2022 Hyundai Tucson: bold styling, spacious interior, 33 all-electric PHEV miles

The best-selling SUV in Hyundai’s lineup is offering a PHEV version for 2022. Its 13.8kWh battery creates zero emissions and provides 33 pure electric miles. With a total range of 420 miles, plus a longer, wider and taller stance than its previous generation, a spacious, well-designed interior, more connectivity and convenience technologies, and a base model MSRP of $34,750, the Tucson PHEV is a standout by all measures.

By John Coulter

Hyundai is in the midst of what it calls a Great Shift towards carbon neutrality. In 2021, the automaker announced its aim to achieve net-zero carbon emissions throughout its entire value chain by 2045. The 2022 Tucson PHEV is one of many cars that will take Hyundai to its goal.

Two trims are available: SEL (MSRP: $34,750) and Limited (MSRP: $42,550). Both cars offer HTRAC All-Wheel Drive, plus Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. SEL comes with an 8.8” touchscreen. Limited offers a 10.25” touchscreen with navigation.

The Plug-in qualifies for up to $6,587 in tax credits and incentives, making it many thousands of dollars less than the Tucson Hybrid and the gas-powered Tucson.

It will compete strongly with SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 Prime and the Ford Escape Plug-In. The car’s decidedly futuristic looks will catch a lot of eyes, but 4 and 5-member families searching for a high value SUV PHEV will more likely be swayed by its roominess, pleasant driving characteristics and its seats-up cargo space of 31.9ft3. (74.8ft3 is the cargo capacity with rear seats down.) City/Highway/Combined numbers – 38/38/38 – are persuasive as well.

Families on the go will like the fact that the PHEV’s battery can be recharged in 1 hour and 50 minutes with a Level 2 charger. By driving this Plug-In, you’ll decrease your fuel consumption by 541 gallons per year, and save a whopping EPA-estimated $4,250 in fuel costs over 5 years, compared to a gas-powered car.  See: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=44360

This redesigned Hyundai favorite earned a 2021 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. The 2022 model hasn’t been evaluated yet but will earn the same strong ratings. Almost all of Hyundai's active safety features come standard on the Tucson Plug-in. Standard safety features include:

• Adjustable front-seat shoulder belt anchors
• Front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters
• LATCH lower anchors and upper tether anchors
• Power window lock-out button
• Rear child safety locks
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with 4-wheel disc brakes
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS) and Brake Assist (BA)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with individual tire indicator
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection and Cyclist/Junction Turning Detection
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Lane Following Assist (LFA)
• Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
• Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)

The Tucson PHEV projects sportiness and kinetic energy from the surfaces that mold its rakish silhouette. A cluster of dazzling Daytime Running Lights, revealed only when illuminated, are a part of Tucson’s unmistakable front end.  

Physicality comes from the car’s standard HTRAC All Wheel Drive and its e-Handling technology, which combines the Traction Control System and electric motor to give you tighter cornering performance. Says Hyundai: “Tucson’s plug-in hybrid system delivers maximum fuel efficiency and some serious driving thrills. It’s based on the potent combination of the 1.6-litre T-GDi Smartstream engine paired with a 66.9 kW electric motor, powered by a 13.8 kWh lithium polymer battery. Together, the gasoline engine and electric motor deliver 265 PS maximum power and 304 Nm maximum torque. The 13.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery stores electricity generated by the regenerative braking system, which is then used to power the electric motor.”

“Depending on the driving situation, the all-new TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid switches seamlessly between its petrol engine and electric motor. The regenerative braking system charges the battery by using the electric motor to slow the car. The energy stored in the battery then powers the electric motor to help in acceleration, uphill driving and low speed driving. This complex energy flow is illustrated in these animations.”

The Korean automaker has “developed the world’s first Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology. It optimizes engine performance and fuel efficiency while also being eco-friendly. The valve control technology regulates the duration of valve opening and closing according to driving conditions.”

The car’s modern new look – strong angular lines and rugged proportions – transitions to an interior space that energizes and engages. Drivers are provided with a a clear view ahead by not having to see the car’s hood above the digital instrument cluster. Tucson PHEV’s new Multi-Air Mode technology makes climate control a breeze by softening the airflow. The elegant center stack is a clean, futuristic interface with buttonless yet intuitive controls, and available 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation with standard Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.⁠

A hands-free, gesture-free smart liftgate is a next-level convenience that comes standard and isn’t available on the Toyota RAV4 Prime. Nor is Hyundai Digital Key, a “class exclusive.” Digital Key makes your smartphone the key to unlocking you doors, starting your engine and sharing your car with other drivers. It’s the fob of the future.

Remote Smart Parking Assist can help you out with a tough parking situation without you even being inside the TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid. Just press the Smart Key button while standing outside the compact SUV, and you can remotely park it into a tight spot. Another push of the button and it easily drives out of the parking space.⁠

Says Hyundai about its 2022 Tucson Plug-In: “Recharge. Refuel. Rediscover. Electric when you want it. Gas when you need it. The first-ever TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid is a win-win.”

WRITTEN NOVEMBER 2021