Hyundai could have been excused for playing it safe with the fourth-generation Tucson. It’s one of the brand’s most popular models, after all, and you don’t usually tinker with a successful recipe. Still, Hyundai has done the exact opposite with the new Tucson, making it stand out on the road with a striking exterior and interior look.
The South Korean automaker introduced its new “jewel-like” grille with the 2021 Tucson, a feature that has since been carried over to the Santa Cruz pickup and could be used by the facelifted Palisade. However, this is much more than a typical grille and cleverly hides the LED daytime running lights within the grille itself, resulting in a truly radical design.
Like some other Hyundai models, the new Tucson features a split headlight design, and the bold look extends down the sides. While some automakers introduce new vehicles with very few body lines and creases, the fourth-generation Tucson goes in the opposite direction, featuring sharp creases and angles over the doors, wheel arches, and rocker panels. One could argue that the Tucson’s sides have been overly styled, but when finished in a light shade like white, those lines become less noticeable. The bold look continues at the rear with silver trim on the D-pillars, a roof spoiler, pointed LED taillights and a full-width light bar.
There’s no denying that the new Tucson is so eye-catching that we were surprised when we first saw our tester. Hyundai is no longer boring.
Also Read: A Hyundai Tucson Doesn’t Need a Widebody Kit, But It Could Look Pretty Great With One
The foundation of the new Tucson, tested here in the 2022 Elite spec, is the same N3 platform used by the Santa Fe, Staria and Santa Cruz, as well as vehicles from Kia including the Carnival, Sorento and Sportage. Most markets around the world will be offered the new Tucson exclusively in “long wheelbase” configurations, while Europe and Mexico will receive a special “short wheelbase” variant.
Vehicles sold in Australia are 4,630 mm (182 in) high, 1,865 mm (73.4 in) wide and 1,665 mm (65.5 in) high and have a 2,755 mm (108.4 in) wheelbase. The previous-generation Tucson wasn’t short on space, but this new model’s wheelbase is 85 mm (3.3 inches) longer, making it even more spacious.
Loads of powertrains and trim levels on offer
Australian customers will be offered the 2022 Tucson in three main versions: the entry-level, the mid-range Elite and the flagship Highlander. An N-Line option package is also available for all three variants, which includes a different body kit, 19-inch N-alloy wheels, a gloss black N-Line grille, a silver front skid plate, N-Line badging and some unique interior touches contains.
There are also three engines available. These consist of the Hyundai SmartStream G 2.0 four-cylinder we tested, which produces 115 kW (154 hp) at 6,200 rpm and 192 Nm (141 lb-ft) of torque at 4,500 rpm. A more powerful SmartStream 1.6-litre four-cylinder, complemented by a turbocharger, is also available, offering a snappier 132 kW (177 hp) at 5,500 rpm and 265 Nm (195 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. Those looking for the most power and fuel economy will opt for the SmartStream 2.0-litre turbodiesel, delivering 137 kW (184 hp) at 4,000 rpm and 416 Nm (307 lb-ft) between 2,000 rpm and 2,750 rpm
The 2.0-litre petrol engine is sold exclusively with front-wheel drive, while the others get all-wheel drive as standard.
These engines are paired with three different gearboxes. The entry-level 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol we tested has a six-speed automatic, while the SmartStream 1.6 uses a seven-speed dual-clutch and the diesel uses an 8-speed auto. Over the combined cycle, the 2.0-litre petrol engine delivers a claimed 8.1 l/100 km (29 US mpg) compared to the 7.2 l/100 km (32.6 US mpg) of the 1.6-litre and 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 USmpg). mpg) of diesel.
While the 2.0-litre petrol engine’s numbers aren’t groundbreaking or class-leading, the new SUV comes standard with a range of safety features that will appeal to consumers. These include standard technologies such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, blind spot assist, rear cross-traffic assist, intelligent speed limit assist, lane departure warning, lane departure warning and rear parking sensors.
