2022 Hyundai Tucson Review

The 2021 Tucson is the final edition of the fourth generation of Hyundai’s popular compact SUV. This value package has propelled the model into one of the best known in its class. Sales in 2021 were more than 150,000.

2022 models represent an almost complete redesign. The new interior is a class leader in size and second-row legroom. To accomplish that, the SUV grew by about six inches. New materials make the SUV more upmarket although the value pricing has remained intact. The cargo area is larger and more flexible.

The powertrain benefits from a new transmission. Passengers benefit from a much quieter cabin. In its class, the Hyundai hybrid is the solid leader in horsepower and torque.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson is spacious but the 2022 model is even bigger. Regardless of powertrain or trim level, the Hyundai has 41.3 inches of second-row legroom. The rear seats can be adjusted by a recline feature.

Passenger volume is 108 cubic feet, making it bigger than the Honda CR-V by 3 cubes, bigger than the 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid by four cubes, and bigger than the 2022 Toyota RAV4 by a remarkable 10 cubes. The Tucson has more legroom than all of these models too.

The standard cargo hold is 38.7 cubes. With its dual level cargo floor, the floor can be removed to claim 41 cubes. In the hybrid, the Tucson retains 35 cubic feet in the cargo hold. That makes the area bigger than the hybrid editions of the Honda CR-V (33 cu.ft.) or the Ford Escape (34.4 cu.ft.)

When the seats are folded, the area grows to 74.8 cubic feet in the regular model or 74.5 cubic feet in the 2022 Tucson Hybrid. This is the same or better than its direct rivals.

Interior

US News and World Report praises the new SUV for its stellar interior quality. Kelley Blue Book writes that the new interior is simple, elegant, and stylish. Regarding the Tucson Hybrid, US News calls it attractive and modern with luxury-look material quality.

The updated look comes in black or gray with a splash of red on the N-Line models. Hyundai cloth upholstery is known for its anti-stain qualities. The combination of leather and cloth on the N-Line gives it a unique sporty look.

One unique element is the air conditioning system. Hyundai utilizes hidden ports as well as standard vents. This new system is unique to the brand, and it allows users to choose between a diffused flow or a direct one. This can be especially pleasant when Phoenix AZ heat is beating down. This system even has a dust-detection sensor to monitor and improve the air quality.

SUV Build and Exterior Design

In addition to growing larger, the exterior style was influenced by Hyundai Sensuous Sportiness. The Tucson might appear to the onlooker to have numerous origami folds as well as unique cut-and-creased fenders.

There’s a curious camouflage for some of the lighting. This allows it to almost disappear when it isn’t in use. A special diamond detail is used to create a more interesting rear bumper.

A dark chrome accented grille, premium fascias, and glass black pillars add more curb appeal to the Limited trim. The body-colored side mirrors wear a chrome accent.

Easily distinguished by its exclusive rear spoiler and twin-tip exhaust, the N-Line adds sport touches to the grille, fascias and badging. The Limited and N-line have standard roof rails while the XRT adds cross rails for maximum utility. All three models wear 19-inch aluminum alloys of a trim-specific design.

Taking the model in a more rugged direction, the XRT has matte black skid plates. The look is further revised by the trim’s unique fascias and rugged cladding. These models have a standard tow hitch and side steps.

Standard Performance Features

The Tucson is equipped with a peppy four-cylinder engine and an excellent 8-speed automatic transmission. Well-timed shifts make the most of 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Towing capability is up to 2,000 pounds when equipped with the appropriate tow hitch and trailer brake controller.

In addition to a Comfort driving mode, the SUV lets the driver choose from Eco to save fuel and Sport to claim top performance. A Smart mode can balance Eco and Sport, according to real time driving conditions. Front wheel drive is standard.

The 8-speed automatic transmission is new equipment for the Tucson. Drivers can expect potent low-gear shifts for better takeoffs. Crisper shifts assist the SUV at highway speeds. Better timing for downhill transmission shifts is designed to protect the brakes from overuse.

Hybrid and Electric Powertrains

Hyundai mates its hybrid and hybrid plug-in with a special six-speed automatic transmission. It has standard all wheel drive which is accomplished with the help of its dual electric motors.

The numbers make it clear that the Tucson Hybrid is the most dynamic in its class. Tucson Hybrid powertrains produce 226 horsepower, beating the Escape by 26 horses, the CRV Hybrid by 15 horses and the RAV4 Hybrid by 8 horses. The generous 258 pound-feet of torque beats the CR-V by 26 lb-ft, RAV4 by 95 lb-ft, and Escape by 103 lb-ft.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is an even better power generator. The top horsepower is 261. You can compare that to the 221-horsepower Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid.

