2022 Hyundai Tucson Test Drive Review: Demands To Be Noticed

The compact crossover market is swamped with models, and despite the Hyundai Tucson being the brand's best-selling SUV, it has long trailed the competition in sales figures - no real surprise when the Toyota RAV4 is America's best-selling non truck. That could change now as the all-new Tucson has the looks and chops to stand out as segment leader and challenge top dogs like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5.

All-new for 2022, the Tucson brings a bold look, an excellent and comfortable interior, fuel-friendly drivetrains, and a ton of standard technology to the table. A plug-in hybrid is to follow, but for launch, you can choose between the 187-horsepower naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine pulled straight from the Sonata or a 226-hp HEV system consisting of a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and an electric motor.

Hyundai has avoided making all its vehicles look like varying size versions of each other, and the Tucson has a bold exterior design. The bold and, no doubt, polarizing and edge-laden exterior look doesn't carry on inside the Tucson, with a cabin made up of soft arcs that give a relaxing feel. We drove out to Tucson, Arizona, to experience the new crossover in the environment it was named after. After some serious seat time, we came away confident Hyundai has delivered a new segment leader.

2022 Tucson Exterior

Dimensions

2022 Tucson Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

We drove both the hybrid and non-hybrid versions of the Tucson and came away more than impressed with the hybrid drivetrain. The base four-cylinder engine is adequate and fuel-efficient for daily driving needs. It's also smooth enough with the eight-speed transmission and compares well with Honda CR-V's turbo engine. However, the hybrid drivetrain exceeds expectations and fills in the torque low down, giving the four-cylinder engine the feel of a V6. It's peppy, responsive, and both versions are sure-footed on slippery, dusty trails when equipped with all-wheel-drive.

We weren't expecting to take a small crossover designed for commuters and small family duty on dusty trails. However, Hyundai was so confident in the new Tucson's ride quality it let us loose on over 30 miles of twisting fire roads through the mountains of Arizona. While not the most arduous of off-road traveling, the Tucson dealt with rough and occasionally slippery road conditions admirably. It soaks up bumps with no drama, even on the larger 19-inch wheels. The smooth and quiet ride quality is in premium territory and comparable to the often-incomparable Mazda CX-5.

The ride quality and quietness translate, as expected, even better on paved roads. Hyundai has shied away from an unnecessary sporty feel to concentrate on comfort, and the Tucson is all the better for it. There's a Normal, Sport, and Snow mode, but Sport mode doesn't do much to change the lightly weighted and light-on-feedback steering. There's also a Smart mode, and from experience, we've found that's the one to set and forget for the vast majority of driving in a Hyundai vehicle. The eight-speed automatic transmission does an excellent job of making itself inconspicuous for the most part. Its ratios are ideal for around town, and isn't tempted to keep hunting for higher ratios at the slightest provocation.

2022 Tucson Interior

2022 Tucson Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2022 Hyundai Tucson A Good car?

Hyundai is on a tear design and technology-wise, and the Tucson continues that streak. It focuses on everything a compact crossover should be. It's comfortable, stylish, has plenty of useful space for a family, and it's a pleasure to spend time in. The build quality is excellent, and ride quality and cabin noise are now entering premium car territory in the Tucson. The Tucson has always been rich in value, but now it has styling that sets it apart in the crowd, a cabin that feels comfortable and upscale, and a host of standard safety features and tech. Our only criticism is that the standard 2.5-liter engine is no more than adequate, and that's not much of a complaint in the family and commuter-based sub-compact crossover segment. The RAV4 may continue to be the sales king, but smart shoppers would do well to look Hyundai's way instead, or at the very least, take a test drive before committing elsewhere.

2022 Hyundai Tucson Comparisons

2022 Hyundai Tucson vs Hyundai Santa Fe

In the in-house battle of Tucson vs. Sante Fe, the civil war between these two cars is going to be interesting to watch. For starters, the price overlap between these two is remarkable, with just $2,000 separating them on a like for like basis. However, while base Santa Fes get the same 2.5L engine as the Tucson, albeit with 191 hp - there's an optional 2.5 turbo engine with 281 hp, 311 lb-ft, and an eight-speed DCT. The Santa Fe occupies the larger midsize segment, which means more space for people and their belongings. Ultimately, though, the Santa Fe is larger and a little more luxurious, with options including more premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound systems, quilted leather, and more. To put it simply, if you need space and luxury, the Santa Fe is needed, but if you don't need the space, the Tucson is close to perfect, for a little less cash.

Either way, Hyundai gets your money.

2022 Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Sportage

The Sportage is the Hyundai's corporate cousin, and it's an excellent SUV. One of the best, we reckon. Unfortunately, the Sportage is based on the same architecture as the previous-generation Tucson. That means it still uses the older 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated engine, though the Sportage does have an alluring 2.0-liter turbocharged engine available in the top-spec model.

Looking at the interiors side-by-side, you can tell the Sportage is older. The small touchscreen and scattering of buttons just look old all of a sudden.

In previous road tests, we always chose the Sportage, but now Hyundai is the first out of the gates with an all-new model. Newer is always better, which makes this an easy battle for the Tucson. It will be interesting to revisit this topic once Kia launches its new Sportage based on Hyundai's new architecture, but for now, when it's Hyundai Tucson vs. Kia Sportage, the Hyundai is a step ahead.