote app allowed for remote vehicle control and monitoring.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered a robust set of standard tech features, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims added a 10.25-inch touchscreen, though wired connections were required for smartphone integration. The Tucson's tech suite included a digital instrument cluster, Blue Link mobile app compatibility, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The touch-sensitive controls on the center console were responsive, though some drivers found them challenging to use without taking their eyes off the road.

The 2021 Lexus NX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included features like lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The NX received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall rating from the latter. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided additional safety services, and the NX came with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features through Hyundai SmartSense. Standard features included forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, and rear occupant alert. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Hyundai's warranty coverage was generous, with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and complimentary maintenance for three years.