2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Comparison

With money-saving fuel economy, the two hybrid SUVs are natural choices for shoppers who want to keep ownership costs in check. Advanced technology and daily comforts sit side by side in the cabins.

Nonetheless, the 2023 Tucson Hybrid and CR-V Hybrid are different in a number of interesting ways. This comparison should help you discover which one is best for your lifestyle and budget.

1. Most Inviting

   With a cabin measuring 107.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, the Tucson Hybrid has the first requirement for families. The Honda CRV Hybrid has 103.5 cubic feet of passenger cabin space.

   As you go measurement by measurement, you can see the Tucson Hybrid has the edge. Honda headroom (front/rear) is 38.2 inches while the Hyundai can claim 40.1 (front) and 39.5 (rear) inches. Hyundai second-row legroom is 41.3 inches while the Honda’s legroom is 41 inches.

2. Best Package

   The 2023 CRV Hybrid could have more comforts than the Tucson Hybrid. After all, the base edition costs $1,800 more, making it seem like there would be more favorites in the cabin. If anything, however, the Tucson Hybrid has more features for the money.

   On both, standard features include dual zone climate controls, rear air vents, and heated front seats. Plus you can trust both to have a standard power driver’s chair, advanced dash tech, and today’s most sought-after driver assistance.

   However, the Tucson Hybrid Blue adds exclusives like the Hyundai Digital Key, navigation-enhanced cruise control, stain-free cloth upholstery, a radio quiet mode, and a height-adjustable front passenger seat.

   Savvy shoppers will appreciate other standards that are not available on the CRV Hybrid Sport. These Blue standards include a wireless charger, HD Radio, a hands-free power liftgate, and all-wheel drive. You can get these items, but they will cost you more on the Honda.

3. Most Family Friendly

   The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid has been called a Best Car for Families in its class by the analysts at US News and World Report. There are a number of ways it serves parents and kids that match or surpass the CR-V Hybrid.

   Only Hyundai has stain-resistant premium cloth. Parents can clean up spills easily in the Tucson Hybrid. Not only is the cloth unlikely to stain, but it is unlikely to develop an odor. That’s especially important when the spill is baby formula, a milkshake, or an ice cream cone.

   The sound system has a quiet mode, another exclusive feature. When you want the kids to sleep, you can mute their sound with the push of a single button. The system will adjust the front seat volume to ensure that the backseat is as quiet as possible.

   Hyundai was one of the first to introduce a safe exit assist or a rear seat reminder. When parents or caregivers exit their vehicle, they are less likely to forget kids or pets in the backseat with the rear seat reminder. Reducing the chances of stepping out into traffic, the safe exit assist may lock the doors to prevent a kid from exiting at the wrong time.

4. Most Entertaining

   Hyundai has earned Best Innovative Technology Experience among Mass Market Brands for three years in a row from industry analyst JD Power. So perhaps it shouldn’t be too surprising to learn that the infotainment systems are bigger and better in the Hyundai.

   For starters, the Hyundai 8-inch touchscreen is an inch bigger than Honda’s standard 7-inch screen. You can step up to a 9-inch Honda touchscreen, but it’s more fun to step up to Hyundai's 10.25-inch touchscreen.

   

   Naturally there are similarities including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, HD radio is a Hyundai standard that is reserved for a higher Honda trim. If your phone needs a charge, you’ll prefer the Tucson Hybrid with its standard wireless charger. That’s a fairly pricey extra on the Honda.

5. Safest Ride

   It should be noted that these two SUVs have good crash scores and ample safety features. They’ve earned the all-important 5-star NHTSA rating. Likewise, they have good scores at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

   Plus these two hybrids have a similar package of driver assistance features. All of the essentials are on both. This ranges from a lane departure assist to an emergency autobrake for forward collision dangers.

   However, Hyundai has taken the standard blind spot monitor and added an avoidance assist to help stop a driver from changing lanes at the wrong time. Likewise, the rear cross traffic alert tries to stop the driver from backing into an incoming car’s path.

   These systems go above and beyond what’s even available on the Honda. Plus, once again, you have to pay extra just to get the regular blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert. It isn’t standard unless you buy the Sport Touring Hybrid.

6. Most High Tech Toys

   These two cars have push button start and advanced smart entry. However, the Hyundai Digital Key takes it further. Your smartphone can become your key, and that’s something you won’t find on rivals, including the Honda hybrid.

   If you think parking is a challenge, Hyundai has a solution. The Remote Smart Parking Assist will do the whole operation for you. You can even stand aside with your keyfob in your hand. This available option is unavailable on the CR-V HEV. You won’t find it on the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid either.

   Both have adaptive cruise control with helpful buttons on the steering wheel. This slows and speeds automatically in busy traffic conditions. However, only the Hyundai utilizes the navigation system to refine the system with curve control. Introduced on the 2022 Hyundai Tucson, curve control anticipates each curve and regulates speed to match conditions.

7. Best Cargo Hauler

   The CR-V Hybrid has a 39-cu ft cargo hold. However, the Tucson Hybrid cargo hold is plenty big at 38.7 cubic feet. Owners will appreciate the convenience of a dual level floor. The rear seats can easily fold and dive to create a larger flat area for cargo.

   Adding more fun to this easy entry, the Tucson Hybrid doesn’t charge you extra for a power liftgate. To get the same on the Honda, you’ll either pay extra or simply go to the higher priced Sport Touring model.

   Then there’s the fact that the Tucson HEV is rated to tow up to 2,000 pounds. Honda CR-V Hybrids are limited to 1,000 pounds.

8. Best Driver’s Car

   There’s no doubt that the Tucson Hybrid is more fun to drive. Its powertrain generates 227 horsepower, significantly more than the 204-horsepower Honda hybrid powertrain. The torque rate of 258 lb-ft is higher than the Honda’s 247 lb-ft.

   Furthermore, the Tucson Hybrid has standard all-wheel drive. You’ll have to pay extra to get this important standard on the Honda hybrid.

   Tucson HEV power is regulated by a 6 speed automatic transmission. This has a much more natural feel than the continuously variable transmission on the CR-V HEV.

9. Plug In Hybrid Advantages

   By the way, there is no 2023 Honda CRV Plug In Hybrid (PHEV). So the Tucson plug in hybrid wins by default. As for the Tucson PHEV price, it is about $2,000 less than the top CRV Hybrid price. This makes it logical for buyers to look closely at the Tucson PHEV before they purchase the CRV Hybrid Sport Touring.

   While the CRV Hybrid AWD models earn 37 mpg, the Tucson PHEV earns 35 mpg in combined driving. However, this does not include its 33-mile range. When that is factored into the equation, the Tucson PHEV claims 80 mpge.

   That’s a difference of 43 mpge. Over five years, that’s a difference of $1,250, according to the US Department of Energy fuel calculator. For a 25 mile trip, the Honda requires $2.29 in fuel. For that same trip, the Tucson PHEV requires only $1.47.

   Plus the Tucson PHEV is the most fun to drive. It generates 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

10. Trim Levels and Pricing

    The Tucson Hybrid price starts at around $31,150 MSRP. It also comes in the Blue, SEL Convenience and Limited trim levels. Tucson Plug in Hybrids start at just over $37,000. It comes in two trim levels: SEL and Limited.

    The CRV Hybrid price starts at $32,950 MSRP for the Sport trim. Sport Touring models are priced starting at $49,100.

11. National Rankings

    The CR-V Hybrid is a good SUV, and it is well liked. However, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid SUV has maintained its #1 status at US News and World Report despite the CRV updates this model year.

    In fact, the Tucson HEV ranks #1 in three categories: hybrid SUVs, compact SUVs, and 2 row SUVs. It’s cool to see that this Hyundai has moved mainstream, beating out gas-powered competitors as well as other hybrids.

Conclusion

From a faster ride to more standards, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid simply wins this contest hands down. Check it out at Avondale Hyundai dealer serving the whole Phoenix Az area.

REVIEWS

”Along with superb passenger and cargo space, the Tucson Hybrid offers brisk acceleration, a comfortable and serene ride over rough roads and good composure around corners.”

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”The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Outranks the Honda CR-V Hybrid.”

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