The greenest version of Hyundai’s all-new 2022 Tucson is the plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
The Tucson PHEV joins the Korean automaker’s compact SUV’s lineup for the first time.
Compared to the previous-generation Tucson range, the 2022 models (gasoline and hybrid) all benefit from a larger, roomier body with a distinctive design, extra safety equipment, and a more advanced infotainment system.
The PHEV uses the same turbocharged gasoline engine as the hybrid, but pairs it with a more powerful electric motor and a larger battery. Not only does this provide a major performance boost over the hybrid and gasoline Tucson models, but it also means the PHEV can be driven on battery power alone for up to 33 miles. The interplay of the gasoline and electric power sources is remarkably smooth, so it drives just like a powerful version of the standard Tucson. And perhaps best of all, the new 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid can be fully charged in less than 2 hours using a Level 2 charger and the included 7.2-kW charging cable.
With the PHEV in the lineup, the Tucson can now go head to head with the likes of Toyota’s RAV4 Prime and a PHEV version of the Honda CR-V that is rumored to be coming to U.S. showrooms.
As with most hybrid versions of smaller SUVs on the market, we like the way performance and driving characteristics are markedly improved over gasoline models.
Though hybrids and PHEVs are generally more expensive than gasoline versions, Hyundai has kept the price difference quite modest. Given the fuel economy advantages of the PHEV, we feel this new Tucson presents a compelling case for itself. Find a Hyundai Tucson PHEV for sale
2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid SEL ($34,750)
The 2022 Tucson Plug-in Hybrid SEL enjoys the larger proportions of the other Tucson models. Notably longer overall and with a lengthened wheelbase, the Tucson PHEV offers a decent-sized cabin, especially for back seat passengers, and more cargo space.
As with the hybrid, the Tucson PHEV is powered by a new 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which produces 180 horsepower. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
On its own, this engine produces almost as much as power as the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder found in the gasoline Tucson. But the PHEV adds power from an electric motor to deliver a healthy total of 261 horsepower.
What’s more, the PHEV comes with a 13.8 kWh battery (larger than that in the hybrid) and can cover up to 33 miles on electric power alone when fully charged.
An onboard Level 2 charger enables the battery to be recharged in less than 2 hours, assuming the owner has access to a 240-volt, 30-amp electrical supply.
In terms of performance, the PHEV promises to be the liveliest of the Tucson range and we expect good handling from its sophisticated, standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
With an EPA combined fuel economy rating of 35 miles per gallon, the PHEV comfortably outranks the 26 mpg combined figure recorded for the AWD gasoline Tucson. However, it falls short of the 38 mpg rating of the AWD hybrid Tucson.
In PHEV trim, the Tucson PHEV rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels. LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights are standard, as are roof rails.
The seats of the 5-passenger cabin are cloth-trimmed and the rear-folding seat is split 60/40 with remote folding release levers in the cargo area. The front seats are heated and the driver’s seat is power-adjustable with power lumbar support.
There is a 4.2-inch instrument display in front of the driver and an 8-inch touchscreen sits in the center of the dashboard. Adaptive cruise control and paddle shifters are included, and the car is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Heading the standard safety systems list are blind-spot collision avoidance assist with rear cross-traffic assist. The driver aids also include 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.
We feel the SEL trim makes the most sense financially of the PHEV family, as it provides a good array of safety features and conveniences without stretching the wallet too far.
Adding in the $1,225 destination fee, the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid SEL sticker comes to an estimated $35,975. Given 3% financing over 60 months and no down payment, that would produce a monthly payment of $646. Find a Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid SEL for sale
2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid SEL includes:
- Distinctive styling — Fresh, aggressive design for Hyundai’s compact SUV.
- Roomy cabin — Latest Tucson gains rear-seat space and cargo room.
- Powerful PHEV powertrain — Extra power transforms performance.
- Electric-only range — Fully charged, PHEV can run 32 miles on battery alone.
2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid Limited ($42,550)
Stepping up to the top rung on the PHEV range, the Limited trim adds a slew of extra standard features to the 2022 Hyundai Plug-in Hybrid Blue list.
Outside, the Limited gains 19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power tailgate. The interior is upgraded with a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless phone charging, auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED interior lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, rear occupant alert system, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Occupants are treated to an 8-way power passenger seat, heated rear seats, and heated steering wheel.
More safety features are added, including parking distance warning, surround-view camera, Hyundai’s Blind View Monitor, and parking collision avoidance rear assist.
The Tucson PHEV Limited costs an estimated $43,775 including the $1,225 destination fee, which works out to $787 a month in payments over 60 months, $131 more than the Plug-in Hybrid SEL. Find a Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid Limited for sale
2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid Limited includes:
- Large screens — Bigger instrument screen and center navigation display.
- Heated rear seats — No complaints from the back in cold weather.
- Parking sensors — Help take the stress out of close quarters parking.
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