The 2022 Hyundai Tucson is a highly anticipated SUV hitting the market this year. When the Hyundai Tucson was rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there was one significant improvement for the SUV. Hyundai says the new Tuscon is “built for the modern adventure,” but what exactly does that mean for buyers?

Why the IIHS loved the 2022 Hyundai Tucson

In recent years, the IIHS has been paying extra attention to headlights on vehicles. Headlight technology has been improving in recent years, but not all automakers have been paying attention. The IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award isn’t easy to achieve. Vehicles must earn high scores in all six crashworthiness evaluations.

These evaluations include driver-side small overlap front, passenger overlap front, side-impact, roof strength, and head restraint tests. The 2022 Hyundai Tucson scored high in all of these categories. Some other essential safety features include crash prevention systems. This is required for both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian classes.

Finally, the headlights must score good or higher in the evaluation. The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offers LED projectors on the Limited trim. These earned a “good” rating. The LED reflector headlights scored an “acceptable” rating on the other trims. For the 2021 model, these were one of the only issues that kept the 2021 Hyundai Tucson from getting the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award.

How much will the 2022 Hyundai Tucson cost?

Just because the 2022 Hyundai Tucson has excellent safety features and a new design doesn’t mean the price is through the roof. The starting MSRP for the base trim is only $24,950. It gets 33 mpg on the highway and offers 187 hp. Plus, you can opt for all-wheel drive now.

Remember how Hyundai said the Tucson was built for modern adventure? The company meant it. With the new HTRAC all-wheel drive option, the Tucson is more prepared for off-the-wall experiences. It also comes in both a hybrid and plug-in hybrid option to keep you on the road longer.

A new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster adds some pizzaz to the odometer. The new infotainment screen is just as large and offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface is clean, modern, and easy to use.

The coolest new feature on the Hyundai SUV

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson is joining the ranks of modern luxury vehicles. Hyundai has outfitted the Tucson with optional Remote Smart Parking Assist. Like the Tesla vehicles on the road, the Tucson can help park and pull out of tight spots without you in the driver seat.

You press the Smart Key button while standing nearby, and the Tucson parks itself. Or, you can press the button, and the 2022 Hyundai Tucson will back out of the spot for you. This impressive feat shows Hyundai is paying attention to what buyers want out of new vehicles.

With so much competition on the market these days, Hyundai has stepped up its game. It also offers wireless charging, a new digital smart key, and Smart Cruise Control. Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Surround View Monitor, and Rear Occupant Alert are options. So you could say the 2022 Hyundai Tucson is fully loaded and ready for whatever you throw at it.