WHAT'S SO GOOD ABOUT IT
You may have seen our last review of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, well here's another Tucson worth looking at. I want to start out by recognizing the Hyundai Tucson as one of the most celebrated SUVs of the year. It has won so many awards and been recognized in so many automotive segments that it's hard to ignore the impact this vehicle has made and it's segment. It's a great win for Hyundai. Let's explore why.
Starting at $35300, the 2022 Tucson is redesigned. We tested The Limited, which ranks at the top of the compact SUV class because of its solid steady ride, agile handling, interior space, and its upscale and attractive interior. Along with that is a user-friendly infotainment system that has lots and lots of options and a driver assistance package that totally adds to its safety capabilities.
PERFORMANCE
I got to start with the test drive itself because that's my lane and I'm going to drive in it. Once you get in the car the first thing you're going to notice is its acceleration. It's quick from zero. That transmission operates smoothly as it moves into the higher gears. The suspension compliments the ride especially when moving over bumps and potholes. On the straight line it's smooth and quiet, while on curves and turns it is well balanced and body lean is minimal. It's an agile vehicle that moves left to right in traffic smoothly.
A multi-disc and individually controlled hydraulic channel torque converter improves responsiveness quite a bit. It expands the direct connection band and at the same time downsizes the oil pump and double ball bearings to minimize fictional losses. It sounds complicated but it all results in an additional ratio range at both the top and bottom of the output speed. That's some great performance technology. The Tucson also offers shift-by-wire control of its gasoline transmissions, now that is standard on hybrid models.
Underneath the hood is a 2.5 l 4 cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 lb feet of torque; there's an 8-speed automatic transmission that complements the front wheel drive standard or an all-wheel drive available option. The all-wheel drive mileage is 24 in the city and 29 on the highway. One of the benefits that make it unique is that it can tow up to 2,000 lb.
THE HTRAC FACTOR
It's important to know that Tucson also offers Hyundai's HTRAC and I will drive system which was developed as a multimode system providing an electronic variable torque split clutch with active torque control between the front and rear axles. The driver selectable extract includes normal, sport, and smart mode options which can be helpful in various weather conditions or road challenges.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
When it comes to the exterior design, you got to love that front fascia. When you look at the grill it's really fascinating. There's dark Chrome exterior trim with these delicate and detailed elements within that grill and on either side the lights look like wings as seen above.
There are premium LED headlights with two inlets for them, one top and one underneath. That one on top is the daytime running lamp. The side view is very attractive with an athletic stance and strong lines running from front to back and subtle but distinctive lines running behind the front wheel and flowing towards the back. These geographic lines add texture to the side view. They're also side mirrors with turn signal indicators.
INSIDE
The Tucson is offered with two infotainment layouts. The standard setup pairs an 8-inch touch screen in the center stack with an analog gauge cluster behind the steering wheel. This format isn't particularly flashy, but it is user-friendly.
The graphics are sharp, the menus are intuitive, and the touch screen responds promptly to inputs. It's accompanied by physical buttons and knobs for the main audio and climate controls, which are a cinch to use while driving.
Higher trim levels are fitted with a 10.25-inch touch screen and matching digital gauge cluster. The layout looks sleek and is easy to see even in sunlight. On the downside, this setup trades its physical buttons for a touch-sensitive panel, which requires more attention to operate when driving. It may become easier with practice.
Standard infotainment features: an 8-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, HD Radio, and a six-speaker stereo
Available infotainment features: a 10.25-inch touch screen, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, navigation, wireless device charging, satellite radio, an eight-speaker Bose stereo, and two rear-seat USB ports
Other available features: dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, a digital key, and a panoramic sunroof
Tucson Cargo Space
The Tucson has 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats and a vast 74.8 cubic feet with these seats folded. That's one of the largest cargo areas in the compact SUV class , and it's on par with rivals like the Honda CR-V , Nissan Rogue , and Subaru Forester . There’s ample space for carry-on suitcases and camping gear, as well as bulkier items like a dresser, bikes, or bags of mulch. A hands-free power liftgate is available.