2022 Hyundai Tucson N Line review
Redesigned with gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, US correspondent Michael Harley tests the new Tucson N Line.
CarExpert's verdict on the Tucson
Very Good
What we love
- Impressive driving dynamics
- Premium features
- Comprehensive safety equipment
Worth a thought
- No volume knob on infotainment
- Glossy dash reflects sunlight
Are there other rating labels?
- Excellent
- An outstanding car in almost every way. A joy to drive, packed with great features, and highly recommended.
- Very Good
- A well-rounded car that's enjoyable to drive, offers great value or features, and is easy to recommend.
- Good
- A solid choice that does most things well. Comfortable, capable, and worth considering in this segment.
- Average
- Meets the standard for this segment. May not stand out, but still a dependable and reasonable option.
- Below Average
- Falls a bit behind others in the segment, but still passes safety checks and may suit specific needs or budgets.
Introduction
The 2022 Hyundai Tucsonis a two-row compact crossover with seating for up to five passengers. Completely redesigned for the new model year, today’s fourth-generation Tucson is offered with gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains and a choice between front- and all-wheel drive.
Boasting fresh bold styling, innovative technology, and a comprehensive list of safety equipment, the Hyundai Tucson appears more than prepared to challenge the best in the competitive compact crossover segment.
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, which arrived in American showrooms before the northern summer, starts at just under A$33,900 in the US.
Tucson Powertrain
Hyundai USA offers combustion, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains in the 2022 Tucson. Combustion models feature a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder (139kW/241Nm of torque) mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Hybrid models are fitted with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder and a permanent magnet synchronous motor. The Hybrid model has a smaller 44.2kW electric motor (169kW system output) than the Plug-in Hybrid with its 66.9kW motor (195kW system output). Both share a six-speed automatic transmission.
Combustion models are offered with front- or all-wheel drive (HTRAC AWD, an on-demand system). Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid models are fitted with all-wheel drive as standard.
Tucson Driving Experience
The all-new 2022 Hyundai Tucson impressed us with its quiet and refined driving dynamics.
The company’s engineers put a considerable amount of effort into the Tucson’s chassis to stiffen the platform and reduce unnecessary componentry (thus reducing squeaks and rattles).
The engineers redesigned the suspension at the front of the vehicle and increased the steering ratio to improve responsiveness. The rear geometry was also enhanced to improve tracking and stability (keeping the vehicle stable at speed).
While the base 2.5-litre gasoline engine feels noticeably slower than the Hybrid’s electric-assisted powertrain, we imagine that the Hyundai Tucson’s buyers would gladly trade fuel economy for outright acceleration — we would, too.
On that note, expect the FWD combustion vehicles to deliver 26 mpg (9.0L/100km) in the city and 33 mpg (7.1L/100km) on the highway (the AWD model drops by about 3 mpg in both cycles).
The hybrid models should deliver closer to 40 mpg (5.8L/100km) in both city and highway cycles – very fuel efficient.
2022 Hyundai Tucson Trim Levels and Pricing (USA)
- Tucson SE FWD (starts at just under A$33,961): Base model with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, remote keyless entry, and more
- Tucson SE AWD (starts at just over A$35,320): Adds HTRAC All-wheel drive to SE model
- Tucson SEL FWD (starts at about A$35,999): Adds rear privacy glass, proximity key, smart cruise control, and more
- Tucson SEL AWD (starts at just under US$38,037): Adds HTRAC All-wheel drive to SEL model
- Tucson N Line FWD (starts at just under A$42,112): Adds N Line cosmetics, 19-inch alloy wheels, single twin-tip exhaust, Bose premium audio, and more
- Tucson N Line AWD (starts at about A$43,470): Adds HTRAC All-wheel drive to N Line model
- Tucson Limited FWD (starts at just under A$47,546): Adds panoramic sunroof, projection LED headlamps, driver’s memory seats, and more
- Tucson Limited AWD (starts at just over A$48,904): Adds HTRAC All-wheel drive to Limited model
- Tucson Blue HEV AWD (starts at just over A$39,395): Hybrid 1.6-litre engine
- Tucson SEL Convenience HEV AWD (starts at just under A$43,470): Hybrid 1.6-litre engine, plus a panoramic sunroof
- Tucson SEL Limited HEV AWD (starts at just over A$50,263): Hybrid 1.6-litre engine, plus a panoramic sunroof
CarExpert’s Take on the Hyundai Tucson N Line
Hyundai never fails to impress us, and the all-new 2022 Hyundai Tucson is no exception.
The brand is known for innovative engineering, generous standard content, advanced safety technology, long warranties, and fuel efficiency — the Tucson checks all of those boxes and delivers them in a stylish and fun-to-drive package.
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson earns a spot on the CarExpert Recommended list.
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