Hyundai has been at the forefront when it comes to the hybrid and full electric offerings and is currently one of the go-to brands. With the arrival of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, which is now offered for sale at a base MSRP of $29,750, the hybrid compact SUV market is starting to feel the heat. This all-new model ticks all the right boxes for a comfortable and frugal daily driver.

Coming in with 3 trim configurations, the Tucson Hybrid is part of the fourth generation of the Tucson and comes with a long list of features and tech as standard, making it the most value for money iteration of the segment. The hybrid motor turned out to be pretty capable for both city and highway driving, and it rides and handles well too. Competing with the likes of the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Prime, here are 10 things you need to know before buying the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid.

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10 Enticing Performance

2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Via: hyundainews.com

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is powered by the 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI inline-4 engine mated to an electric motor. The combined output of 226 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque is sent to the road via a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission and an H-Trac AWD drivetrain. All of these help this compact hybrid SUV to do the 0-60 mph run in 7.1 seconds, and it has a top speed of 122 mph.

2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
via:hyundainews.com

This compact hybrid SUV has more than enough oomph for daily driving and the multiple drive modes do a wonderful job of changing the characteristics of the powertrain, steering, suspension, and braking. The refinement level is excellent, and the engine note isn't obnoxious like the CR-V Hybrid. The 6-speed automatic is reasonably fast and smooth, and we definitely prefer this torque converter unit over the CVT of the CR-V Hybrid. Overall, the performance on offer will not disappoint anyone looking for a comfortable and peppy hybrid SUV.

9 Distinctive Exterior Styling

2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
via CNET

The styling has seen some minor changes from the outgoing 2021 model, and the distinctive look helps it stand out. The LED headlights are neatly integrated into the macho bumpers and the large air dam, subtle air vents beside the headlights, and the dark chrome grille make it very unique, and there's a silver skid plate as well.

2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
via CNET

The 19" wheels are optional on the top-of-the-line Limited trim, and the design doesn't disappoint. Even though the plastic side cladding may not be to everyone's taste, we do appreciate the silver and chrome elements and the distinctive character lines that adorn the profile of the Tucson Hybrid. The rear gets a roof spoiler, shark fin antenna, and beautifully crafted LED taillights.

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8 Very Fuel Efficient

2022 Hyundai Tucson N Line Compact Crossover SUV
Via: NetCarShow

Being a hybrid, the 2022 Tucson Hybrid is not going to disappoint anyone in terms of fuel efficiency. This SUV managed to return 37 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway, which is quite impressive. As a result, the Tucson Hybrid should be on the shortlist of many prospective family SUV buyers and those who are looking for a frugal daily driver.

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Via: NetCarShow

The lithium-ion traction battery with 7.2 kW onboard charger and 13.8 kWh capacity is a major reason why this SUV turned out to be very efficient. In comparison to the Tucson Hybrid, the CR-V Hybrid returned 40 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highways, which is slightly better. Nevertheless, you would not be disappointed with the fuel efficiency of either of them.

7 Identical Interior Design To The Regular Tucson

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Via: NetCarShow

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid's interior is one of the classiest in the segment, and buyers will be impressed with the overall design and quality. The first thing you notice when you get into the cabin is the good-looking dashboard and door card design, with leather, fabric, and some piano black elements. The two-tone color scheme of the cabin looks ravishing and the light shade helps in making the cabin feel very airy as well.

2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT's Interior
Via Hyundai USA

We also adore the flowing dashboard design, with a constant line that emerges from the AC vents that goes toward the center console. The massive touchscreen infotainment system coupled with the elegant climate control display makes the cabin feel more modern than the CR-V Hybrid. The chunky steering wrapped in leather coupled with the massive panoramic sunroof also sets the cabin apart.

6 Spacious Cabin

2022 Hyundai Tucson cruising front third quarter view
Hyundai

The front row offers more than adequate headroom and legroom for a comfortable traveling experience. The ergonomics are spot on and everything is placed where it is supposed to be. Hyundai has also provided multiple cubbyholes, an opening in the side of the center console, multiple cup holders and bottle holders, and large under-armrest storage space. The leather upholstery and the heated and powered seats offer excellent support and bolstering.