A cabin that doesn’t play it safe
The 2022 Tucson’s cabin is quite impressive and very different from other Hyundai models on the market. However, it will not be to everyone’s taste.
Like so many other vehicles currently for sale, the fourth-generation Tucson foregoes traditional knobs, switches and knobs on the dash in favor of touch-sensitive buttons. That philosophy naturally extends to the 10.25-inch infotainment screen that comes standard with the Elite, but is also evident on the rest of the dash. For example, all media controls below the infotainment display are touch buttons, as are all settings for the air conditioning. To make matters worse, all of these touch buttons are finished in piano black.
The Ioniq 5, arguably the automaker’s most advanced tech-centric model, has more physical buttons on its dashboard than the Tucson.
Except for those touch controls, the rest of the cabin is nice. The dashboard looks particularly sleek and hides the air vents in its design. The four-spoke steering wheel looks a little strange at first glance, but it’s comfortable to use with your hands in positions 9 and 3. Elsewhere in the cabin you’ll find a range of soft-touch finishes covered in plush black leather. There are also plenty of USB-A ports, cup holders, and a second row that gives passengers up to 1,050mm (41.3 inches) of legroom. At 1.80 m, I had a lot of space in the back and didn’t feel cramped at all. There’s also ample cargo space, with 539 liters (19 cu ft) of space in the trunk and 1,860 liters (65.6 cu ft) with the rear seats folded.
How is it driving?
On the open road, the 2022 Tucson Elite has proven to be a very capable SUV, but it’s not without flaws.
First there is the engine. The entry-level 2.0-liter four-cylinder is more than sufficient for simple, everyday driving tasks and works well with the six-speed automatic transmission. While it would be nice if this powertrain package could be paired with an all-wheel drive system to expand its appeal and versatility, the front-wheel drive system does the job.
As the 2.0-litre engine’s numbers suggest, it’s neither fast nor particularly characterful – which won’t bother most buyers.
One surprising aspect of the 2022 Tucson was its handling and handling. New Hyundai models sold in Australia often receive unique suspension tuning to better suit local conditions and road surfaces. However, the latest Tucson didn’t receive such tuning and shares the same chassis tuning as other markets. We’re not sure how it rides in other parts of the world, but Down Under the ride is tighter than we expected. It’s not firm per se, but it’s probably a bit stiffer than some consumers would expect. It is still very comfortable and the solid barrel has a positive effect on handling.
While no one will believe this is a product of Hyundai’s N division, the Tucson Elite feels very responsive around corners. The steering offers good weight and encourages you to tilt the SUV into corners a little more than you might expect.
A compelling offer
Australian prices for the 2022 Hyundai Tucson start at AU$38,329 (US$27,461) including road costs on the 2.0-litre base petrol. Equipped with the same engine but ordered in Elite trim, prices jump to A$43,279 ($31,007) before dropping to A$47,804 ($34,249) for the 1.6-litre turbocharged Elite and A$50,024 ($35,840) rise for the 2.0-litre CRDi diesel Elite.
Those in the market for the flagship Tucson Highlander will have to range from AU$51,101 (US$36,612) for the 2.0-litre petrol, AU$55,711 (US$39,914) for the 1.6-litre turbo and AU$57,816 (US$41,423) for the separate 2.0-litre diesel. No custom options are available, but all colors except white add AU$595 (US$426) to the price, while the brown leather interior also adds AU$295 (US$211).
Consumers in the United States can purchase the 2022 Tucson in SE, SEL, N Line, XRT, and Limited trims. Prices start at $25,500 for the SE and go up to $26,800 for the SEL, $30,900 for the N Line, $31,550 for the XRT and $35,000 for the Limited.
So what’s the verdict? All in all, the fourth generation Hyundai Tucson is a very competitive vehicle in its class and improves on its predecessor in all areas. It’s just a pity that it has become quite expensive.
PHOTO GALLERY
more pictures…
Comments are closed.