The 2022 Hyundai Tucson’s Redesign Is More Than Skin Deep
While the 2021 Tucson has plenty to offer, Hyundai’s mid-size crossover falters in some areas against competitors like the Nissan Rogue. It also has internal competition, in the form of the Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Kona. That’s likely why the Hyundai Tucson has been redesigned for the 2022 model year. And its sharply-creased exterior is just one part of it.
What’s new for the 2022 Hyundai Tucson?
Although the new exterior may be the 2022 Hyundai Tucson’s immediate draw, the crossover has new parts inside and underneath, Motor Trend reports.
For the first time, the Hyundai Tucson will be sold in 2 different wheelbase lengths. However, US customers only get one—the long-wheelbase model. That does mean we get more room, though. And not just for people, either; Hyundai claims the 2022 Tucson has more rear cargo room than the 2021 model.
Speaking of room, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson also has a redesigned interior, Car and Driver reports. Instead of a conventional shift lever, the crossover now has a push-button gear selector. That means more room for other controls, such as for seat heating and ventilation, as well as the various parking sensors and cameras.
The infotainment screens are also larger: the standard one is 8”, and the optional one is 10.25”. Previously, the 8” was the upgrade, Car and Driver reports. The new 10.25” digital gauge cluster is standard, though, Roadshow reports, as is the 64-color ambient lighting.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, The Drive and Autoblog report, and the 2022 Tucson can connect 2 different devices at once. You can even use your phone as a key and to activate the climate control system. The 2022 Hyundai Tucson also offers a ‘car-to-home’ communication system that lets you control smart devices from the cabin, Motor1 reports. However, it and the optional interior air-quality monitoring system haven’t been confirmed for the US.
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson will naturally offer a full suite of ADAS features. Blind-spot monitoring, forward and rear collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist are all standard. Adaptive cruise control will be available, as well as a remote parking assist feature.
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson’s powertrain options
As before, the 4th-gen 2022 Hyundai Tucson will be available in front-wheel and all-wheel-drive trim. However, its base engine has been upsized. It’s still a four-cylinder, albeit a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp and 182 lb-ft. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic; previously, the Tucson had a 6-speed. The AWD system also has extra modes for dealing with mud, snow, and sand.
New for 2022, though, are hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. As of this writing, the specific battery pack details haven’t been released. However, Roadshow muses that the 2022 Tucson uses the same packs as the Kia Sorento hybrids. That would mean a 1.49-kWh pack for the Hyundai Tucson hybrid, and a 13.8-kWh pack for the PHEV model. Regardless of pack size, the 2022 Tucson has a total output of 227 hp and 258 lb-ft.
In addition to the alternate wheelbase, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson will also offer other powertrain options overseas. This includes a pure EV powertrain. But, while the US won’t get all these models, customers here may get the sportier N Line model. The specifics regarding the Tucson N Line will likely be announced closer to the end of the year.
Pricing and availability
The 2022 Tucson launches this month in its home market of South Korea as a 2021 model. US sales are expected to start in the first half of 2021—hence why our Tucson is a 2022 model.
As of this writing, Hyundai hasn’t released pricing details for the 2022 Tucson. The base FWD 2021 SE starts at $23,700; the SEL, with its 2.4-liter engine, starts at $26,100. AWD adds $1400. Motor1 expects the 2022 model to be roughly the same price. The hybrid models, naturally, be a bit pricier.
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