Tucson PHEV models have an electric range of 33 miles. Fuel economy is 85 mpge. For the regular hybrid, gas mileage is 37 in the city and 36 on the highway.

Ride Quality and Handling

Whether it’s the standard or one of the hybrid versions, the ride quality is stable and composed. The 2022 redesign is especially quiet due to increased, well-placed insulation. The acoustic windshield reduces wind noise.

With available all-wheel drive, the driver can turn on a torque split for poor driving conditions or slow-speed off-road use. This intelligent system works automatically when not in lock mode. The system recognizes when road conditions require better traction. It uses torque to drive the front wheels until it determines that rear wheel torque will assist. Then it can split it up to 50-50 front and back.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2022 Tucson is definitely meant to be safe for drivers and their families. The vehicle earned a Top Safety Pick Plus. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has also given a superior rating to the forward collision warning system with pedestrian detection and collision-avoidance emergency autobrake.

There are additional standard Hyundai SmartSense features including a lane keeping assist, a driver attention monitor, and high-beam assist. These systems help the driver avoid collision scenarios, reduce the chances of distracted driving errors, and maintain light levels correctly during nighttime travel.

Available adaptive cruise control regulates travel according to traffic conditions as well as the driver’s preset speed choice. Watching the sides, a blind spot warning can be updated to a blind spot assist which is more active. Parking assistance includes a reverse parking collision avoidance assist and an especially advanced keyfob parking aid.

Standard Trim Levels

The SE is the first of five standard trim levels. This edition has an 8-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SEL drivers enjoy a Proximity key and a power-adjustable chair. Second-row passengers will appreciate second-row vents. Exterior extras include aero wipers and side rails.

N-Line models and XRT models have a 10.25 digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. N-Line editions also have a Bose audio system and a black leather-and-cloth upholstery with red interior accents.

Limited models have ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and handsome leather upholstery. The 10.3-inch touch screen adds navigation.

Hybrid and PHEV Trim Levels

The Blue is the first of 3 hybrid choices. It has a few more standards than the SE. These include a power-adjustable driver’s chair, dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated front seats, and push button start. The SEL Convenience model adds a panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, and power liftgate with hands-free capability.

The third trim level is the hybrid Limited edition. Very similar to the standard Limited model, this Tucson has a large touch screen, the 10.25-digital instrument cluster, and numerous high tech driver aids. The ritzy interior has a Bose audio system, leather upholstery, and Arizona favorite ventilated seats.

The first of 2 trim levels, Tucson PHEV SEL models are most similar to the Hybrid Blue edition. The PHEV Limited model has the same amenities and technologies as the regular Hybrid Limited.

Professional Reviews and Awards

Car and Driver Editors’ Choice Award has been given to the all new compact SUV. Writing that the SUV “brought its A-game”, they note its futuristic look, pleasant driving dynamics, and practicality.

US News and World Report puts the 2022 Tucson and 2022 hybrid Tucson at the head of their class. Standard models are ranked #1 in compact SUVs. Hybrid models are ranked #1 in crossover SUVs, 2-row SUVs, and hybrid SUVs.

The journalist judges gave the standard model Best Compact for the Money in 2022 and Best Compact SUV for Families in 2022. The hybrid Tucson earned 2022 Best Hybrid and Electric SUV for the Money.

Price and Value

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson price is $25,800 MSRP. You will notice that is lower than the MSRP of the 2022 Toyota RAV4 ($26,975) and 2022 Honda CRV ($26,800). The Tucson Hybrid costs less than the Ford Escape Hybrid. You also save over $2,000 compared to the 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid.

Of course, it’s not just about price. Hyundai SUVs come with longer warranties than Toyotas, Fords, or Hondas. In fact, the Tucson has limited warranty coverage for up to two years longer and powertrain warranty up to five years longer. Even without this coverage, JD Power has given this SUV one of its highest reliability ratings (88/100).

Plus, the brand covers this nameplate with scheduled maintenance for 3 years, a year longer than Toyota or Honda. It also has no mileage limit on its five-year roadside assistance coverages.

Check out the inventory below. Let our staff know if you want updates about Hyundai Tucson sales and incentives. Feel free to stop by for a test drive.