2022 Hyundai Tucson | First Look
Kelley Blue Book Kelley Blue Book
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 Published On Nov 9, 2020

For the latest Hyundai Tucson pricing and information:
https://www.kbb.com/hyundai/tucson/


That’s the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. And yes, we should probably talk about styling first. Here’s your uninterrupted moment to reckon with the Tucson’s shape. Whether you like it or hate it there’s no doubt that the Tucson is distinct. And there are a few elements that I think are particularly cool.

One, I like how the running lights are integrated into the grille shape. And they’re really only visible when illuminated.

Hyundai has also taken some big swings out back with the triangular taillights and this chrome trim feature.
But the thing I like most is that, unlike most SUVs, the Tucson is immediately identifiable when viewed in profile.

Like its Elantra kin, the Tucson leans heavily on hard creased bodywork. Personally, I like the Tucson’s look but not everyone will. And maybe that’s the point. In the modern crowded world of compact SUVs, it’s better to stand out than go unnoticed. Alright, enough of the exterior. How’s the interior.

From a size perspective, I the ultimate average American male, fit well in front. No Surprises. But let’s check out the back seats.

Size aside the cabin has a modern look and soft materials in the primary touch zones. Hyundai is also proud of a new diffused vent system for climate control. One interesting interior detail is this hoodless digital gauge cluster.
I look forward to seeing how visible it is when exposed to sunlight in the real world.

Infotainment duties are handled by a standard 8-inch touchscreen or this optional 10.25-inch screen. I like the size and interface.
But I personally prefer hard buttons for accessing submenus.
I also wish Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto weren’t limited to the 8-inch screen.

On an unambiguously positive note, cargo space is a generous 38.7 cu-ft. Plus there’s a nifty 2nd-row release in the cargo area for conveniently hauling larger loads.

For engine choices, there’s a standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (187hp, 178 lb-ft) paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai is targeting a combined fuel economy rating of 28. MPG, that a 3 MPG bump versus the 2021 model. And for those who need it, Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system is available.

That all sounds great but I’m more intrigued by the hybrid options.
Combining a 1.6L turbocharged engine, a 44.2 kW electric motor, and a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Tucson hybrid makes a total estimated output of 226 horsepower (226hp, 258 lb-ft). That makes it notably more powerful than the standard engine plus, according to Hyundai, 30 percent more efficient. If true that’d put the hybrid’s combined rating somewhere around 36 MPG. Hyundai will also offer a plug-in version featuring a larger 13.8 kWh battery pack to deliver an all-electric range of 28 miles. One other tidbit. Both of the hybrid variants will feature standard all-wheel drive.

If Hyundai can keep the prices reasonable, I think a Tucson hybrid would be the way to go. Though we’ve been promised a sportier Tucson N-Line later in 2021…that could be cool.

Looking quickly to equipment, the standard roster will include collision warning and braking assistance with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, plus lane-keeping assist. You can also add a 360-degree camera system, Hyundai’s smart park parking assist feature as seen in action with this Sonata, heated and ventilated front seats, and full-speed dynamic cruise control. No word on pricing yet but the gasoline and hybrid Tucsons will land in dealers in the spring of 2021. The plug-in arrives a few months later in the summer.

Obviously, I can’t come to a true conclusion about the 2022 Hyundai Tucson without driving it but man, I’m so glad the compact SUV landscape is finally getting weird.

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