Auto review by
Veeno Dewan

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson is the Korean companies fourth generation of its very successful compact SUV and arrives in several variations. You can get a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and a gas-powered model. For 2022 there is a bold new exterior design with Hyundai’s parametric dynamics design language- with lots of creases, folds, and curves in the sheetmetal making for a sleek upmarket design. One good thing is the 85mm wheelbase stretch than the previous-generation Tucson allowing for more interior room.
The Tucson base engine is a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine, while the Tucson Hybrid has a turbocharged 1.6-litre 4-cylinder and a HEV starter-generator, 49kWh battery, and electric drive motor for a combined 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. It works with an electric motor and a 1.49 kilowatt/hour lithium-ion polymer battery. The hybrid works with a new HEV-tuned 6-speed automatic transmission teamed to Hyundai’s HTRAC AWD system as standard with the Hybrid powertrain. The Tucson’s Hybrid fuel economy is rated at 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving conditions.
Trim levels start with the very well-equipped base and mid- range levels with standard equipment across the range including wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 8-inch infotainment touchscreen . Higher trims add: such things as: heated steering wheel, keyless entry and start, satellite radio, and much more. The fully loaded Ultimate Hybrid level as tested has all the bells and whistles. The Ultimate offers such upgrades as bigger 19-inch wheels, a larger 10.25-inch infotainment system, digital gauge cluster, heated and cooled front seats, power operated tailgate and much more. The base price in Canada for the 2022 Hyundai Tucson is $27,699. Other models add more equipment , while the fully loaded Ultimate model costs $43,324. O ur Ultimate tester looked superb inside with its white leather seats and slick dash and digital screens.
The Tucson Hybrid is roomy, with an acceptable level of head and legroom in all quarters. The front dash is good looking with a nicely rendered design and clear controls. Front seat passengers gain both a heated steering wheel, and comfortable power-adjustable seats. The Tucson Hybrid also features dual-zone climate control, a power liftgate, ambient lighting controls and a wireless phone charger. The Ultimate also offers rear passengers heated seats and a pair of USB charging ports. The 1,097 litres of space in the cargo area expands to an impressive 2,108 litres when you fold the rear seats down. The rear quarters are spacious as well with adequate leg and headroom.
The Tucson Hybrid is high on safety with such features as forward collision warning with the ability to detect pedestrians and cyclists, as well as automatic emergency braking. It has a stop-and-go adaptive cruise control system and lane-keeping and blind-spot monitoring with multiple screen views. Also impressive on the Ultimate model is the remote parking feature to move the car straight in and out of a tight spot. Activate the indicators and a video feed of each vehicle side is seen in the dash where the digital speedo and tach are located.
On the road, the 2022 Tucson Hybrid exhibits good driving habits in general. The transition between the gas engine and the hybrid powertrain is good. There are three driver selectable modes for the road. Eco mode is the default setup and will suffice for most driving situations. The Smart mode is also a good compromise for all types of driving conditions. Sport adds more blast, but at the expense of fuel economy. There are also three off – road modes under Terrain selection, Snow, Mud, and Sand, Ride quality is good ,even with the 19-inch wheels and tires on the Ultimate model. The Hybrid also gains a form of vectoring control for better cornering with Hyundai’s e-Handling technology which applies incremental braking force to the front wheels through a corner and on exit as the electric motor sends more torque to the rear axle. The Tucson is no performance car, but sport mode livens up things a little. Well weighted steering, compliant suspension set up and the AWD provide satisfying road feel, traction and inspire a sense of confidence. Not much to complain about: Not crazy about the infotainment touchscreen – it is a pain to adjust things like audio volume, and radio tuning on the fly, the use of touch-sensitive buttons are finicky. Give old fogeys and Luddites like me more simple, easy to use hard buttons please!
Otherwise, the 2022 Tucson Hybrid is awesome. The Ultimate interior and features rival that of a SUV costing $50,00- $60,000. With that kind of value, equipment levels and quality It is top of the class. Highly recommended.

2022 Hyundai Tucson priced from: 27,699
Ultimate model as tested. Priced from:43,324
www.hyunda.ca