Hyundai has announced details and pricing for each trim level of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. Trim levels have gone up in price dramatically over the last decade. The Tucson has an impressive spectrum of engine styles and trim levels. Which set of Tucson features offers the best value to shoppers?

Three Hybrid trim levels give buyers plenty of options

Hyundai also offers three trim levels of the 2022 Tucson for hybrid shoppers. Each one comes HTRAC AWD. The first level, Blue HEV, starts at $29,050. The SEL Convenience HEV starts at $31,650. The most expensive hybrid trim package, the Limited HEV, starts at $37,350.

Hyundai equipped the 2022 hybrid Tucson with a 1.6 L gas turbo engine. It works in tandem with an electric motor to produce 226 hp and 258 feet of torque. The biggest benefit of the hybrid model is its gas-saving fuel economy at 38 mpg combined.

A plug-in hybrid will be rolling out to join the line-up. Hyundai has not released pricing and specs for the upcoming PHEV. Currently, all that’s publicly known is that it will produce 261 horsepower and have 32 miles of all-electric range.

From the ground up, this SUV is loaded with features

Each of the 2022 Honda Tucson’s trim packages features the same Smartstream 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 187 horsepower and 178 feet of torque. Its boosted towing capacity allows drivers to pull up to 2,000 pounds. SHIFTRONIC manual shift mode makes its eight-speed transmission an attractive option.

The standard features equipped on every trim level include some “nice-to-haves.” All models have 8-inch touchscreen infotainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as HD radio, is a nice tech touch. The Tucson’s standard safety features include Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance, Pedestrian Detection, and Lane Following Assist make the Tucson easier to drive.

Each of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson’s trim packages largely includes the same features. There’s a big jump in features between the base trim level and the SEL. The jump in features from SEL to Limited is much less comprehensive.

Which is most worth the premium?

With a price difference of more than $12,000 between the base and Limited trim levels, buyers should carefully weigh the benefits and features. The base model is missing features included in all other trim levels, but it’s a bargain.

The Limited trim level has a few cosmetic differences. All trim levels below Limited feature 17-inch alloy wheels. The Limited trim level features 19-inch alloy wheels. It also has black mirror housings. Features like a proximity-activated power-lift rear liftgate and wireless charging are nice but largely missable.

The SEL trim level raises the 2022 Hyundai Tucson’s suggested MSRP by only $1,550. It includes all the features of the Limited except for a few details. The SEL trim level has a lot to offer for a small bump in price, making it the most worth-it trim level that’s currently been announced.