2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson is currently the boldest vehicle in its class. Bold, not only in design, but in every way it executes.
In a highly competitive segment, the Tucson has had some success even in the face of supply chain challenges that continue to affect the industry. One of the reasons for this success would be that Hyundai was willing to add more value to its sharp-looking SUV by simply adding more choices for the consumer.
The latest addition to the Tucson family was not just one electrified driveline – but two. You can now get a 2022 Hyundai Tucson in a Hybrid and a plug-in Hybrid version.
We were glad that our latest Tucson came in the Hybrid version, combining a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. We wondered if that would entice fuel economy-minded and environmentally friendly consumers to even consider one.
On the non-hybrid model, we praised the Tucson’s bold exterior design, starting with its front end that features driving lamps forming wings from the large bold grille. The headlamp units are tucked away off to each edge of the front clip. The lines from this front clip to a sporty fastback-line roofline and a boldly sculpted profile. The satin chrome strip above the side window silhouette sets the roof off very nicely. The rear end sports a pair of split vertical taillamps that dictate the form of the liftgate.
Our Limited tester wore five-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels and some chrome trim that is both bold and subtle at the same time.
The bold design continues inside with a cockpit-like design. The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster offers customizable readouts and themes based on the drive mode you select. It is set behind Hyundai’s four-spoke steering wheel, full of logical and solid switches.
Integrated onto the center stack is a 10.25-inch touchscreen housing all functions from smartphone integration to navigation. There are no knobs, which means you have to touch the piano black surrounds for climate and infotainment controls. The center console also has Hyundai’s push-button transmission actuator and all of the drive functions. These console controls are set closer to the driver for easier functionality.
Our Hybrid Limited tester wore perforated leather seating offering some support and comfort. There is a plastic piece below the headrest set with a satin chrome strip on each front seat. Taller and wide-shouldered drivers did not feel comfortable with that piece of plastic behind their upper backs. The rears seats offer excellent leg and head room, along with solid comfort.
The cargo hold is very spacious. It starts with 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 80.3 cubic feet with those seats folded down.
The hybrid driveline starts with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine connected to an electric motor and battery pack seen on other Hyundai models. It offers a combined 226 horsepower. This driveline also adds a six-speed automatic transmission and Hyundai’s HTrac all-wheel-drive system.
Performance overall is very good. The 2022 Tucson Hybrid held its own around town, as well as on the highway. In terms of fuel economy, the Environmental Protection Agency states that it will average 37 MPG on a combined loop.
We noted that the non-hybrid Tucson had a driving experience that has “taken a huge leap from previous generations of Tucsons.” We stand by that statement in the hybrid. The ride quality is smooth, managing rougher road surfaces without sacrificing cabin quality. It also handles quite well with nominal lean and roll through evasive maneuvers and corners.
We found the turning radius to be tight, even with some artificial feel from the steering system itself. On-center feel is solid. We love the braking system with its sure stops in normal and panic situations. Pedal feel is solid and response to the system is very good.
Pricing for the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid lineup starts at $29,200. Our Hybrid Limited AWD tester came in with a sticker price of $38,854.
The number of compact SUVs with hybrid drivelines are a small segment within a popular class of vehicle. The Tucson Hybrid competes against the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Ford Escape Hybrid.
If you are looking for an efficient compact SUV that is bold and disruptive, look no further than the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. You can have a stylish SUV with an efficient driveline that won’t completely break the bank.
Story Credits: CarSoup Editors
