2022 HYUNDAI TUCSON LIMITED

 

HYUNDAI TUCSON NOW A REAL PLAYER 

IN COMPETITIVE COMPACT SUV SEGMENT

Move over Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, and other popular compact crossovers.

Another player has upgraded its game with Hyundai giving its best-selling vehicle, the Tucson SUV, a major refreshing for 2022 following the “Sensuous Sportiness” concepts espoused by the company’s Global Design Center in South Korea. 

From the outside, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson has the look of a luxury SUV, and the only thing missing from the premium-like interior is an analog clock in the middle of the flat, no-knob centerstack.

When it comes to appearance, comfort, space, and functionality, I would put the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited model that this review is based on up against any crossover in the compact class, including some in the luxury segment.

At 182.3 inches long, it is 6.1 inches longer than the 2021 Tucson, increasing second-row legroom to 41.3 inches and rear storage space to 38.7 cubic feet, 7.5 cubic feet more than its predecessor’s capacity.

About the only shortcoming would be in performance, and even this latest version with the conventional gas-engine powertrain has a bit more get-up-and-go than what previous generations offered.

The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine gets a slight horsepower and torque boost to 187 horsepower and 175 pound-feet, respectively, over the 181/175 of the 2021 Tucson.  That’s adequate for daily driving, and operating in Sport or Smart mode instead of Normal (or Snow) adds a bit of pep.

If you want more oomph, you need to get the one of the hybrid versions. The plugin Tucson hybrid, for example, offers a combined 261 horsepower from its 1.6-liter turbo engine and electric motor in addition to providing 32 miles of electric-only driving.

Along with the top-of-the-line Limited trim, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson also is offered in SE (or base), SEL, and N Line versions with front-wheel drive as standard. All-wheel drive is available on all trims, and an 8-speed automatic transmission is standard across the line. Fuel consumption for FWD modes is at the rate of 26 miles-per-gallon city, 33 highway, and 29 combined. AWD Tucsons are at bit thirstier with mileage figures of 24/29/26.

All Tucsons start with standard safety equipment that includes forward collision alert with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, high-beam assist, driver attention assist, and rear-seat occupant alert.

The Limited adds lane-follow assist, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, and parking assist systems that are optional on other trims.

The long list of standard equipment on the Limited makes other options moot.

That list includes a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and push-button start, 19-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, leather-trimmed seats, expanded ambient lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, power front seats with driver lumbar support, rain-sensing wipers, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch touchscreen for navigation and other infotainment features, Bose premium sound system, wireless charging, adaptive (Smart) cruise control, and three complimentary years of Hyundai’s Blue Link connective services.

In addition to the $169 for carpeted floor mats, the only extra for my tester was a $1,185 destination and delivery charge, bringing the final bottom line for the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited with AWD to $37,454.

 

What I liked about the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited: The exterior styling is sharp. To me it looks very much like a particular luxury SUV from a rival Japanese automaker. The interior also has a luxury feel and is roomy and comfortable. There is even good legroom room in the rear seats (41.3 inches). The touchscreen for infotainment functions on the Limited is the largest of the Tucson trims and includes an easily read navigation map. The list of standard safety features is very extensive.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited: The infotainment system is not complicated to operate or anything, but I still would like knobs to make adjustments for some functions. You need to press buttons on the screen to adjust volume on the radio, for instance. Touch-sensitive buttons often can be touched by mistake. A little more punch in performance would be appreciated.

Would I buy the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited? Yes. Changes for 2022 have made the Tucson a strong entrant in the very competitive compact SUV segment.