2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited Hybrid

Hyundai feels like they have delivered the perfect SUV for you, with the new Smartstream engines packaged in traditional gasoline-only, Hybrid, and Plug-In Hybrid model lines. The Limited trim in the Hybrid line will be the focus of this review.

Powering the Hybrid models is a 1.6L turbo inline-four which produces 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Add the 44.2-kW electric motor, and the total power output becomes 226 horsepower. The engine power is routed through a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC and Shift-By-Wire. Drive Mode Select and Downhill Brake Control add driving performance customization and safety.

The HTRAC AWD system is standard across the Hybrid line, which includes Blue, SEL Convenience, and Limited.

Towing capacity is rated for 1,650 pounds without trailer brakes, and 2,000 pounds when equipped.

The official fuel economy is rated at 37 mpg city and 36 mpg highway for a combined average of 37 mpg.

The new Tucson expresses the “sensuous sportiness of a bold stance and perfect proportion.”

This new Tucson is longer, wider, and taller than the previous generations, providing more room for both people and cargo. Also added is more connectivity and convenience technology.

Outside, a dazzling cluster of daytime running lights blend into the new grille and project an attractive presence. Tucson’s door handles can sense the Smart Key Fob or your compatible smart phone, so entering is just a touch away.

Sitting inside, the design for comfort and convenience is easy to see. The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster presents numerous bits of information. The center console with a 10.25-inch touchscreen commands the navigation system, available Bose Premium Audio System, and dual automatic temperature control. A new Multi-Air Mode diffuses and soften the air flow into the cabin, helping to create the perfect environment.

Heated/ventilated front seats and heated 2nd-row seats combined with superb leg room make a class-leading comfort zone. An available hands-free smart liftgate gives you access to a large cargo area and innovative dual-level cargo floor.

The Tucson Hybrid is equipped with numerous standard safety features; Award-winning safety engineering makes passengers even safer. Technology that alerts the driver to potential hazards aim to avoid accidents in the first place. Such features include Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Forward-Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and and Rear-Cross-Traffic Assist. All standard even on the $29,200 Blue model.

My favorite is Safe Exit Warning which issues an alert when it detects a vehicle approaching from behind, letting the driver know it may not be safe for passengers to open street-side doors. This feature probably saved my life as I was exiting the driver’s side of the vehicle in the grocery store parking lot when a vehicle passed closed to me at a high speed. The warning kept me in the car rather than on the street.

The $37,500 Limited model further adds Surround View Monitor, Blind Spot View Monitor, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Reverse, Parking Distance Warning, Highway Driving Assist, Navigation Based Smart Cruise Control, and Remote Smart Park Assist.

America’s Best Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles New Vehicle Limited Warranty
10 years/100,000 miles Powertrain Limited Warranty
7 years/unlimited- miles Anti-perforation Warranty
10 years/100,000 miles Hybrid/Electric Battery Warranty

Over the last 23 years, Hyundai has donated 185 million dollars to help Hyundai Hope on Wheels to help cure childhood cancer.

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this newspaper or [email protected].