Overview
Previewed by the Vision T concept at the 2019 LA auto show, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson sports a daring new design that seems destined to shake up the compact-SUV marketplace. Although the concept was shown as a plug-in hybrid, the entry-level Tucson is powered by a more conventional 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine shared with the Sonata family sedan. A hybrid powertrain will also be offered, and Hyundai will offer a plug-in model, both using a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder augmented by an electric motor. More interestingly, the Tucson N Line trim will offer a sportier alternative with more power. When it hits the market, this Tucson will find itself going head-to-head with several strong rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, and the Volkswagen Tiguan.
What’s New for 2022?
The Tucson is redesigned from stem to stern for 2022, incorporating the company’s new design language for a bold look.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We suggest the SEL Convenience trim as it offers a great balance between features and price. It comes standard with heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, a sunroof, and a 10.3-inch digital gauge display, among other niceties. A sporty N Line model is also available for the first time, but for buyers hoping for a high-performance turbocharged four-cylinder will be disappointed to learn that opting for this trim amounts to nothing more than an appearance package.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder will be standard and comes with an eight-speed automatic and either front or all-wheel drive. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four will power hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, which Hyundai says is good for a combined 227-hp in the former and 261-hp in the latter; all-wheel drive is standard with the electrified powertrains and both come with a six-speed automatic transmission. We haven’t had a chance to test drive the new Tucson yet, but we’ll update this story soon with driving impressions and test results.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The plug-in hybrid model sports a 13.8-kWh battery pack that is said to offer up to 32 miles of electric-only driving. A 7.2-kW on-board charger allows the battery to be fully recharged in about two hours when connected to a level 2 charging station.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that nonhybrid versions of the 2022 Tucson should deliver as high as 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway with front-wheel drive. Fuel efficiency ratings for the hybrid models haven’t been released. When we get a chance to test the new Tucson for ourselves, we’ll see how well it does on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen and helps us evaluate real-world mpg. For more information about the Tucson’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The new Tucson sports a simplistic but modern dashboard design with a digital gauge display, a push-button shifter, and touch-sensitive control panel for the climate-control system and infotainment. Hyundai’s flagship Palisade SUV and the brand’s recently redesigned Sonata and Elantra sedans have served as a sort of watershed moment for the company’s interior designs, and the new Tucson looks to continue the trend with a thoughtfully arranged interior filled with quality materials and luxury features. The 2022 Tucson’s rear seat space and cargo area are both larger than the outgoing model, providing more passenger comfort and practicality.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A standard 8.8-inch touchscreen is integrated into the dashboard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; a larger 10.3-inch screen with built-in navigation is optional. Features such as SiriusXM satellite radio, an upgraded Bose stereo system and a Wi-Fi hotspot will likely be offered as well, but Hyundai hasn’t released a full list of standard and optional features. Other high-tech offerings include Hyundai’s digital key smartphone app, which provides lock and unlock features as well as an option for remote start.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
A host of driver-assistance features will be available, many of which will come standard. For more information about the Tucson’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
In the compact-SUV market, only one rival offers as much warranty coverage as the Tucson, and that’s its corporate twin, the Kia Sportage. The Hyundai still holds an advantage over the Kia in this area, though, thanks to its generous complimentary scheduled maintenance program.
- Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
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