Car rating: 2022 Hyundai Tucson is ready for its time in the sun | Companies

TUCSON, Ariz. – anonymity, it seems dead. In this era of Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, we are all content creators, stars for 15 seconds, if only because nobody has the patience to sit through a full 15 minutes.

Anonymity is certainly fatal when selling cars. No wonder, then, that the design of the redesigned 2022 Hyundai Tucson compact crossover SUV, its most popular U.S. model, had to make a visual distinction.

“We have decided it is time to fight boredom in this SUV segment,” said Christopher Chapman, Senior Designer at Hyundai Motors North America.

The new look drapes a Tucson that’s 6.1 inches longer and rides on a 3.4 inch longer wheelbase. It’s half an inch taller and wider, and holds an additional 7.7 cubic feet of material compared to the 2021 Tucson.

Its larger footprint is wrapped in an aggressive exterior that features a visually vocal grille structure that masterfully integrates the Tucson’s headlights. On the side of the vehicle is an uncompromising origami-like design in a more conventional tail with taillights reminiscent of those of the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

The Tucson’s most notable design, however, is the large metal trim that starts at the side mirrors, wraps over the windows, and increases in size as it flows down the rear side windows. According to Chapman, it’s supposed to emphasize the rear wheels. Overall, the Tucson stands out stylistically far more than its quieter predecessor.

Inside, the design of the cabin is a softer counterpoint to its exterior, with an appearance that is reminiscent of a luxury vehicle, although it is realized in common materials. The instrument panel is anchored by a large 10.25-inch touchscreen that is standard on the Limited. An 8-inch screen is standard on SE, SEL, and N-Line models. The sides of the touchscreen are accented with metal trim that envelops itself in an Art Deco flair when it arches over the dashboard. On the passenger side, this serves as space for engineers to stow small ambient vents. The climate controls, which consist of a flat, touch-sensitive control panel, are located under the screen. In particular, buttons and buttons are missing in the instrument panel. However, this makes changing a radio station especially difficult if it is not saved in your favorites. Fortunately, there are two USB ports on each row.

The cabin space of the new model is significantly more spacious than last year and offers comfortable, fixed seats with good side upholstery.

Most buyers will likely opt for a Tucson, which is powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder direct injection engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission that develops 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, or all four, as well combined fuel returns economy of 29 mpg with front-wheel drive and 26 mpg with all-wheel drive.

However, the Tucson is also available as a Hybrid or Hybrid Blue, which is powered by a 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine that produces an estimated 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The gas-electric hybrid is connected to a 44.2 kW electric motor which, along with a gas engine, produces 226 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque via a 6-speed automatic transmission. It is 30 percent more economical than the standard gasoline engine and delivers 20 percent more torque. The Hybrid Blue Plug-in Hybrid uses the same gas engine and transmission, but has a larger 66.9 kWh hybrid battery that offers 32 miles of all-electric range and an estimated fuel consumption of more than 70 MPGe on all-electric power. Overall, the Hybrid delivers an EPA estimated combined fuel economy of 37 mpg, while the Hybrid Blue delivers 38 mpg.

The driving of the two reveals two very different personalities.

The gasoline-powered Tucson behaves like any small crossover powered by a four-cylinder, front-wheel drive engine. The Tucson is built for fuel economy, not performance, and turns out to be stingy unless you force the problem with your right foot. The transmission takes your request into account and finally downshifts so that the engine can develop its power with an artless howl. Using the paddle shifters on the steering column shows the real power of this engine and makes driving more fun. The total fuel economy was 29.8 mpg.

This is in sharp contrast to the hybrid, which has a far more refined driving style. Its electric motors ensure lively acceleration off the line with a steady, progressive power output. It’s also quieter than its conventional sibling. It doesn’t feel as powerful at higher speeds, but it lacks the jerky drivetrain machinations of its traditional siblings.

While the Tucson’s controls have the same light weight characteristics as many Asian cars, the brakes feel pleasantly progressive and the steering provides a certain level of driving feel. Body slim is modest in curves; During more abrupt maneuvers, the Tucson communicates clearly when it reaches its limits. The Tucson’s ride is firm, with most of the bumps and waves clearly communicated, but without harshness. There is a minimum of compliance, but not to the extent of a true off-roader.

This became apparent when I drove the Hybrid off-road on my driving route on hills outside of Tucson. Given that Tucson is rarely active outside of interstates, Pokey Parkways, and shopping mall parking lots, it lacks the typical gear you might need for off-roading. There was a descent control, however, which, along with all-wheel drive, made this mall rat far more capable than expected, although the firm ride becomes incredibly tough after the pavement ends. Kudos to Hyundai for proving the Tucson can do a great job on the road; This is not his natural environment. Interestingly, while it returned 42 mpg in careful urban driving, it reduced off-road driving to 22 mpg.

All of this makes for a far more memorable package than the Tucson it replaces. The 2022 Hyundai Tucson is ready for its moment of glory no matter how long it takes.

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