In the ever-growing world of crossover SUVs, the competition is fierce as automakers constantly strive to deliver the perfect blend of comfort, performance, and practicality. Among the leading contenders in this segment are the 2023 Hyundai Tucson and Honda CR-V, two impressive vehicles that have gained significant attention from consumers.
In this in-depth comparison, we will explore the many facets of these two SUVs to help potential buyers make an informed decision that aligns with their individual needs and preferences.
Exterior Design
The exterior design of a vehicle often plays a crucial role in the buyer’s decision-making process. Both the 2023 Hyundai Tucson and Honda CR-V feature bold, modern designs that are sure to catch the eye.
The Hyundai Tucson sports a more aggressive, angular look with sharp lines and a distinctive cascading grille. It also showcases unique LED daytime running lights that blend seamlessly into the grille, giving it a futuristic feel.
On the other hand, the Honda CR-V adopts a more conservative, yet elegant design with flowing lines and an athletic stance. Its front end features a broad grille flanked by sleek LED headlights, giving it a bold and confident look.
Interior Design
When it comes to interior design, both the Tucson and CR-V offer comfortable and well-appointed cabins that provide a pleasant driving experience.
The Hyundai Tucson’s interior boasts a clean, modern layout with an emphasis on user-friendly technology. A digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen infotainment system dominate the dashboard, while soft-touch materials and stylish accents elevate the overall ambience. The Honda CR-V, on the other hand, opts for a more traditional, yet refined cabin with an intuitive layout and high-quality materials. The CR-V’s infotainment system is smaller than the Tucson’s, but it still provides a responsive and easy-to-use interface.
Seating
Seating comfort is an essential factor for families and individuals who spend significant time on the road. Both the Tucson and CR-V offer spacious and comfortable seating for up to five passengers.
The Hyundai Tucson features well-cushioned seats with ample support, ensuring a comfortable ride for passengers of all sizes. The rear seats provide generous legroom, making it suitable for taller passengers as well. The Honda CR-V also offers comfortable seating, with a slight edge in terms of overall passenger space. Its rear seats can slide and recline, allowing for a more customizable seating experience.
Storage
Storage space is a critical consideration for many SUV buyers, and both the Tucson and CR-V provide ample room for cargo.
The Hyundai Tucson offers 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 74.8 cubic feet when the seats are folded down. The Honda CR-V, however, takes the lead in this category with 39.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and an impressive 75.8 cubic feet when the seats are folded down. Both vehicles feature convenient storage compartments throughout the cabin, as well as roof rails for additional cargo-carrying options.
Performance
When comparing performance, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson and Honda CR-V offer different driving experiences to cater to a variety of preferences.
The Tucson comes with a choice of two powertrains: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine that delivers 226 combined horsepower. The Honda CR-V, on the other hand, offers a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 190 horsepower.
While the CR-V’s engine offers slightly less power than the Tucson’s base engine, it provides a smooth and responsive driving experience that many drivers will appreciate. The Tucson’s hybrid option, however, offers a more engaging drive with its additional horsepower and torque.
Both vehicles come with front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. In terms of handling, the Tucson and CR-V both provide composed rides with minimal body roll, ensuring driver and passenger comfort.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a key consideration for many buyers, and both the 2023 Hyundai Tucson and Honda CR-V deliver competitive numbers in this category.
The base 2.5-liter engine in the Tucson offers an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the hybrid model boasts an impressive 38 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Honda CR-V’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine returns an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Although the CR-V offers better fuel efficiency with its standard engine, the Tucson’s hybrid option outperforms both vehicles in terms of gas mileage.
Safety
Safety is paramount for many car buyers, and both the Hyundai Tucson and Honda CR-V excel in this area.
Both vehicles come standard with a suite of advanced driver-assistance features, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, both the Tucson and CR-V have received top safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Trim Levels
The Hyundai Tucson and Honda CR-V offer a variety of trim levels to cater to different buyer preferences and budgets.
The Tucson is available in four trim levels: SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited. Each trim offers additional features and options, such as leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system. The Tucson Hybrid is available in three trims: Blue, SEL Convenience, and Limited.
The Honda CR-V comes in four trim levels as well: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring. Each trim progressively adds more features, such as a power liftgate, leather-trimmed seats, and a navigation system.
Pricing
Pricing is a crucial factor when comparing vehicles, and both the Tucson and CR-V offer competitive pricing in the crossover SUV segment.
The base 2023 Hyundai Tucson SE starts at $24,950, while the top-of-the-line Limited trim starts at $34,700. The Tucson Hybrid Blue trim starts at $29,050, with the range-topping Limited Hybrid starting at $37,350.
The 2023 Honda CR-V LX has a starting price of $25,350, with the high-end Touring trim starting at $34,050. While the CR-V’s base price is slightly higher than the Tucson’s, the top trims of both vehicles are closely matched in price.
Key Differences
While the Hyundai Tucson and Honda CR-V share many similarities, there are some key differences that set them apart. Here, we will outline the most notable distinctions between these two popular crossover SUVs to help buyers make a more informed decision.
Infotainment System:
The Hyundai Tucson boasts a larger touchscreen infotainment system, giving it a more modern and high-tech feel. The Honda CR-V’s infotainment system is smaller but still provides a user-friendly and responsive experience.
Rear Seat Comfort:
While both vehicles offer comfortable seating for up to five passengers, the Honda CR-V has a slight advantage in terms of overall passenger space and rear seat adjustability, thanks to its sliding and reclining rear seats.
Cargo Space:
The Honda CR-V takes the lead in cargo space, providing slightly more room behind the rear seats and when the seats are folded down compared to the Hyundai Tucson.
Performance Options:
The Hyundai Tucson offers two powertrain choices, including a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid engine that delivers better performance and fuel efficiency compared to the CR-V’s sole 1.5-liter turbocharged engine option.
Fuel Efficiency:
Although the Honda CR-V offers better fuel efficiency with its standard engine, the Tucson’s hybrid option provides superior gas mileage for those prioritizing fuel economy.
Pricing:
The base model of the Hyundai Tucson starts at a lower price point than the Honda CR-V, though the top trims of both vehicles are closely matched in price.
Final Thoughts
The Hyundai Tucson and Honda CR-V both stand out as strong contenders in the competitive crossover SUV market. Each vehicle brings its unique set of features and characteristics to the table, making it crucial for buyers to weigh their options carefully. By considering factors such as exterior design, interior amenities, seating comfort, cargo capacity, performance, fuel efficiency, safety, trim levels, and pricing, prospective buyers can find the perfect SUV to fit their lifestyle and requirements.
Ultimately, the choice between the Tucson and CR-V will come down to individual priorities and preferences, ensuring that either option will provide a satisfying and enjoyable driving experience.
Features Breakdown
To help you compare the 2023 Hyundai Tucson and Honda CR-V more easily, here’s a summary of their key features in a neat, bulleted list format:
Hyundai Tucson
- Exterior Design:
- Aggressive, angular design
- Distinctive cascading grille
- Unique LED daytime running lights integrated into the grille
- Interior Design:
- Clean, modern layout
- Digital instrument cluster
- Large touchscreen infotainment system
- Soft-touch materials and stylish accents
- Seating:
- Comfortable seating for up to five passengers
- Generous rear legroom
- Storage:
- 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind rear seats
- 74.8 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded
- Performance:
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 hp)
- 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine (226 combined hp)
- Fuel Efficiency:
- 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway (2.5-liter engine)
- 38 mpg city and 36 mpg highway (hybrid engine)
- Safety:
- Advanced driver-assistance features
- Top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA
- Trim Levels:
- SE, SEL, N Line, Limited
- Hybrid trims: Blue, SEL Convenience, Limited
- Pricing:
- Base SE: $24,950
- Limited: $34,700
- Hybrid Blue: $29,050
- Limited Hybrid: $37,350
Honda CR-V
- Exterior Design:
- Conservative, elegant design
- Flowing lines and athletic stance
- Broad front grille with sleek LED headlights
- Interior Design:
- Traditional, refined cabin
- Intuitive layout
- High-quality materials
- Smaller touchscreen infotainment system
- Seating:
- Comfortable seating for up to five passengers
- Slightly more overall passenger space
- Sliding and reclining rear seats
- Storage:
- 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind rear seats
- 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded
- Performance:
- 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (190 hp)
- Fuel Efficiency:
- 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway
- Safety:
- Advanced driver-assistance features
- Top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA
- Trim Levels:
- LX, EX, EX-L, Touring
- Pricing:
- Base LX: $25,350
- Touring: $34,050
