Echoing the textures, shapes and vibrant energy of the City of Tucson, the redesigned 2022 Hyundai Tucson brings an elevated design aesthetic, improved integration of technology and increased space to the much beloved SUV.
STYLE
Fresh from the Hyundai Design Center, the creatives and engineering team whose handicraft is written all over this vehicle set out to reshape and reimagine what the Tucson could be. What they ended up producing is a vehicle that anticipates client needs and usage demands. Cleaner, crisper lines, sportier feel, a more refined integration of driver assistance technology and sumptuous interior textures paired with a more striking overall look come together to achieve an elevated take on the flexibility delivered from a sports utility vehicle.
SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center, said “We pursue innovative solutions in design and add emotional value to our product experience through our Sensuous Sportiness design identity…:” That being noted, and we feel that mission was well-achieved. The all-new Tucson design is compilation of several design concepts that point at the globally-minded direction that Hyundai design seems to be going. Ready for the US market, the gasoline version is available now {Spring 2021} and the plug-in hybrid model will begin arriving into showrooms for US availability this summer.
INSIDE
We had the opportunity to drive various versions of the plug-in hybrid and gasoline versions of this vehicle. You’ll note that the interiors are pretty much identical — until you get to the dash and infotainment console. Which is no surprise as those centers need to be tailored the information that the driver needs to manipulate and navigate the comfort levels of the vehicle.
Devoid of knobs and hard buttons, the driver’s cockpit makes use of three new to Hyundai technologies to create an improved sensory experience, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment center, a 10.25-inch hoodless digital gauge cluster, a rather lovely ‘multi-air ventilation system’. A favorite feature of mine, given the volitivity of Texas weather, created in direct response to feedback from owners, this temperature-adjusting system provides indirect, gently diffused airflow to the front passengers. It reminds me the airflow and spacious feel, more common in private aviation.
Flexible, 2nd row seating that folds with discreet ease, cushioned touch points, the usage of premium materials and additional convenience based elements like the release lever in the trunk area are all elements that signal luxury without the additional price tag. I loved that the increased interior space, about 6 cubic feet total for passengers, equates to a true 5 seater that can hold actual people or two car seats and a person in the second row with plenty of leg space.
A peek at the interior. 
Great Camera on the Tucson. 
Wheel Love. 
Notice the sculpted details on the grille and in the headlights.
SAFETY FOR ALL
With the elevated drive experience due to a beautiful integration of driver and vehicle safety technology, Hyundai has delivered on the promise of ‘Safety for All’ without pretense or fluff. Confidence inducing, the added layer of protection is quite simply the democratization of safety features seen most typically in luxury or prestige vehicles. Hyundai added standard –safety features like Forward Collision-Avoidance, Lane Keeping Assist and Lead Vehicle Departure Alert to the already popular Rear Occupant Alert and Driver Attention Warning.
In addition to the cool convenience features like Remote Smart Park Assist and Remote Smart Start. These owner’s tools arrive from the cellular data connection android-based Hyundai Blue Link App. Remote Smart Park Assist gives owners the privilege of parking and retrieving their vehicle from the most inconvenient of parking spaces with the touch of a button, and the Remote Start lets you remotely heat or cool your vehicle and prepare the front passenger seating to your comfort levels.
Also with the launch of the Tucson and in direct response to owner feedback, Hyundai launched the Owner Assurance Program. It now includes complimentary maintenance with “3 years/36,000 miles of normal oil changes and tire rotations” and one of the best warranties out there with “10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and 7-year anti-perforation warranty.”
All combined, the Tucson brings the feeling of ease and tech-forward intuitive design made accessible. There is whole lot to love in this vehicle.
WHO WILL LOVE THIS?
- Tech-savvy individuals that do not want to compromise on function once they enter their vehicle.
- Active, urban professionals that will choose the AWD options.
- Single Parents, that need space that can grow with you and still look sharp.
- Parents of small children.
- People that need flexible space and no more than 5 seats.
- People that are ready to step into the Hybrid lane and want a vehicle that will be ready for whatever adventure you have planned.
- Lovers of an elevated drive experience will also be delighted in this vehicle.
PRICING
Available in either gasoline or plug-in hybrid, variety of trims with FWD or AWD, starting at $24,950 with the SE in Front Wheel Drive, nestled in the middle with the sporty N-Line All Wheel Drive at $32,000 and topping out at the $37,350 with the Limited Hybrid in All Wheel Drive. To see a detailed breakdown of pricing and trim lines, visit here.
