2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs. 2022 Ford Escape PHEV – to Plug or Not to Plug
Article Highlights
Sure, we could look at either the Tucson or Escape and compare the hybrid to the plug-in hybrid versions, but where’s the fun in that? Instead, let’s look at the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid against the 2022 Ford Escape PHEV to see which SUV is more desirable. Is the Ford worth the extra cost to have a charging port? Let’s find out.
| 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid | 2022 Ford Escape PHEV | |
| Price Range | $29,350 to $37,650 | $33,000 to $38,325 |
| Engine Options | 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder + 44.2-kW electric motor | 2.5-liter four-cylinder + 88-kW electric motor |
| Horsepower | 226 horsepower | 200 horsepower |
| Torque | 258 lb.-ft. | 155 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | six-speed automatic transmission | Electric-CVT |
| MPG Rating | 38 mpg combined/500 mile total driving range | 40 mpg combined/17-mile battery range |
Immediately you see more power coming from the Hyundai, which also provides an excellent driving range when the fuel tank is full. With an average of two miles per gallon more, will the Ford give you enough to make it the SUV you want to drive?
Which hybrid SUV has a better interior area?
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Looking at the cabin space of the hybrid Tucson, we see an inviting area done in a single color. The seats are comfortable, memory controls in the door are convenient, and the technology layout is attractive. According to AutoGuide.com, the infotainment screen sits within the center stack, giving drivers of this Hyundai an uninterrupted view.
The legroom offered in the Hyundai Tucson is interesting. Typically, the front row has more legroom than the rear, but in this case, the front passengers receive 41.1 inches of space while rear passengers enjoy 41.3 inches of room for their legs. Behind the back seat, 38.7 cubic feet of storage space awaits the gear you need to take along for the ride. The Tucson Hybrid easily pulls up to 2,000 pounds if you need to tow.
Ford Escape PHEV
The interior styling of the Ford is a different story from the Hyundai. You will see two colors for the seats, but the materials aren’t up to the same standard as the Tucson. The infotainment system sits atop the dashboard, interrupting your view of the road. On a positive note, you will find some buttons and dials in the Escape PHEV, which can be useful compared to a fully-integrated touchscreen system.
The seating room is more traditional in the Ford Escape. You’ll find 42.4 inches of legroom for the front seat and 38.9 inches in the rear. The cargo room behind the rear seats only measures 34.4 cubic feet in the Escape, and the towing capacity is 1,500 pounds. Only the front legroom measurement is greater for the Ford than the Hyundai.
How does the technology compare for these compact SUVs?
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Hyundai provides a large 10.25-inch touchscreen with completely integrated controls. This isn’t so bad for the driver who has steering wheel-mounted controls for the audio system but can be tiresome for the passenger. The instrument panel of the Tucson is impressive, giving you the readings you need on a sharp screen.
At the top trim level, the Tucson Hybrid safety system includes:
- Blind View Monitor
- Automated emergency braking
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Lane centering
- Lane-keep assist
- Rear cross-traffic alerts
- Ultrasonic rear occupant alert
- Safe exit assist
- 360-degree camera system
- Highway Drive Assist
Ford Escape PHEV
The Ford Escape goes a different route with the infotainment system. An 8.0-inch screen sits atop the dashboard with several physical dials and buttons underneath. This allows passengers to reach controls without sifting through menus. The instrument panel is 12.3-inches and gives you clear readings of what you want to see while driving. The top trim of the Escape PHEV also has a head-up display.
Safety at the top level for the Ford includes:
- Lane-keeping assist
- Lane centering
- Adaptive cruise control
- Traffic sign recognition
- Automatic emergency braking
- Parking assist
Unfortunately, the Ford Escape does not have a 360-degree camera system, but it has a more conventional dashboard layout, which might work well for some drivers.
Which SUV should you drive, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid or the Ford Escape PHEV?
If you’re going to drive one of these two SUVs, you should choose the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. The Ford Escape PHEV lacks AWD, has fewer safety features, and doesn’t have the driving distance of the Tucson. If you want an SUV that’s basically an overgrown hatchback, this Ford is right for you.
Of course, if you want a vehicle that has an excellent cabin, impressive driving range, and a better safety package, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is the right choice.
Next, check out how luxurious the Jeep Grand Wagoneer can be, or watch these two hybrid SUVs compared in the video below:
This article was updated on 8/24/2022.
