The all-new Tucson adds a pair of hybrid variants.
An all-new Hyundai Tucson arrives in the coming weeks, launching the fourth generation for this compact crossover utility vehicle. The new model is important to Hyundai as it helps the brand maintain a toehold in a hot segment. For 2022, the Tucson line expands to include its first hybrid models.
Just ahead of its arrival, we’ve included Hyundai-supplied pricing information. Its cost aligns with where we expected it to be, with the base model starting around $25,000 and the top-of-the-line trim outfitted with all-wheel drive running approximately $11,000 more. All told, there are four trims (SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited) with standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive (a $1,400 upgrade).
New for 2022 is the Tucson Hybrid, which comes in three trims and has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The prices start at $29,050 for the Blue, $31,650 for the SEL Convenience, and $37,350 for the Limited. Add $1,185 for the destination charge across the model line.
2022 Hyundai Tucson Pricing Details
Right click on the graphic and select “open image in new tab” for a full-size view.
Add $1,185 for the delivery and handling (destination) charge.
Highlights of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson
With all the details now in place, the following are among the highlights of the 2022 Tucson:
1. Compact, yet larger.
If you haven’t noticed, most models have grown over the past few generations. That’s in contrast to the incredible shrinking act or downsizing U.S. manufacturers undertook in the 1970s and 1980s. After a near two-decade lull, models have been growing again as automakers have figured out ways to make them more efficient and powerful as they grow them. The 2022 Tucson sits on a 108.5-inch wheelbase and that’s 3.4 inches longer than before. Overall, its length is 6.1 inches longer, its width 0.6 inches wider, and its height measures 0.6 inches taller. The standard cargo volume now measures 38.7 cubic feet, up from 31 cubic feet and the Tucson’s passenger volume comes in at 108.2 cubic feet for a 6-cubic-foot increase. All in all, the 2022 Tucson is simply longer, wider, and roomier than before and that’s the kind of auto trends we like.
2. Upping the styling quotient.
Pictures never do a vehicle justice and that’s why we’re limiting our comments on the styling to a few obvious things, including its beefy grille, new lighting elements, huge front cutouts, squared wheel wells, and artistic rear lights. The interior features a multi-layered dashboard with a wraparound look. It’s a much more sophisticated design than before and just one of many premium features we expect from Hyundai as a value leader. We’ll dissect the design thoroughly once we get behind the wheel of one.
3. Gas or hybrid.
Electrification is a significant move for automotive manufacturers and Hyundai won’t be left behind with the 2022 Tucson. The gas models have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that comes paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This combination produces 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid gets a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque (total 227 system horsepower). This one sends power to all four wheels utilizing a 6-speed automatic transmission. A plug-in hybrid model (PHEV) follows (total 261 system horsepower).
4. It can tow and it’s efficient!
We don’t have all the data yet on the hybrids, but we can tell you that all gas, HEV, and PHEV trims are rated to pull 1,650 pounds or up to 2,000 pounds with trailer brakes installed. These are reasonable numbers for hauling a skiff or a small camper. On the efficiency front, the only data available rates the front-wheel-drive gas model at 26/33/29 mpg city/highway/combined. With all-wheel drive, you’ll earn 24/29/26 mpg highway/city/combined.
5. Lots of tech features.
Hyundai equips the 2022 Tucson with a long list of standard tech equipment. Here, you’ll find an 8-inch touch-screen display, a 6-speaker audio system with HD Radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Further, the base trim comes with two USB outlets and a pair of 12-volt outlets. Moving up the trim range brings in more features, including two rear USB ports, satellite radio, and connected car services. Also, if you choose the second-tier SEL trim, a Convenience Package becomes available. Here, Hyundai brings in its 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and wireless device charging (includes navigation on the Limited trim). A Bose audio system is also available.
6. Let’s talk safety.
Under Hyundai’s standard “Smart Sense” safety package, the Tucson benefits from a comprehensive list of features. For example, every trim comes with forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection. Also, lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, high beam assist, and rear occupant alert are included. Certainly, this is a package we expect, but there are other features to be had. These include blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, safe exit warning, smart (adaptive) cruise control with stop and go, rear occupant alert, and remote smart parking assist.
Looking Ahead
The Tucson is in the middle of the brand’s SUV pack, with the Venue and Kona before it and the Santa Fe and Palisade following. Among its many competitors are the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, and the Mazda CX-30.
With a pair of hybrid models in play, Hyundai in the Tucson is making certain it has the major bases covered. As fuel prices rise, the appeal of electric vehicles will also improve. That Hyundai combines performance and efficiency in its hybrid offerings, will make these models a compelling choice. Regardless, the 2022 Tucson in any guise looks like every bit the winner that we expect it will be.
See Also – On the Road With the All-New 2016 Hyundai Tucson
Photos courtesy of Hyundai Motors.
Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources including NAPA, CarsDirect, CapitalOne, and Driven Autos.
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