The Toyota RAV4 continues to dominate the crossover SUV segment. However, with a pleasing redesign for the 2022 model year, the Hyundai Tucson aims to challenge the RAV4 for crossover dominance. Does the RAV4 destroy the Tucson in response? Find out in this 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Hyundai Tucson comparison.

2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Hyundai Tucson

For our 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Hyundai Tucson head-to-head comparison, we analyzed several factors. This includes performance, efficiency, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, and price.

RAV4 vs. Tucson: Performance, efficiency, and towing

The Toyota RAV4 offers three powertrains: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 hp), a hybrid (219 hp), and a plug-in hybrid with the RAV4 Prime (308 hp). Likewise, the Hyundai Tucson also offers three similar powertrain options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 hp), a hybrid (226 hp), and a plug-in hybrid (261 hp). For performance, the RAV4 has the advantage.

The RAV4 also has the edge for efficiency. It has an estimated fuel economy of 28 city/35 highway mpg for the gas-powered model and 41 city/38 highway mpg for the hybrid model. For even greater efficiency, the RAV4 Prime has a gas mileage of up to 94 MPGe when driving in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

In comparison, the Tucson has a fuel-efficiency rating of 26 city/33 highway mpg for the gas-powered model and 38 city/38 highway mpg for the hybrid model. For the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid, the gas mileage is 80 MPGe in electric-only mode and 35 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

For towing, the RAV4 has the advantage. It has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, compared to 2,000 pounds for the Tucson.

RAV4 vs. Tucson: Off-road capabilities

Do you want to head off-road on a wilderness adventure? If so, then you’ll want to choose the RAV4. While both the RAV4 and Tucson offer an available traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, only the RAV4 offers an off-road-focused model with the RAV4 TRD Off-Road. Also, the RAV4 has considerably higher ground clearance than the Tucson (up to 8.6 inches vs. 7.1 inches). 

RAV4 vs. Tucson: Safety

The RAV4 and Tucson offer a similar roster of safety and driving assistance features. This includes a blind-spot monitoring system, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, electronic stability control, and brake assist. 

RAV4 vs. Tucson: Passenger and cargo space

With its redesign, the Tucson increased in size, making it larger than the RAV4. As a result, it has more interior space. The total passenger volume of the Tucson is 108.2 cu-ft, compared to 98.9 cu-ft for the RAV4. For storage space, the Tucson has a maximum cargo capacity of 80.3 cu-ft, compared to 69.8 cu-ft for the RAV4.

RAV4 vs. Tucson: Interior features and technologies

Both the RAV4 and Tucson have attractive interiors with a premium quality that you might not expect for value-orientated crossover SUVs. Interior features and technologies for both models include heated seats, a dual-zone climate control system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a touchscreen infotainment system, and HD and satellite radio.

However, unlike the Tucson, the RAV4 has a Wi-Fi hotspot. On the flip side, one technology advantage for the Tucson is the size of the touchscreen, with standard 8.8-inch and available 10.25-inch versions. In comparison, the RAV4 has standard 7.0-inch and available 8.0-inch and 9.0-inch versions. 

RAV4 vs. Tucson: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2022 RAV4 or the 2022 Tucson? The starting prices of the 2022 RAV4 range from $26,525 MSRP for the LE trim up to $43,125 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim. In comparison, the starting prices of the 2022 Tucson range from $24,950 MSRP for the SE trim up to $42,700 MSRP for the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Limited trim.

2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Hyundai Tucson: Which crossover SUV is better?

Does the 2022 RAV4 destroy the 2022 Tucson? As you can see in our 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Hyundai Tucson comparison, the RAV4 has advantages in some areas, while the Tucson has advantages in other areas. Advantages for the RAV4 include performance, efficiency, towing, and off-road capabilities. For the Tucson, advantages include price and passenger and cargo space.