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The 2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT is a new model in the lineup for the newest generation of this compact crossover.
The redesigned 2022 Hyundai Tucson compact crossover has room for up to fiver people and includes ample cargo space behind the rear seat, along with a new 10,25-inch touch screen in the center dash.
Hyundai redesigned its compact, five-passenger Tucson crossover for 2022, giving it a sleek new look based on the company’s “Sensuous Sportiness” global design theme, with more passenger and cargo capacity. The re-do makes the Tucson six inches longer than the previous model, but also includes changes designed to increase fuel efficiency while embracing the latest safety and convenience technologies.
Tucson’s lineup also includes conventional gasoline-electric powertrains, and new plug-in hybrid versions. For the standard gasoline versions, prices for 2022 begin at $25,800 plus $1,295 freight for the SE model with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The price is $27,300 for the same vehicle with all-wheel drive. (Carrying over with no changes reported, the 2023 SE model begins at $26,450 with front drive, and $27,950 with AWD.)
The normally aspirated 2.5-liter engine and eight-speed transmission are used across the line for the non-hybrid models. Next up the line is the SEL, which for 2022 begins at $27,100 with front drive and $29,550 with AWD ($28,050 for 2023 front drive; $29,550 AWD). Following that is the new Tucson N-line model at $31,200 with front drive, and $32,700 with AWD (2023: $33,325 FWD; $34,825 AWD). The also-new XRT model is next, at $31,850 for front drive, and $33,350 for AWD, which is the one we tested for this report (2023 prices: $33,275 and $34,775, respectively).
At the top of the gasoline-only lineup is the Limited model, at $35,300 with front drive and $36,800 with AWD (2023: $35,710 and $37,210, respectively). The 2022 regular hybrid models range from $29,750 to $38,050 ($30,900-$38,660, 2023), while the plug-in hybrids are $35,400 and $43,200 ($37,050 and $44,310 for 2023). The 2.5-liter engine cranks out 187 horsepower and 178 foot-pounds of torque. EPA fuel economy estimates for our all-wheel-drive XRT model were 24 mpg city/29 highway/26 combined (front-drive: 23/29/26). During our weeklong test, with about a 50-50 mix of city-highway driving, we averaged a respectable 25.6 mpg. Tucson’s new exterior includes half-mirror design daytime running lights built into the grille, which are visible only when they are illuminated. The vehicle’s side profile includes a long hood and level roofline, coupled with a long wheelbase and short overhangs. A side chrome line begins above the side mirrors and follows the arc of the roofline, terminating at the rear (C pillar). Similar to the daytime running lights, the full-width taillights have half-concealed triangular shapes that are clearly visible only when illuminated. The dash features a 10.25-inch touch screen, a hoodless digital gauge cluster, and multi-air ventilation, which Hyundai says is “a temperature-adjusting system providing diffused airflow on the front passengers … [which] reduces potentially unpleasant airflow.” Up front are comfortable bucket seats, and there is a three-passenger bench seat in the second row. The power-adjustable driver’s seat includes lumbar support.
The Tucson’s second-row seat has a “fold-and-dive” function to instantly expand the cargo area when no passengers need the rear seat. There is a convenient release lever for this feature in the cargo compartment. Cargo capacity is 38.7 cubic feet with the 60/40 folding rear seatback in the upright position, or 74.8 cubic feet with the full seatback folded down (gasoline models).
New for 2022 is the XRT model, designed to look more rugged and to appeal to those who like off-the-beaten-track adventures. It has unique styling features, including black 19-inch wheels and special dark exterior elements. The XRT trim builds on the Tucson SEL with Convenience package and is available on gasoline models only. Other XRT features include exclusive front and rear fascias with rugged detailing; prominent side cladding; black monotone exterior mirrors; dark side-window trim; approach lighting/side steps; black-only interior cloth seating with black headliner; roof cross rails; and a tow hitch. A hands-free smart liftgate is included, along with power/folding/heated outside mirrors with turn signals; dual front and rear USB ports; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; rearview monitor with parking assistance; dual automatic climate control; auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink; wireless device charging; audio with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio and cruise controls; proximity key with pushbutton start; and Hyundai’s Digital Key. As with most new vehicles, the redesigned Tucson is offered with a host of advanced, high-tech safety features previously found only on luxury vehicles.
These include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist; Blind-spot Collision-Avoidance Assist; Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist; Lane Keeping and Lane Following Assist; Safe Exit Warning; Driver Attention Warning; Rear Occupant Alert; and Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go. The rear-seat occupant alert system is designed to remind the driver to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle, but it goes beyond that. If after the driver exits, the system detects movement in the rear seat, it will flash the lights and sound the horn, and send a text message to the driver. There was never a lack of power even when I needed bursts of acceleration to pass or merge with traffic from mildly uphill freeway on-ramps. But I did need to use the cruise control to keep from inadvertently speeding once I got onto free-flowing highways. Our tester’s well-designed interior came with black faux-leather seats. The exterior was Amazon Gray. The Tucson also has the Hyundai Blue Link system, with enhanced safety, service and infotainment telematics. Included in this system is the remote start feature. The only extra on our test vehicle was the carpeted floor mat package ($195). Total sticker price for our 2022 Tucson XRT with all-wheel drive was $34,840, including freight and the floor mats. The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer.com, or on Twitter @gchambers3. His driving partner Emma Jayne Williams contributed to this report.
The package: Compact, five-door, four-cylinder, front- or all-wheel-drive, five-passenger crossover utility vehicle. Highlights: Hyundai’s entry-level crossover got a complete makeover for 2022 to enter its fourth generation, with a roomier interior and loads of new technology. Negatives: No third-row seat offered to expand passenger capacity. Engine: 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder, normally aspirated, gasoline. Transmission: Eight-speed automatic. Power/torque: 187 HP./178 foot-pounds. Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock, with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. Electronic stability control: Standard, including traction control. Side air bags: Front seat-mounted and roof-mounted side-curtain for front and rear, standard. Length: 182.3 inches. Cargo capacity: 38.7 cubic feet (behind rear seat); 74.8 cubic feet (rear seat folded). Curb weight: 3,329-3,651 pounds. Fuel capacity/type: 14.3 gallons/unleaded regular. EPA fuel economy: 26 mpg city/33 highway/29 combined (2WD); 24/29/26 (AWD). Major competitors: Honda C-RV, Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander, Volkswagen Tiguan, Subaru Forester, Ford Escape, Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Rogue. Base price range: $25,800-$36,800, plus $1,295 freight. Price as tested: $34,840, including freight and option (2022 XRT AWD with carpeted floor mats). On the Road rating: 8.9 (of a possible 10). Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.