All-new Tucson will offer all things to all people in one of the most hotly-contested segments in the industry.
Three generations in, the Hyundai Tucson is the brand’s best-selling vehicle. Entering the fiercely competitive compact crossover class 16 years ago, it started life as the underdog but soon gained a foothold with its blend of unexpected features and good design at an attractive price point.
Now entering its fourth generation Hyundai has pushed the design envelope even further with the all-new Tucson. With countless crossovers saturating the market, it can be difficult to stand out but the new 2022 Tucson will not have that problem.
The Tucson’s “Parametric” front grille cleverly hides the headlights within its individual facets and are only visible when on, giving the Tucson a concept car appearance that will undoubtedly turn heads.
Designers have gone for a dynamic appearance with chiseled geometric fenders and a deep character line that rises as you approach the rear. A long hood, short overhangs and a stretched wheelbase further the athletic appearance, and a full-length light bar caps of the rear.
Available globally in two body lengths, Canadian and U.S. customers will only get the more spacious long-wheelbase model.
From modern design elements to its tech-centric interior the new Tucson targets the millennial demographic as its core base with a high-tech cabin dominated by screens. Two vertically stacked centre touchscreens devoid of any hard buttons take care of infotainment and climate duties and a hoodless digital instrument cluster sits low down in its binnacle to provide a fully flat dash top. An 8-inch screen is standard but top trims will get a 10.25-inch display. Slim hidden HVAC vents can blow purified indirect air at occupants much like you get on an airplane, and it can even give a readout of real-time air pollution levels.
Power will come via a 2.5-L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder that puts out 190 hp and 182 lb-ft of torque.
For the first time, Tucson will also come in hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. Both will be powered by a 1.6-L turbo 4-cylinder that combined with the electric motors will develop 230 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Hyundai maintains that this is a hybrid that you’ll want to drive, not just because of its efficiency.
Plug-in details were scant during the reveal but we expect more to come on that shortly.
The new Tucson focuses on tech, dynamic quality, and an upscale appearance but it doesn’t forget customers who might fancy a bit more adventure in their lives. Hyundai’s HTRAC AWD system has been upgraded to add even more driving modes like Mud, Sand, and Snow in addition to the typical, Comfort, Sport, and Smart modes. Hybrids will get first-in-class E-handling technology said to improve steering response and directional stability.
A full suite of driving aids are on hand as well with Hyundai’s SmartSense that includes Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian detection, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Blind-Spot View Monitor, Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Surround View Monitor, Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (RPCA), Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), High Beam Assist (HBA), and Driver Attention Warning (DAW).
Hyundai’s Blue Link app will allow you to start the vehicle remotely, change climate settings, and unlock and lock the vehicle if you’ve misplaced or forgotten the key.
As is the trend these days, the 2022 Tucson offers customers a vehicle that can seemingly do it all. Comfort, sportiness, light off-road capability, a tech-forward cabin, and an upscale appearance mean this new Tucson will fit in just as well at the school run as it will at the valet drop off.
We can’t wait to get behind the wheel and give it a go ourselves.
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson will go on sale in the Korean market this month. Expect it to arrive on our shores during the first half of 2021.
Keyword: The 2022 Hyundai Tucson is a Tech-forward Crossover with Striking Design