2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs 2023 Honda CRV Hybri

In this comparison we’ll look at all of the aspects that go into a new SUV purchase. Shoppers want to find the right package and right price. It is important to purchase a cabin with enough space and enough comforts. Plus shoppers also expect significant quality and advanced technologies to make their purchase a true investment.

1. Performance and Drivability

   Since the CRV Hybrid requires a higher initial price, you might make you think that the CRV Hybrid is the speedier of the two SUVs. Actually, the Tucson Hybrid has it beat by 23 horsepower and 11 lb-ft of torque. Generating 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the Tucson HEV definitely handles the road.

   

   As for drivability, the nod goes to the more powerful Tucson Hybrid. Furthermore, critics have praised Hyundai for using a standard 6-speed automatic transmission. It is more natural to today’s drivers than continuously variable transmissions such as the Honda’s eCVT.

2. Drivetrains and Fuel Economy

   As for fuel economy, the front-wheel drive CRV Hybrid edges ahead of the Tucson. When you adjust for all-wheel drive, however, the CRV Hybrid earns 37 mpg and the Tucson Hybrid earns 38 miles in combined driving. Stepping up to the remarkable Tucson Plug In Hybrid, fuel economy jumps to 80 miles per gallon equivalent.

   By the way, all-wheel drive is standard on the Hyundai. You’ll have to pay more to get it on the Honda. That means you’ll pay a premium on top of the existing premium price. A limited center slip differential is standard only on the Tucson Hybrid.

3. Size Comparison

   The Honda compact SUV was redesigned this model year. However, it still hasn’t caught up to the passenger volume of the Tucson. The Honda hybrid cabin measures 103 cubic feet whereas the Hyundai hybrid cabin measures 107.9 cu ft.

   As for cargo space, there are 38.7 cubes in the Tucson Hybrid hold and 39.3 cubes in the 2023 CRV Hybrid. With the margin so close, shoppers should know about some related cargo aspects that help the Tucson Hybrid close the gap.

   First, a dual-level cargo floor makes the Tucson Hybrid especially good at organization. Second, the Tucson seats split fold and dive into place, leaving a flatter floor with an available 75 cubic feet of cargo area.

   Furthermore, the Tucson is the only one of these two hybrids to have a standard power liftgate. Even better, Hyundai owners can claim a gesture-free system to make cargo access even easier.

4. Value Pricing

   For those who are trying to minimize their loan costs while maximizing their fuel economy, the Tucson Hybrid is definitely the better choice. At the entry level, the Tucson Hybrid price is about $1,800 less than the CRV Hybrid price.

   Beyond price, of course, is the question of value. Since it costs more, one might assume that you get more standards on the base Honda than the base Hyundai.

   This isn’t true in this case. Motor Trend praises the Tucson Hybrid for its feature-per-dollar value. As you will see in the next sections about standards, infotainment, and driver assistance, these Hyundais even have standards the Hondas don’t.

5. Standard Package Comparison

   Shoppers will be delighted to see that the Hyundai hybrid SUV has a driver’s power chair, acoustic windshield, and advanced touchscreen tech just like the Honda SUV. Likewise, it has a long list of driver assistance to match or surpass its rival.

   As for comforts, both have dual-zone automatic climate controls. If the weather turns cold, both SUVs have front heated seats. You can be sure the Tucson Hybrid has rear AC vents to take care of passengers on the second row. It has 41.3 inches of rear seat legroom, and the backseats can recline.

   A hands-free power liftgate and a wireless charger are major Tucson Hybrid standards. You can get these features on the CRV Hybrid, but you’ll have to step up to the Sport Touring. In other words, you’ll have to pay more to get them if you choose the Honda hybrid.

6. Infotainment Technology

   Ironically you’ll be paying more for smaller infotainment screens whether you buy the Accord Hybrid Sport or Sport Touring. The 8-inch Hyundai touchscreen is bigger than the 7-inch Honda touchscreen. While both have Apple Carplay and Android Auto, only the Hyundai has standard HD Radio.

   Stepping up, Hyundai’s 10.25 navigation touchscreen beats the 9-inch Honda touchscreen by 1.25 inches. Plus, the available digital instrument panel is 10.25 inches on the Hyundai and just 7 inches on the Honda. Even better, compared to the 2022 Hyundai Tucson, the top tech is now on more of the hybrid models.

7. Hyundai Exclusives

   Curve Control is exclusive to the Hyundai adaptive cruise system (ACC). This uses navigation to inform the ACC about upcoming curves. Like a driver, the system then slows slightly going into the curve. This system slows and speeds automatically while leaving the driver in charge of steering. This remarkable technology is a standard feature on all Tucson Hybrids.

   Remote Parking Assist is another Hyundai exclusive. The available system allows drivers to be inside or outside their Tucson Hybrid when utilizing remote parking capability.

   Another exclusive is the Hyundai Digital Key. This allows you to use your smartphone to lock and unlock your vehicle. Plus you don’t need your physical key to start the car as long as you have the Hyundai Digital Key on your smartphone.

8. Driver Assistance

   Both standard models have an emergency autobrake that can be triggered for a pedestrian in the road, a forward collision danger, or a cyclist. They have lane departure assistance and adaptive cruise control.

   The most glaring omission at Honda is an avoidance assist for the blind spot monitor and for the rear cross traffic alert. The Hyundai system may steer or brake to help the driver while the Honda system only issues a warning. These advanced safety features are even offered on the Honda.

9. Tucson Hybrid vs Plug In Hybrid

   If you are looking at the Honda CR V Hybrid Sport Touring, you will definitely want to consider the Tucson PHEV. These plug in hybrid powertrains generate 261 horsepower, making them speedier than the capable 227-horsepower Tucson Hybrid. This is significantly more than the CRV Hybrid’s 204 horsepower.

   Honda CRV Hybrids don’t have any electric range. However, the Tucson PHEV has an electric range of 33 miles. That’s the length of many people’s daily commute. If that is true of you, you’d find yourself driving emissions free for much of your regular commute.

   These Tucsons are plugged in overnight to achieve an electric charge. However, with a 240-volt charger, this happens in 3.5 hours.

   This energy helps raise the fuel economy to 80 mpg-equivalent with a solid 35 mpg if the electric power has totally waned. Of course, regenerative braking works to restore battery power during every slow down or stop.

Conclusion

From every angle, the Tucson Hybrid beats or ties the Honda CRV Hybrid. This suggests that the Tucson Hybrid should be the first SUV on your Test drive list.

In fact, US News and World Report ranks the 2023 Tucson Hybrid #1 out of 14 hybrids, including the CRV. Even better, it ranks number one among all crossover SUVs and number one among all 2 row SUVs. That’s quite an endorsement.

Find your next ride. Test drive the Tucson Hybrid at San Tan Hyundai dealer.