Review
Unveiled with the Vision T concept at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson has a bold new design that seems destined to shake up the compact SUV market. The entry-level Tucson is powered by the more traditional 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine used in the Sonata family sedan, but a hybrid and plug-in hybrid are also offered; those two options use a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine supplemented by an electric motor. All models are fairly well equipped, and the Tucson is one of the most stylish options in the segment. It goes side-by-side with several strong competitors, such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan, but the new Tucson has proven to be the best and earned the 2022 Editor's Choice Award.
Engine, transmission, and performance
The 187-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine will be standard and will come with an eight-speed automatic and front- or all-wheel drive. The turbocharged 1.6-liter four will power hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, which Hyundai says are capable of a combined 227 hp in the former and 261 hp in the latter; all-wheel drive is standard on the electrified powertrain, and both come with a six-speed automatic transmission. The non-hybrid Tucson offers enough power for both city driving and highway maneuvers, but drivers with lead feet will crave more power. On our test track, the all-wheel-drive car in the Limited configuration accelerated to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. The more powerful hybrid and plug-in hybrid models feel faster, but don't expect them to accelerate at Toyota RAV4 Prime levels. On our test track, our loaded Limited hybrid car accelerated to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. Although the Tucson is not a sports car, its handling is confident, the steering is quite clear, and the ride is enjoyable. What is most striking about the Tucson's behavior is how quiet and refined it is when cruising; it is these traits that give the SUV a sense of luxury that is rarely seen in this class.
Range, charging and battery life
The plug-in hybrid model features a 13.8-kWh battery pack that, according to the EPA, provides up to 33 miles of driving on electric power alone. The 7.2 kW on-board charger can fully charge the battery in about two hours when connected to a Level 2 charging station.
Fuel economy and real-world MPG performance
The EPA estimates that non-hybrid versions of the 2022 Tucson should deliver 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. Fuel efficiency figures for the hybrid reach 38 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway; the plug-in hybrid model earned an 80 MPGe rating combined with 33 miles of electric-only driving in the EPA test. On our 75 mph highway fuel economy route, the hybrid model failed to achieve the estimated 38 mph, posting only 28 mph; we have not yet tested a plug-in hybrid or a non-hybrid Tucson on our route. For more information on the Tucson's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, comfort and cargo capacity
The new Tucson features a simple but modern dashboard design with a digital display, push-button gearshift and touch-screen controls for the climate control and infotainment system. Hyundai's flagship Palisade SUV and the recently updated Sonata and Elantra sedans have been something of a turning point for the company's interior design, and the new Tucson looks set to continue that trend with a thoughtful interior filled with quality materials and luxury features. The rear-seat space and cargo area of the 2022 Tucson is larger than the previous model, providing more comfort and practicality for passengers. Behind the rear row of the hybrid, we fit nine carry-on bags, and with the seat backs retracted, the luggage capacity increases to 22 bags.
Infotainment and communications capabilities
A standard 8.8-inch touchscreen is integrated into the dashboard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support; a larger 10.3-inch screen with integrated navigation is available as an option. Features such as SiriusXM satellite radio, an upgraded Bose stereo and a Wi-Fi hotspot will also be offered, but Hyundai has not published a full list of standard and optional features. Other high-tech offerings include Hyundai's "Digital Key" smartphone app, which provides lock and unlock functions and remote start capability.
