Not too many years ago, stylish and Hyundai weren't two words you often heard together. But my how that's all changed in recent years as Hyundai continues to innovate in terms of design (check out the Hyundai IONIQ 5 for one). While Hyundai's new EVs are certainly a focus of its new design direction, Hyundai isn't leaving current models out in the cold. Case in point, the all-new 2022 Hyundai Tucson's newly added N Line trim. Not to be confused with its new performance-badged N lineup, the N Line is about sporty style that's designed impress the neighbors. This is in fact the third 2022 Tucson I've reviewed this year, and my favorite looking one of the bunch.
The N Line delivers sporty looks in Quartz White that contrasts well with 19-inch black alloy wheels. So much of the muscular, chiseled exterior benefits from the N Line treatment, from the exclusive front and rear facias to the gloss black heated side mirrors, black window surrounds and black roof trim.
The N Line badge design looks great on the dark chrome front grille. You get bi-LED headlights and LED daytime running lights along with LED tail lamps and brake light.
In back, you find a body color rear spoiler and single twin-tip exhaust. The 19-inch wheels sport N Line badged center caps.
As sporty as the N Line looks, don't expect performance-type power. It doesn't even have paddle shifters. Like the other Tucson gas-powered models, the N Line is powered by a 2.5-Liter 4 cylinder engine mated to an 8 speed automatic transmission. The system delivers 187-horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Idle stop and go is somewhat noticeable but can be disabled.
(For comparison, the Tucson hybrid model delivers 226-hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. )
The Tucson's 5-passenger well-designed interior is roomy and an appropriate mix of plastic and soft-touch materials like the fabric door panels. The N Line's mostly black interior features red accents and stitching. All the N Line badging looks great. You'll find it on the steering wheel, leather-wrapped gear shift knob and the front seat backs.
The comfortable N Line-branded black leather sport seats with cloth inserts feature red stitching and piping that add to the cabin's sporty vibe. The steering wheel looks and feels great, too, with more N Line badging. Alloy sport wheels and scuff plates add polish as does a black headliner.
A large glossy black center stack is home to an 8-inch multimedia display that's responsive with great graphics. It houses a rearview monitor with park guidance. Unliked Hyundai's larger screen, the 8-inch system offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 8-speaker Bose Premium audio systems sounds great in the space.
The N-Line comes well-equipped since it's based on the SEL and Convenience packages. Standard features include dual-zone climate, 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar, 3 level heated seats, wireless charging and two 12 volts. Still, I'd love to see a panoramic sunroof, however I will say there is plenty of light thanks to the large amount of window real estate.
The N Line is equipped with a 10 color ambient lighting, not the 64-color system in the Limited model. There are 2 USB ports up front and two in the rear. But no USC ports.
Hyundai's well-done 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster sits tablet style on the dash instead of being fully integrated into the dash. It's one of the brightest, easiest to read digital clusters out there and I've always liked the cool animations when you change drive modes.
The Tucson has a roomy back seat with plenty of leg- and head-room. It features 60/40 folding split rear seats that recline and passengers can utilize their own A/C vents and a center armrest. However, rear seats aren't heated like they are in the Limited.
A hands-free power liftgate opens to very impressive cargo area. You'll also find 2nd seat release levers back there as well as a 12 volt.
The Hyundai Tucson is an easy, enjoyable crossover to drive, with okay acceleration for its size though I admittedly prefer the horsepower of the hybrid. It's certainly sportier with more responsive steering in sport mode, but for me there wasn't quite enough acceleration. The ride is comfortable, smooth and quiet. It's a confident ride as well thanks to all-wheel drive. Ride visibility and height is excellent. I even felt a bit too high personally. That's because the AWD boasts a surprising 8.3 inches of ground clearance. This makes it a great ride for someone who really wants height in a vehicle without getting into the rugged, lifted, off-roader realm.
The 2022 Tucson offers Hyundai’s great SmartSense Safety Feature suite. Standard equipment includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Pedestrian and Cyclist and Junction Turning Detection, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance, Rear-Cross Traffic Avoidance. Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning. The N Line is also equipped with Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Safe Exit and Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert.
But the N Line misses out on Hyundai's top-range features like Remote Smart Park Assist, Surround View Monitor and Blind View Monitor. It also doesn't come with Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist semi-autonomous driving system.
There are two options on my test model. The paint ($400) and carpeted floor mats ($195). MSRP as equipped is $34,070, a few grand less than the Limited gas-only model.
The Hyundai N line is my favorite Tucson of the lineup when it comes to looks. But it lacks power in my book and is missing some of my favorite Hyundai features you find on the Limited. Perhaps Hyundai will consider offering some of those features as options in the future.