Hyundai is coming out swinging with the all-new 2022 Tucson.
Determined to grab a bigger share of the popular compact SUV market, the Korean automaker has improved the Tucson across the board with a more distinctive design, larger body, more standard safety equipment, new powertrains, and more equipment.
Importantly, for eco-minded consumers, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson will offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions to the model line-up for the first time. They are covered elsewhere.
Overall, the 2022 Tucson is a compelling offering, outpointing the competition — primarily the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 — in several areas, not least being Hyundai’s outstanding warranty.
2022 Hyundai Tucson SE (starting at $24,950)
The 2022 Tucson SE is bigger in all dimensions, especially in its wheelbase — longer by 3.4-inches — and in its overall length — longer by 6.1 inches.
This change translates into a much roomier cabin, notably in the rear seat area, and more cargo space, which is now on par with the competition.
All non-hybrid Tucson models are powered by a new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower. That’s a significant increase from the base engine in the 2021 Tucson, which made 161 hp. The power is routed to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
For an extra $1,400, all non-hybrid trims can be ordered with all-wheel drive (AWD).
The Tucson SE (and SEL) trims ride on 17-inch alloy wheels. Headlights and daytime running lights are LEDs.
The 5-passenger cabin has cloth-trimmed seats and the rear-folding seat is split 60/40, with remote folding release levers in the cargo area.
Up front there is 4.2-inch instrument display for the driver and an 8.0-inch touchscreen in the center of the dashboard. The car is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
A set of standard safety features includes forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, high beam assist, driver attention warning, rear occupant alert, intelligent speed limit assist (the forward camera can read signs), and lead vehicle departure alert.
Adding in the $1,185 destination fee, the Tucson SE sticker comes to $26,135. Given 3% financing over 60 months and no down payment, that would produce a monthly payment of $448. Find a 2022 Hyundai Tucson SE for sale
2022 Hyundai Tucson SE includes:
- Distinctive styling — stands out from the SUV crowd, unlike bland predecessor.
- Roomy cabin — spacious rear compartment and good cargo space.
- 187 horsepower — more performance than before but still no ball of fire.
- Safety systems — decent collection of standard safety features and driver aids.
2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL ($26,500)
The SEL trim comes with some welcome extra standard safety systems and convenience features. These include blind-spot collision avoidance assist and rear cross-traffic assist.
Outside, LED taillights are included, as are roof rails. The cabin includes power driver seat and power lumbar adjustments, heated front seats, and adaptive cruise control.
The SEL trim also is available with two packages. For $2,600, the convenience package adds a hands-free power tailgate, 19-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof, 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, wireless charging, LED interior lights, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
For another $1,700 on top of the convenience package, the premium package brings leather seats, cooled front seats, and a Bose audio system.
For value, we favor the SEL trim as the best one to choose, as it adds several nice-to-have features over the base SE for a modest price increase. If you feel like splurging, then the convenience and premium packages can dress up the SEL with 19-inch wheels and several upscale interior touches.
If we stick with the same 60-month loan at 3% financing as used for the SE, a Tucson SEL would cost an extra $27 per month. Find a 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL for sale
2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL includes:
- Blindspot avoidance — a deservedly popular safety system is standard.
- Heated front seats — a must-have for colder climates.
- Adaptive cruise control — takes the strain off the driver on longer trips.
2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT ($32,625)
Based on the Hyundai Tucson SEL with the convenience package, the new XRT trim level brings a more rugged appearance to the Tucson lineup.
This “go-anywhere” look is highlighted by revised front and rear facias along with unique 19-inch black wheels, prominent side cladding, and black mirror caps. The XRT also comes with dark window surrounds, unique sidesteps with approach lighting, and a black cloth interior featuring a black headliner. Completing the XRT treatment are a tow hitch and a roofrack with crossbars — two items that do in fact add to the practicality of this new Tucson trim level.
All told, we think the new XRT treatment works well, creating a Tucson that does in fact have a more rugged appearance and is a bit more useful for camping and the like. For the record, the new XRT trim level is available on all 2.5-liter Tucsons, with front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD). The 4WD Tucson XRT starts at $34,125.
If we stick with the same 60-month loan at 3% financing as used for the SEL, a front-drive Tucson XRT would cost $608 per month. A 4WD 2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT is just a bit more — $635 a month. Find a 2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT for sale
2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT includes:
- Prominent side cladding — exclusive to the XRT.
- Revised front and rear fascia — exclusive to the XRT.
- Black 19-inch alloy wheels — of their own design.
- A black cloth interior — complemented by a black headliner.
- Standard tow hitch and roof rack with crossbars — both add practicality.
2022 Hyundai Tucson N Line ($30,600)
Essentially the N Line echoes the equipment included on the SEL trim with the convenience package but adds some special styling cues intended to give the model a sportier persona.
These changes include unique front and rear designs, N Line-specific 19-inch alloy wheels, black side mirrors, rear spoiler, sport seats, and red and gloss black interior accents.
Though these visual treats are engaging, they don’t actually make the Tucson go any faster.
With destination fee included, the N Line will cost $31,785, for a monthly payment of close to $546. Find a 2022 Hyundai Tucson N Line for sale
2022 Hyundai Tucson N Line includes:
- 19-inch wheels — larger rims add to N Line’s sportier look.
- Unique cabin trim — Sporty black and red accents give the interior an edge.
2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited ($34,700)
If you want to spoil yourself, the Limited trim is as good as it gets in Tucson world.
On top of most of the features in the SEL trim, with convenience and premium packages included, the Limited layers on a panoramic sunroof (versus standard sunroof), 8-way power passenger seat, heated rear seats and steering wheel, 10.25-inch screen with navigation, and paddle shifters.
The existing suite of safety features is rounded out with parking distance warning, surround-view camera, the slick Blind Spot View Monitor (which displays a camera feed in the instrument cluster), and parking collision avoidance rear assist.
The Tucson Limited costs $35,885 including the destination fee, which works out at $616 a month in payments over 60 months, about $70 more than the N Line. Find a 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited for sale
2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited includes:
- Heated rear seats — keep back seat passengers happy.
- Big center screen — large nav display adds high-tech touch to cabin.
- Panoramic sunroof — brings airy feel to interior.
