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The Hyundai Tucson is one of the best SUV models of the year. Now the SUV’s plug-in hybrid model is coming. How does the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid stack up against the mighty 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime?

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is coming for the Toyota RAV4 Prime

A silver Hyundai Tuscon SUV.
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson | Hyundai

The Hyundai Tucson has come a long way in just a year. The Tucson was never a horrible SUV, but it hardly touched giants in its class like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. Now, thanks to its amazing redesign, the Tucson has proved it deserves a place among the best SUVs in its class.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid takes the Tucson’s capability even further. Its redesign includes a futuristic front fascia, amazing daytime running lights, and a more refined cabin. The hybrid model takes the Tucson’s gas mileage to a whole other level.

The Plug-in Hybrid looks to pick up where the hybrid model left off and add even more value. According to Cars.com, the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid will start at $35,975. It will make 261 combined horsepower and have 32 miles of all-electric range. The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid will be available in both SEL and Limited trims.

The Toyota RAV4 Prime is primed and ready to go

The Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular compact SUVs on the market. Combine the compact SUVs existing popularity with Toyota’s experience creating reliable hybrid powertrains, and you get the RAV4 Prime. Like the upcoming Tucson PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), the Prime can be charged and has an all-electric range.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime starts at $38,350. It gets 40 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway, making for 38 combined miles per gallon. It has an electric-only range of 42 miles. The RAV4 Prime uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes an exhilarating 302 horsepower.

2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid Vs. 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime: Which is the better PHEV?

A red Toyota RAV4 Prime SUV is on display.
The Toyota RAV4 Prime | Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid has a more dynamic exterior design than the Toyota RAV4 Prime. Unfortunately for the Tucson PHEV, spec-wise, that’s about all it has on the RAV4 Prime. The Toyota plug-in hybrid SUV has a more energetic powertrain and gets more electric-only range.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid will be about $2,400 cheaper, but the RAV4 Prime appears to be the better hybrid SUV. If you’re looking for style and tech, the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid may have the advantage, but the Toyota RAV4 Prime is simply more practical when it comes to all-electric range. Ten miles is a big difference when you’re in need of a charging station.

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