This week I’m behind the wheel of the all-new 2022 Hyundai Tucson – for the second time. Last year, I reviewed the new hybrid model. This time it’s the gas-only version, but once again the well-equipped Limited grade that tops the 5-trim lineup. The big difference between the two 2022 Tucson's I’ve reviewed is their powertrains so let's start there.
Powertrain
My gas-only model is equipped with a new 2.5L 4-cylinder engine matched to a smooth shifting 8-speed automatic that delivers 187-horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid model on the other hand, equipped with a 6-speed automatic, delivers 226-hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. Of course, this impacts fuel economy. The gas AWD model rates at 26 mpg highway versus the hybrid AWD’s 37 mpg. Just something to keep in mind when comparing the two models. The gas model is also equipped with Stop and Go Idle and while the system is noticeable, it can be disabled.
Note: There is also a new 261-horsepower Tucson Plug-In Hybrid, but it is currently only sold in CA, CO, CT, ME, MA, MD, NJ, NY, OR, RI, & VT.
Exterior
While Hyundai calls the Tucson a compact crossover, it doesn’t feel or look like one to me. Its new longer wheelbase makes it longer, wider, and taller than the previous generation. The Tucson's chiseled angles stand out in gorgeous Calypso Red with chrome accents and gloss black pillars. Lighting signatures both on the front and tail ends create a bold look.
The Limited model sports a premium grille finish with LED headlights, daytime running lights and high beam assist. It rides on boldly designed 19-inch alloy wheels. The tail end sports a body-color rear spoiler with LED brake lights and LED tail lights. Up top, you’ll find roof side rails. Unique design elements include the turn signal that’s located in the bumper not integrated into the tail light. Hyundai also integrated its logo into the rear glass.
Interior
The Limited’s upscale-looking interior is full of creature comforts and well-designed with ergonomics in mind. A mix of textures includes soft-touch door panels, silver trim pieces and fabric inserts. A large sweeping dash curves inward on the passenger side.
The Limited’s Leather-trimmed power front seats are very comfortable and the three-level heating feature came in handy in January. Both seats are also ventilated.
Above the heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a large 10.25-inch digital driver display animates when you change drive modes. It’s colorful with really top-notch graphics that even warn you when it may be icy out. Blind view monitor is also a terrific feature. I’d still like to see the display integrated into the dash like the Palisade.
A large center stack surrounded in glossy black houses a large 10.25 inch touchscreen above climate controls. The entire area is devoid of traditional buttons in favor of a capacitive touch display. The multimedia screen itself is very responsive with terrific graphics and mapping quality. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but not the wireless versions. It also offers HD Radio and features like Quiet Mode, Valet Mode and Sounds of Nature. The backup camera with parking guidance and the available surround view monitor deliver fantastic camera quality. Connectivity wise, the Limited is equipped with four USBs, two up front and two for rear seat passengers, along with two 12-volts.
More glossy black surrounds a wide center console that’s raised so it supports your hand. It houses a shift by wire push-button transmission as well as controls to select drive modes (which took me a minute to find), enable the electronic parking brake and auto hold.
The Limited comes equipped with wireless charging, an 8-speaker Bose premium sound system, a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers and 64-color interior ambient lighting.
A roomy back seat with plenty of leg- and head-room features 60/40 folding split rear seats that recline and provide a center armrest. There are rear A/C vents and the Limited keeps things toasty back there with rear seats.
The new Tucson adds more cargo space. A hands-free power liftgate opens to 7.7 cubic-feet more cargo space than in the previous generation, bringing it to a total of 38.7 cubic-feet. It also has a dual level cargo floor. You can also remotely release the folding rear seats using a lever in the cargo area.
Technology
The Hyundai Tucson Limited is equipped with some of my favorite technology features available today.
Hyundai’s Remote Smart Park Assist is amazing. The easy-to-use-feature works via keyfob. Once you turn on the locked vehicle using the remote start on the keyfob you can enact Park Assist and the vehicle will pull into or out of a parking space remotely. Using the feature will certainly get passerby's attention in the parking lot. I demo the feature for you in the videos below:
Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist is also superb. This semi-autonomous technology is intuitive and impressively keeps you in your lane and does so very smoothly, without any ping-pong effect. As I noticed in my previous hybrid review, it even did so when construction lane markers, not actual painted lines, were present.
Smart Cruise Stop and Go also deserves a mention because it’s also so easy and intuitive to use, monitoring the speed of the car ahead of you and adjusting your speed to match it.
Remote Start is also on my new wish-list items on vehicles. Hyundai's feature will allow owners to heat or cool the seats remotely using the Blue Link App.
Ride and Drive
The Tucson is an easy, enjoyable crossover to drive be it in the city or highway. It accelerates well for its size despite being less powerful than the hybrid and delivered both a smooth and quiet ride. All-wheel drive gives it a confident feeling on the road as does its braking. Sport Mode delivers a more engaged driving experience with a more responsive steering feel. It also has a nice turning radius.
Safety
The 2022 Tucson offers Hyundai’s great SmartSense Safety Feature suite. Standard equipment includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning. The Limited also comes with available Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and Front and Rear Parking Distance Warning.
Verdict
There is a lot to like about the 2022 Tucson Limited. Carpeted floor mats ($169) are my test model’s only option, bringing the total as equipped to just over $37,000. A great value for all the amazing technology, comfort and convenience features you get in this crossover. The big question you have to ask yourself is if you want more horsepower and better fuel economy. If that's the case, check out the Hybrid model.
- What I liked most: The Technology: Remote Start, Smart Parking Assist, Highway Driver Assist.
- What I would change: Integrate the driver digital display into the dash.
- MSRP: $36,100; As equipped: $37,454 with destination.
- Fuel Economy: 24 city/29 highway/26 combined.
- Official Color: Calypso Red.
- Odometer reading when tested: 6,854 miles.
- Weight: 3,651 pounds (w/AWD).
- Spare Tire: Temporary Compact Spare Tire.
- Length-Width-Height: 182.3” long/ 73.4” wide/ 65.6” high w/roof rails.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.3 gallons with filler on driver’s side.
- Towing Capacity: 2,000 pounds (with Trailer Brakes.)
- 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD in a few words: An outstanding crossover with technology that’s sure to impress passersby when it parks itself.
- Warranty: Five-year, 60,000-mile overall warranty;10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain protection and 5-year, unlimited-mileage roadside assistance
- Final Assembly Location: Montgomery, Alabama.
- Manufacturer’s website: Hyundai
