Vehicles with stop/start fuel technology and hybrid powertrains have made it easier than ever to save fuel. The Hyundai Tucson has a stop/start ignition button as standard equipment, but it’s still less efficient than some rivals. However, that’ll likely change with the redesigned 2022 Tucson.

The latest model gets a stylish new grille, a better base engine, and a larger interior. Even more exciting, MotorTrend reports that both hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions will also debut for this model year. So, how will these new powertrains affect the Hyundai Tucson’s power and efficiency?

New 2022 Hyundai Tucson powertrains

The brand-new Hyundai Tucson packs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 hp when paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. By comparison, the 2021 model has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 161 hp with a six-speed automatic transmission. The available turbo engine won’t return for the 2022 redesign.

The greener Hyundai Tucson will get a 1.6-liter turbo-four producing 227 hp in the hybrid and 261 hp in the plug-in hybrid. Both models will also come with standard all-wheel drive, and the PHEV will get an estimated 28 miles of electric-only range. Car and Driver suggests it might offer up to 32 miles of range.

The EPA hasn’t rated the Tucson PHEV, but MotorTrend provides numbers for the other two models. The retired 2.0-liter four-cylinder gets only 25 mpg combined city/highway with front-wheel drive, but the 2.5-liter engine gets 29 mpg combined. The hybrid models with AWD get 38 mpg combined city/highway.

You can still get AWD on the regular Tucson for an extra $1,400. Still, with the upgraded engine from last year, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson gets only 28 mpg combined city/highway at best. The improved fuel economy evens the playing field with rivals like the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V.

New standard features

The current Hyundai Tucson has gotten a lot of flak from critics thanks to its limited standard features. It offers a decent number of safety features, but not as many as segment leaders. The updated 2022 models give drivers more bang for their buck.

The standard 2022 Tucson now boasts a larger touchscreen and LED headlights. Both the Tucson SEL and its base hybrid come with heated front seats, a 10-inch digital gauge cluster, and a sunroof. These models also provide extra safety features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitors. 

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson N-Line cuts a striking figure with its slim grille, new exhaust outlets, and rear spoiler. Disappointingly, it doesn’t have any actual racing upgrades besides slightly larger wheels. Still, it offers all the standard tech of the other models and classier sueded seats.

The most expensive Hyundai Tucson Limited comes with navigation, a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, and extra safety tech. All of these features carry over to the Tucson Hybrid Limited.

When can you buy the 2022 Tucson?

Industry observers expect the 2022 Hyundai Tucson to go on sale during the first half of 2021. According to MotorTrend, the base trim will retail for $26,135 and top out at $35,885 for the Limited. The supposedly sportier N-Line will run $31,785.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid models will start at $30,235 and max out at $38,535. Pricing for the Tucson PHEV has yet to be revealed, so it might have a later release date. These numbers are a bit of a price hike from the outgoing Tucson, but the efficiency tweaks alone are worth it.