Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson: Which Compact SUV is Right for You?

In the crowded market of compact SUVs, the Hyundai TUCSON and Honda CR-V have captured the attention of discerning buyers and established themselves as top-rated models. While both vehicles offer practicality and versatility, in this article, we’ll delve into the finer details and differences and present a compelling case for why the CR-V edges out the TUCSON as the superior choice. Join us as we explore key aspects, from performance and reliability to technology and comfort, uncovering why the Honda reigns supreme in this head-to-head comparison.

Exterior Features and Styling

In 2022, Hyundai redesigned the TUCSON, and the current models feature sharper, more angular side bodies, slimmer headlights, and a slightly longer wheelbase. The 2023 TUCSON’s standard exterior features include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and daytime running lights, and a rear spoiler. It also has a panoramic sunroof, roof side rails, an auto-open, hands-free smart liftgate, and adjustable height settings available on higher trim levels.

The Honda CR-V underwent its redesign more recently, in 2023, and the new look so impressed critics that Car and Driver endowed it with numerous awards, including an Editor’s Choice award, a 10Best award, and a coveted 10/10 rating. On the outside, this model boasts a longer wheelbase, a rugged but sleek side body, and a bold front fascia with a handsome gloss-black grille. Current Honda CR-V models have 17-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, and a roofline spoiler with integrated brake light.

Upgrading trim levels on the CR-V offers a wealth of additional features. The EX and higher trims levels come standard with a one-touch power moonroof with a tilt feature, smart entry with walk-away auto lock, and rear privacy glass. You’ll also have exterior options such as a hands-free power tailgate with programmable height, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and heated power side mirrors.

Interior Comfort and Convenience Features

The Hyundai TUCSON’s interior will look familiar to drivers of modern, tech-forward vehicles. The dash has a clean look, with a digital instrument cluster and long, slim vents. It also features a push-button shifter and touch-sensitive screens for the climate control and infotainment system. However, some consumers have expressed a preference for volume and climate control knobs over touch-sensitive ones. This model comes standard with basic cloth seats, though higher trim levels offer H-Tex or leather trim. Heated front seats, rear seats, and a heated steering wheel are also available.

The newly designed Honda CR-V boasts an attractively styled interior with incredibly cool honeycomb vents, a digital instrument cluster, a spacious center console, a lockable glove compartment, and ambient lighting. The volume and climate control buttons are all driver-friendly knobs rather than touch-screen buttons. Heated front seats are standard on all but the base trim, and leather-trimmed seating with sporty orange stitching is standard on higher trim levels.

Technology and Safety Features

Regarding technology, the Hyundai TUCSON features a standard 8-inch infotainment display in the cabin that increases to 10.25 inches and has navigation on higher trim levels. Wireless Android Auto and Apply CarPlay compatibility are standard on all TUCSONs, as is wireless device charging. Higher trim levels offer dynamic voice recognition, a Bose premium audio system, and Sirius XM satellite radio.

Honda has gone all out on tech in the CR-V, and it comes standard with abundant features. You’ll enjoy a 7- or 9-inch color touch screen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and speed-sensitive volume compensation. Higher trim levels offer a premium six- or eight-speaker audio system or an impressive 12-speaker Bose sound system with a subwoofer, wireless phone charging, satellite-linked navigation, Sirius XM satellite radio, and Wi-Fi hotspot compatibility.

Both vehicles offer several standard driver-assistance features. On the Hyundai TUCSON, you’ll get SmartSense features such as blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, lane following assist, and smart cruise control. And on the Honda CR-V, you’ll enjoy popular features such as adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, a lane-keeping assist system, forward collision warning, and a collision mitigation braking system.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

The Hyundai TUCSON and the Honda CR-V have seating for up to five passengers. Both vehicles are nearly identical when it comes to passenger headroom, shoulder room, and legroom in the front and rear. The TUCSON offers slightly more cargo capacity with 41.2 cubic feet of available cargo space with the rear seats up and 80.3 cubic feet available with the rear seats down. The CR-V offers nearly the same amount, with 39.3 cubic feet of available cargo room with the rear seats up and 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat.

Engine, Performance, and Fuel Efficiency

Both vehicles offer traditional gas-powered and hybrid versions. The standard engine on the new TUCSON is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that outputs 187 horsepower. The CR-V is equipped with a small but more powerful standard engine: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that pumps out 190 horsepower.

The Honda also has the Hyundai beat regarding fuel efficiency ratings. The gas-powered versions have an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The hybrid CR-V boasts a 43 city and 36 highway mpg rating. The Hyundai TUCSON’s gas-powered model gets 26 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway, while its hybrid version offers slightly more fuel efficiency with 38 combined mpg.

In conclusion, the Hyundai pales compared to the Honda when considering performance, reliability, and overall value. The CR-V’s handsome styling, nimble performance, proven reliability, and feature-rich interior make it the undeniable winner in this compact SUV showdown.

Get Your Next SUV at Performance Honda

If you want to get behind the wheel of a great compact SUV, check out the wide selection of new and used vehicles at Performance Honda in Fairfield, Ohio. We have new and used Hondas, including the CR-V, and a variety of used vehicles from other car makers in stock. Visit us today or browse our inventory online. Our friendly team of Honda experts would be happy to help you find the SUV right for you, your family, and your lifestyle.

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