In mid-September, Hyundai unveiled its next-generation Tucson SUV. Now, the automaker has confirmed which of its powertrains and features will make their way to the U.S. market.
“Our new Tucson represents the future of Hyundai’s full-spectrum eco-powertrain approach, offering internal combustion, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models in a high-volume compact SUV. With all-wheel-drive capability now added to new hybrid SUV platforms, customers no longer need to choose between all-road, all-weather capability and outstanding efficiency,” said Thomas Schemera, executive vice president, head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group.
This version of the Tucson is longer and winner than before.Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America
The new Tucson for the U.S. will be offered only in the long-wheelbase version of the global platform. That makes the 2022 Tucson longer, wider, taller, and has a longer wheelbase than the previous generation. Passenger volume increases by 6 cubic feet and cargo volume is up 7.7 cubic feet.
The two-row SUV will be available in gasoline and hybrid variants. Those will be available for purchase by U.S. customers in spring 2021. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and the company’s plant in Ulsan, Korea will make the internal combustion models.
U.S. customers can choose either a 2.5-liter or a turbocharged 1.6-liter hybrid engine in their Tucson. The larger engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and yields 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Both are improvements over the 2021 model’s 2.4-liter engine capabilities. It’s also targeted to get 28 mpg, 3 mpg more than the outgoing power plant.
The hybrid Tucson will be available in two flavors. In the typical Tucson Hybrid, the turbocharged hybrid engine gets 177 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, with a total system output of 266 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. That powertrains is completed by a six-speed automatic transmission, 44.2 kW electric motor, and a 1.49 kWh battery pack. It delivers over 500 miles of range.
The car features no knobs, buttons, or levers on its center stack.Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America
A plug-in hybrid Tucson will be sold featuring the same turbo engine and transmission but with a larger battery that yields 13.8 kilowatt-hours of power and an all-electric driving range of 28 miles. Hyundai estimates the SUV achieves 70 MPGe. Using Level 2 charging, the SUV can get a full charge in less than two hours using a 7.2-kilowatt-hour on-board charger.
Models equipped with the available all-wheel drive come with three drive modes: Normal, Sport, and Smart.
U.S. customers will be able to get their Tucson with a 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen, a hoodless digital gauge cluster, and multi-air ventilation, a temperature-adjusting system providing diffused airflow on the front passengers. Hyundai touts the new airflow system as a more comfortable alternative to the traditional vented air distribution within the cabin.
The Tucson has a fully digital instrument panel in front of the driver.Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America
Tucson’s second-row seats feature fold-and-dive functionality. A release lever in the rear cargo area helps make this feature easier to operate.
Hyundai has given the Tucson some segment-first technology: Remote Smart Park Assist, remote start with heated and ventilated seats, Digital Key, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Pricing for the 2022 Tucson has yet to be announced. Expect it to be price similar to the 2021 model, which starts at $23,700 and tops out near $34,000.
