America’s 2022 Hyundai Tucson Brings Radical Styling And Hybrid Powertrains

Hyundai has revealed the all-new 2022 Tucson for the U.S. market, following the model’s worldwide debut back in September.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson will launch in the U.S. market with a range of more fuel-efficient gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The first examples of the new Tucson will launch in the market with gasoline and hybrid engines in spring 2021, with the plug-in hybrid models to follow in summer 2021.

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The exterior styling of the new Tucson is perhaps the most radical departure for Hyundai’s global best-seller. The carmaker’s evolving Sensuous Sportiness design language has given the new SUV a much more distinctive presence on the road.

Hyundai’s integration of design and technology is apparent on the new Tucson’s front end, where we find half-mirror-type DRLs seamlessly blended with the front grille, making them visible only when illuminated.

Compared to the outgoing model, the new Tucson is bigger in every dimension, giving it a more spacious and comfortable cabin. The wheelbase now measures 108.5 inches, 3.4 inches longer than before, while cargo volume is now rated at 38.7 cubic feet, an increase of 7.7 cubic feet.

Gasoline, Hybrid, and Plug-In Hybrid flavors

The engine range of the new 2022 Hyundai Tucson kicks off with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Smartstream unit, which produces 187 HP and 178 lb-ft of torque. Combined with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, Hyundai estimates that it’s more fuel-efficient than the previous 2.4-liter model, returning 28 mpg combined. The company will also offer the option of its HTRAC AWD system with this engine.

The hybrid variant of the new Hyundai Tucson combines a 177 HP 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with a 59 HP electric motor and a 1.49kWh battery pack, for a system output of 226 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain works through a specially tuned six-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai says that the hybrid Tucson will offer 30 percent better fuel efficiency and 20 percent more torque than the standard engine, as well as a driving range of over 500 miles.

Last but not least, we get the plug-in hybrid variant of the new Hyundai Tucson. The carmaker didn’t reveal just yet any output figures but we do know that it also uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine at its heart and features a bigger 13.8 kWh battery pack. The estimated EV range is 28 miles while the estimated fuel economy is over 70 MPGe. Hyundai says that it’ll take less than two hours to recharge the battery, using the onboard 7.2kW charger.

Specially tuned AWD and segment-first safety features

Both hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants of the 2022 Tucson will come with standard HTRAC AWD, which has been tuned specifically for the electrified models and even claims some off-road credentials. In addition, the two models come with a standard shift-by-wire gear selector (optional on the base gasoline model).

Among other features, the new compact SUV gets Remote Start with Heated and Ventilated Seats, a Digital Key, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

You can park the Tucson remotely too

Also new is the Remote Smart Park Assist system that allows owners to park and retrieve their Tucson “from the tightest of parking spaces from outside the vehicle”, according to the Korean automaker that demonstrated the tech in action, as seen in the video below.

“Before a driver attempts to load passengers or luggage, the remote parking function can prove particularly useful, bringing the vehicle out of a tight space,” said Hyundai. “The driver simply uses the smart key to drive the SUV forward or backward, into or out of a parking space, garage or any tight parking situation.”

Hyundai’s Smart Sense safety suite is also standard with the 2022 Tucson and includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Rear Occupant Alert. Driver assistance systems like Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist are offered as options.

The new infotainment system in the Hyundai Tucson comes with Dynamic Voice Recognition that recognizes simple voice commands and features a wide range of connected services through the company’s Blue Link, which remains complimentary for three years. Other interior features include a wireless charging pad and an optional eight-speaker Bose Premium sound system.

New Tucson N Line

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson will also gain a sportier N Line variant, which will feature more aggressive exterior styling and interior details. The 2022 Hyundai Tucson N Line will offer customers unique equipment and color selections when it officially goes on sale in spring 2021. Full details for the Tucson N Line will be provided closer to its market launch.