2022 Hyundai Tucson First Look Review: The Future Is Now

Inside the new Tucson, Hyundai kept the cabin looking futuristic with a new "Interspace" design theme. An eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes standard while a larger 10.25-inch display is also available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Below it sits a panel of touch-sensitive controls, but not a single physical button. There are a few buttons positioned on the center console to control the shifter and other vehicle functions, but the lack of a mechanical gear lever freed up the designers to incorporate plenty of storage space.

In front of the driver, a new steering wheel looks pretty unique boasting a two-tone silver and black finish. Instead of analog gauges, the driver views the speed and other information through a digital display, much like the ones found across the Hyundai lineup.

The 2022 Tucson also comes standard with Hyundai's SmartSense Safety suite, which includes features like forward collision-avoidance, lane-keeping assist, high beam assist, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert. A number of optional systems can be had as well, such as blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, safe exit warning, smart cruise control, and remote smart parking assist, aka Smart Park.

Under the hood lies a new Smartstream 2.5-liter direct-injected gasoline engine with 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, and paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai estimates a combined fuel economy of 28 mpg with front-wheel-drive models, up from 25 mpg in the outgoing Tuscon. All-wheel-drive is also available and boasts an electronic variable torque split clutch with active torque control between the front and rear axles for better overall handling.

Those looking to cut fuel costs will find the 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine attractive, producing around 177 hp and 195 lb-ft. Combined with a 44.2 kW electric motor and 1.49 kWh battery pack, this powertrain offers an estimated 226 combined hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent through a six-speed automatic transmission. Compared to the 2.5-liter engine, Hyundai says the hybrid is a full 30 percent more fuel-efficient and offers over 500 miles of range between fill-ups.

Lastly, there's an optional plug-in hybrid powertrain that, while similar to the hybrid, includes a bigger 13.8 kWh battery with an estimated all-electric driving range of 28 miles and an estimated fuel economy exceeding 70 MPGe. Level 2 charging is possible in under 2 hours with a 7.2 kW onboard charger.

No pricing information is available for the 2022 Tucson, but Hyundai typically has the most affordable starting prices in the industry. For example, the outgoing model had a starting MSRP of $23,700. However, the lack of a smaller base option like the one found in the previous Tucson could push this new model higher up the pricing ladder. The combustion-powered and hybrid 2022 models will go on sale in the US next spring, while the plug-in hybrid version is due in summer 2021. Also just announced, an N-Line version with a sportier flavor will arrive in late 2021.

Hyundai has no shortage of competitors in this space, including the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, GMC Terrain, Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forrester, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan. Standing out in this crowded field will be challenging, but the Tucson looks like it has what it takes.