2022 Hyundai Tucson – What we know so far

This information is condensed from caranddriver.com on Septemer 8th, 2020. 

To see full original article click here.

Overview

Previewed by the Vision T concept at the 2019 LA auto show, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson sports a daring new design that seems destined to shake up the compact-SUV marketplace. Although the concept was shown as a plug-in hybrid, we expect the 2022 Tucson to be powered by a more conventional four-cylinder gasoline engine, perhaps one borrowed from the Elantra or Sonata. When it hits the market, this Tucson will find itself going head-to-head with several strong rivals such as the Honda CR-V, the Mazda CX-5, the Toyota RAV4, and the Volkswagen Tiguan. We expect it to roll onto dealer lots by the end of 2021 with a starting price around $25,000.
What’s New for 2022?

The Tucson is redesigned from stem to stern for 2022, incorporating the company’s new design language for a bold look.

Pricing and Which One to Buy  (please note prices and Trim levels are for the US Market)

SE: $25,000 (est)
SEL: $27,000 (est)
Limited: $30,000 (est)
Ultimate: $33,000 (est)
N-Line: $34,000 (est)

Until we know the feature breakdown of Hyundai’s trim levels, it’s hard to pick the one that will provide the best value. In the past, we’ve suggested the SEL as it offered the best balance between features and price. Rumor has it that Hyundai may offer a sporty N-Line model, perhaps with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine making 290 horsepower, but if such a Tucson is built, it will likely be the most expensive model.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Hyundai has been mum on powertrain details for the new Tucson, but we have a hunch it will be offered with the same engine choices as the Sonata sedan. That means a 2.5-liter four-cylinder as standard with an optional turbocharged 1.6-liter mill for upper trims. We’re holding out hope for an even hotter N-Line model, which could get the 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter from the upcoming Sonata N-Line. While Hyundai showed the concept-car version of the upcoming Tucson as a plug-in hybrid, we don’t expect to see that powertrain in the production model, at least not until later in the product cycle (if ever) and certainly not as standard. We’ll know more about the 2022 Tucson’s engine options closer to the crossover’s on-sale date.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA hasn’t released fuel-economy estimates for the 2022 Tucson, but we anticipate slight improvements over the current model’s ratings of 23 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined in its most efficient format. When we get a chance to test the new Tucson for ourselves, we’ll see how well it does in our 200-mile highway-fuel economy test and update this story with results.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Teaser images show a simplistic but modern dashboard design with a digital gauge display, a push-button shifter, and an all-digital control panel for the climate control system and infotainment. We aren’t sure yet how much of what has been revealed by teasers and concept cars will make it to production. Hyundai’s flagship Palisade SUV and the brand’s recently redesigned sedans have served as a sort of watershed moment for the company’s interior designs, and if the new Sonata is anything to go by, the Tucson will launch with a thoughtfully arranged interior filled with quality materials and luxury features. Hyundai hasn’t released images of the 2022 Tucson’s rear seat or cargo area, but based on spy photos, we can see that it’s roughly the same size and shape as the current model, so we expect passenger and cargo space to be similar.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Expect to see a large rectangular infotainment screen integrated into the dashboard, similar to those found in the Sonata and Elantra sedans. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility will come standard while features such as SiriusXM satellite radio, onboard Wi-Fi, and in-dash navigation will be offered. More information about the new Tucson’s infotainment and connectivity features will be available closer to its launch.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have released crash-test results for the 2022 Tucson. A host of driver-assistance features will be available, many of which should come standard. Key safety features are likely to include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Available adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist