2022 Hyundai Tucson First Look: This Is How It Looks. Really.
Bold design goes mainstream.
Renz DimaandalPhotographerManufacturerPhotographerMiguel CortinaWriter
2022 Hyundai Tucson First Look: This Is How It Looks. Really.
Bold design goes mainstream.
Renz DimaandalPhotographerManufacturerPhotographerMiguel CortinaWriter
Don't worry—it looks better in person. Hyundai took a bold approach when redesigning one of its best-sellers to give the Tucson a dramatic change that evokes a combative and daring aura. In a big departure from the current styling, Hyundai sketched the fourth-generation Tucson with angled character lines and a big grille, turning the compact SUV into a distinct player in an ultra-competitive segment.
The styling isn't the only big change for the 2022 Hyundai Tucson, though. It's longer, wider, and taller than the current SUV, and it will be available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid for the first time.
How big is the Hyundai Tucson?
The change in proportions means more space inside. The 2022 Tucson is 5.9 inches longer, 0.6 inch wider and 0.6 inch taller than the model it replaces, with its wheelbase also increasing by 3.4 inches. This means the new Tucson is now roughly the same size as the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, two SUVs that have also gotten bigger recently.
Changing the proportions gave designers the chance to start with a blank slate. The Tucson is the latest model to embody Hyundai's "Sensuous Sportiness" design language, which we've seen in the Sonata and Elantra sedans but until now had not made its way to an SUV. One of the most striking elements is the integration of the daytime running lights into the grille, which gives the 2022 Tucson a wider, futuristic appearance. Taking a page from the Kona and Santa Fe designs, the headlights are nestled in the front bumper, giving the Tucson a combative face. Combined with the well-defined fender openings and sharp character lines on the hood, the Tucson has a concept-y look in pictures, but once you see it in person, it embodies a sharper style that brings a new identity to the table.
The strong character lines continue on the profile, where the beltline has been raised. The lines that flow from the shoulders get thicker as they move to the hips, giving the rear a wide look. The new taillights echo the daytime running lights' design and are connected by a slim strip of LED lights that runs across the tailgate. Instead of placing the rear Hyundai logo on the sheetmetal, designers embedded it in the glass, and the rear windshield wiper hides up under the spoiler.
Four trims will be available for the internal combustion engine—SE, SEL, N-Line, and Limited; unlike on the Sonata, the N-Line will be a purely aesthetic package for the Tucson. Hybrid models will come in the Blue, SEL, and Limited grades, while the PHEV will be available in SEL and Limited trims. Depending on the trim, the 2022 Tucson will ride on either 17- or 19-inch wheels.
The new Hyundai Tucson interior is spacious
Enter the cabin, and you'll be welcomed by big screens and tons of tech. The Tucson Limited model we saw in person was equipped with a 10.3-inch touchscreen, capacitive HVAC controls, ambient lighting, and another 10.3-inch screen for the instrument cluster. Lower trims get an 8.0-inch touchscreen with a 4.2-inch LCD display on the instrument cluster, but they benefit from wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, something you don't get with the 10.3-inch touchscreen.
Sitting in the driver's seat you get a sense of spaciousness from the cabin. The hidden air vents on the dashboard and the lack of a physical lever (say hello to push-buttons) make the cabin feel roomier. The leather seats on the Limited model feel premium for the class, but the plastics on the door panels and dashboard were harder than what we'd like. The Limited model also uses piano black trim and cloth on the door panels that looks and feels premium while adding a bit of character to the cabin.
The bigger proportions mean more space inside. The second-row seats feel like a living room, with a whooping 41.3 inches of legroom. As a 6-foot-1 person, I had plenty of legroom in the second row when the driver's seat was adjusted to my seating position. The second-row seat backs can also recline quite a bit, making the ride more comfortable. Cargo capacity has also grown from 31.0 to 38.7 cubic feet, and the cargo floor can be lowered a couple of inches for more space.
The Hyundai Tucson has three engine options
The 2020 Hyundai Tucson will be powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that makes about 190 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, per Hyundai's estimates. An eight-speed automatic sends that power to the front or all four wheels. Those power numbers put the Tucson right in line with competitors such as the CR-V, RAV4, or Nissan Rogue. Hyundai estimates the front-drive Tucson will deliver 28 mpg in combined fuel economy.
Those opting for the Tucson hybrid or plug-in hybrid will get a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic, an electric motor, and standard all-wheel drive. The regular hybrid gets a 1.49-kWh battery to deliver about 226 hp and 258 lb-ft, per Hyundai's estimates, while getting 37 mpg combined. The plug-in hybrid uses a 13.8-kWh battery that allows the Tucson to cover about 28 miles on electric drive only before reverting to full-hybrid operation. Power numbers rise to around 260 hp and fuel economy numbers increase to about 70 mpg-e. But fuel economy estimates for the PHEV are not as good as the rest of the segment—the Toyota RAV4 Prime gets 94 mpg-e, and the Ford Escape PHEV is rated at 102 mpg-e (though that's front-drive only).
With the new platform, Hyundai says the 2022 Tucson will be quieter, smoother, and more fun to drive than the outgoing model. The automaker uses more sound-deadening materials and has an acoustic windshield to reduce the wind noise from coming into the cabin. Hybrid models use "e-handling" technology, which should improve the steering response and vehicle stability while providing a fun driving experience. On top of that, Hyundai is aiming to get the Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS, something that only the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5 have in the segment.
The new Hyundai Tucson's tech
We've noted how Hyundai has increased the technology in its new vehicles, and the Tucson is not an exception. The "Smaht Pahk" feature that made the Sonata famous during the Super Bowl is now available in the Tucson; the tech allows the Tucson to park itself or come out of a tight parking spot using the key fob. Aside from Smart Park, the BlueLink app allows the driver to see the status of the vehicle and to turn the engine or on off remotely. Drivers with Android devices can also set their phone as a key, which will give them the ability to lock, unlock, and start the engine with their phone.
A new dynamic voice recognition system will allow drivers to use voice commands in a natural way. From setting the temperature to checking the weather or the stock market, the system has been designed to be used in a conversational way.
All Tucsons will come standard with forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, lane following assist, auto high-beams, driver attention warning, and a rear occupant alert. Other safety features, such as rear cross-traffic avoidance assist and safe exit warning, will be available on higher trims.
How much is the new Tucson?
Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but we don't expect it to change much from the current Tucson, which starts at $24,875. The 2022 Hyundai Tucson will hit dealerships in the spring of 2021.
