Battle Of The Suvs: Hyundai Tucson Vs Highlander – Who Will Emerge Victorious?

The Hyundai Tucson and Toyota Highlander are two popular compact SUVs that offer a compelling blend of practicality, versatility, and style. While they share some similarities, there are also key differences between these two vehicles that make them suitable for different types of drivers and lifestyles. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the intricacies of the Hyundai Tucson vs. Toyota Highlander debate, examining their performance, features, fuel efficiency, safety, and overall value to help you make an informed decision about which compact SUV is the right choice for you.

Performance: Comparing Power and Handling

The Hyundai Tucson and Toyota Highlander offer distinct powertrains and handling characteristics that cater to different driving preferences. The Tucson comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain provides adequate acceleration and smooth shifting, making the Tucson a capable daily driver.

On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander offers a more potent powertrain lineup. The base model features a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking more power, the Highlander also offers a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This V6 engine provides impressive acceleration and passing power, making the Highlander a more exhilarating choice for spirited driving.

In terms of handling, the Hyundai Tucson offers nimble and responsive steering, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and navigate city streets. The Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, has a slightly heavier feel due to its larger size, but it still provides stable and predictable handling, making it a comfortable choice for long highway drives.

Features: Exploring Comfort, Convenience, and Technology

The Hyundai Tucson and Toyota Highlander offer a wide range of features that enhance comfort, convenience, and technology. The Tucson comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. It also offers a variety of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

The Toyota Highlander offers a more extensive list of features, including a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a premium JBL audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. It also boasts a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and a surround-view camera system.

In terms of seating and cargo space, the Hyundai Tucson offers comfortable seating for five passengers and 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. With the rear seats folded down, the cargo space expands to 87.7 cubic feet. The Toyota Highlander offers more spacious seating for up to eight passengers and a larger cargo area, with 16.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet with all seats folded down.

Fuel Efficiency: Comparing MPG and Range

The Hyundai Tucson and Toyota Highlander offer different levels of fuel efficiency, depending on the chosen powertrain. The Tucson with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The Toyota Highlander with the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway, while the V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.

In terms of range, the Hyundai Tucson with a 16-gallon fuel tank can travel up to 528 miles in the city and 672 miles on the highway, while the Toyota Highlander with a 19-gallon fuel tank can travel up to 399 miles in the city and 523 miles on the highway with the four-cylinder engine and 380 miles in the city and 578 miles on the highway with the V6 engine.

Safety: Comparing Crash Test Ratings and Safety Features

The Hyundai Tucson and Toyota Highlander have both received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both vehicles earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the IIHS named the Tucson and Highlander as Top Safety Picks for their respective model years.

In terms of safety features, the Hyundai Tucson comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Toyota Highlander offers an even more extensive list of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, a surround-view camera system, and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert.

Value: Comparing Price, Warranty, and Resale Value

The Hyundai Tucson has a starting price of $26,150, while the Toyota Highlander starts at $35,850. The Tucson offers a longer warranty than the Highlander, with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. The Highlander comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

In terms of resale value, the Hyundai Tucson is expected to hold its value better than the Toyota Highlander over time, according to Kelley Blue Book. The Tucson is projected to retain 55% of its original value after three years, while the Highlander is expected to retain 50% of its original value over the same period.

Summary: Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

Ultimately, the choice between the Hyundai Tucson and Toyota Highlander depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. The Hyundai Tucson is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact SUV that offers a good balance of performance, features, and value. It is also a great option for city dwellers or those who prioritize fuel efficiency.

On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander is a better choice for those who need more space, power, and advanced safety features. It is also a great choice for families or those who frequently transport large items.

No matter which compact SUV you choose, you can be confident that you are getting a reliable and capable vehicle that will meet your needs for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency, the Hyundai Tucson or Toyota Highlander?

A: The Hyundai Tucson has better fuel efficiency than the Toyota Highlander, with an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway compared to the Highlander’s 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway with the four-cylinder engine and 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway with the V6 engine.

Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior, the Hyundai Tucson or Toyota Highlander?

A: The Toyota Highlander has a more spacious interior than the Hyundai Tucson, with seating for up to eight passengers and a maximum cargo capacity of 84.3 cubic feet compared to the Tucson’s five-passenger seating and 87.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.

Q: Which vehicle has a better warranty, the Hyundai Tucson or Toyota Highlander?

A: The Hyundai Tucson has a better warranty than the Toyota Highlander, with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty compared to the Highlander’s three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.