2022 Hyundai Tucson compact SUV starts at $26,135, Hybrid at $30,235

On Mar 8, 2021

The redesigned 2022 Hyundai Tucson comes with a larger engine, a hybrid option, a sharp new design, more standard tech, and a new trim hierarchy that’s $400-$2,500 more expensive than the 2021 Tucson. The automaker announced pricing and trim features on Monday.

The redesigned compact crossover will no longer be easy to overlook on roads teeming with the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, and bestselling Toyota RAV4.

A pair of fuel-efficient and hybrid powertrains highlight the mechanical upgrades, with a plug-in hybrid planned later in the year, but the bees in this bonnet are the daring design and comprehensive standard technology features.

Bulging wheel arches and creased door panels flex the 2022 Tucson into a crossover SUV fraught with portent, like a bug-shaped Transformer set to morph into something more. In profile, the wheels are pushed to the edges with short overhangs that conspire for a sleek sport sedan vibe. Traces of the Sonata’s notched rear spoiler appear in triplicate behind the subtly cladded wheel arches and below the roof spoiler up top. In a word, the design is suspenseful.

Inside it calms down into sophistication. The digital instrument cluster stands on its own, not recessed under a hood. The dash forms an elliptical band up top that rolls to the doors and meets in the middle into a stack of technology. The top trim features twin 10.3-inch touchscreens for infotainment up top and climate controls below. Base versions get an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as LED headlights and daytime running lights. Two phones can be connected simultaneously so the connected car experience can be shared by playlists from either phone, or to use one for navigation and the other for audio.

2022 Hyundai Tucson

The base engine is a 2.5-liter inline-4 that makes 190 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque, compared to a 161-hp 2.0-liter inline-4 on the outgoing model. Towing capacity increases from 1,500 to 2,000 pounds. It has an 8-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front or available all-wheel drive in Mud, Sand and Snow modes that complement the Eco, Comfort, Smart, or Sport modes offered on the outgoing model.

All-wheel drive costs $1,400 more across the board.

The base SE model costs $26,135, including destination, representing an increase of $1,250 over the 2021 Tucson. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, active lane control, and automatic high beams. It rides on 17-inch wheels, and comes with cloth seats, keyless entry, the 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and two USB ports.

The SEL trim costs $27,685, which is only $400 more than the outgoing model and appears to be the value buy again. It adds adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, keyless start, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats with a power-adjustable driver seat, two rear USB ports, satellite radio, and voice recognition. SEL can be upgraded with a Convenience package for a total of $30,285, or buyers can go for the Premium trim for $31,985.

The N Line sport appearance trim replaces the Sport model for $31,785, which is an increase of $2,350 from last year, and adds unique 19-inch wheels, black exterior trim pieces, panoramic sunroof, hands-free liftgate, leather and cloth seats, leather shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Bose 8-speaker sound system.

At the top of the lineup, the Limited trim replaces the Ultimate trim and costs $35,885. It has parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, surround-view monitors, an advanced navigation-based adaptive cruise control, limited hands-free driving, heated steering wheel, leather seats that are heated and cooled, 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.3-inch touchscreen (requires tethered smartphone compatibility).

Like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape hybrids, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson comes with a 1.6-liter inline-4 hybrid system that delivers 230 hp and 258 lb-ft. Details of a new plug-in hybrid model are expected later this year.

Hybrid models come with all-wheel drive, so the upcharge is less pronounced on the higher trim levels, especially on the Hybrid SEL convenience. The Base Hybrid Blue costs $30,235, undercutting the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid with AWD at $30,350, and the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid at $31,735. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid beats them all at $29,825.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Blue has the same features as the gas SEL model above. The SEL Convenience costs $32,835, and the Hybrid Limited tops the range at $38,535.

The 2.5-liter gets an EPA-rated 26 mpg city, 33 highway, 29 combined. All-wheel-drive versions get 24/29/26 mpg. Hybrid versions have not yet been rated by the EPA.

The 2022 Tucson goes on sale in the first half of 2021.