2022-hyundai-tucson-interior
Via: Hyundai

The panoramic sunroof doesn't cut into the headroom, and the people over 6 feet would have no problems in the rear seat. The rear seat is roomier than the competition, and the reclining support makes it even comfier. There are multiple AC vents and USB-A ports too. The armrest is well-padded and there are two cup holders. The cargo area is one of the largest in its class, and the 39 cu ft of space could store everything for a week-long road trip.

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5 Many Standard Safety Features

2022 Hyundai Tucson Plugin Hybrid
Via: Edmunds

Hyundai has always been one of the few brands that offer a long list of standard driver-assistance features, and it's also the case with the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. The standard driver-assistance tech includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver monitoring system, parking distance warning, collision mitigation system, and blind-spot monitoring.

2022-Hyundai-Tucson-1
Via JimPrinceHyundai

However, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering is not offered as standard with the Tucson Hybrid, which comes as standard with the CR-V Hybrid. Nevertheless, the Tucson Hybrid gets all the bells and whistles in terms of the regular safety features. In terms of the crash safety ratings, the Tucson Hybrid got an overall crash safety rating of 4-stars in the NHTSA crash test and the 2022 top safety pick + title for the small SUV segment in the IIHS crash test.

4 Infotainment Is Very Intuitive

2022 Hyundai Tucson Infotainment System
Via Cnet

The 10.25" digital gauge display is very bright and vivid. The animations are smooth, and the overall interface turned out to be intuitive, as you would expect from a Hyundai. All the relevant pieces of information are also displayed through this gauge cluster, including the side cameras, drive mode selection, and many more. The infotainment duties are also handled by a 10.25" touchscreen display that is stacked to the middle of the dashboard neatly.

2022-Hyundai-Tucson-Interior
Via Wolfchasehyundai

This infotainment comes forward with all the qualities of the digital gauge display as it offers excellent touch sensitivity, display quality, and a smooth interface. The hybrid powertrain functioning and fuel efficiency graphs are shown live time as well. When it comes to the features on offer, it comes packed with everything like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM radio, navigation, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, USB, and aux inputs. The only gripe we have is with the lack of hard buttons and knobs, making it a bit cumbersome to use while on the move.

3 Solid Build Quality

hyundai-tucson-exterior-view
Via: Hyundai

This all-new generation of the Hyundai Tucson offers an even better build than the outgoing models. The car is constructed entirely in steel and aluminum, and the exterior panels and doors feel very rigid. There is no flexing of panels and the doors, hood, and trunk closes with a solid thud like what you get from the European monikers.

2022 Hyundai Tucson
Car Gurus

The interior quality sees no compromises, the cabin feels like it is built to last, and this compact SUV could even compete with some of the rivals in the segment above it. There is no rattling or squeaking from anywhere, and the interior panels are soft to touch. Even the lower half of the dashboard and door cards, which are usually the places that see cost-cutting, turned out to be reasonably soft.

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2 Precise Braking Performance

2022 Hyundai Tucson N Line 5-door SUV
Via: NetCarShow

The braking performance sees no compromises, and the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid could stop on a dime whenever asked. We found the initial bite to be slightly superior to the CR-V Hybrid, and the brake pedal also offered superior feedback to the driver. The braking progression as you stomp harder on the pedal is excellent too.

2022 Hyundai Tucson
Via: Hyundai

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid comes with 12.8" front rotors and 12" rear rotors. Along with that, the other braking features like ABS, ventilated discs, brake assist, hill hold control, and electronic parking brakes are standard. Since this is a hybrid offering, the regenerative braking system is in place as well.

1 Comfortable Ride And Handling

2022 Hyundai Tucson
Via: Hyundai

Put the car in the sport mode, and the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid does feel sharper and more focused than in the default smart mode. The steering weighs up nicely, and the gearshifts are noticeably quicker. The paddle shifters help you to get the manual control of the gearbox, and the excellent low-end and mid-range torque, coupled with the well-calibrated suspension, makes sure that the handling is always sure-footed.

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Via ZimbrickHyundaiWest

The body roll is not too high and is similar to the CR-V Hybrid. The steering also does a decent job in providing the required feel and feedback, which in turn boosts the confidence of the driver. The mechanical AWD system helps you come out of tight corners by providing an excellent grip level. When it comes to the ride quality, it is very similar to the CR-V Hybrid, as the suspension could filter out most of what the American roads have to offer.