Hyundai is not taking a break from product launches as it introduces the all-new Tucson for the 2022 model year. While the model has previously been unveiled in South Korea a few months ago, it is the first time a United States-spec vehicle is being revealed.
In a lineup saturated with crossovers, including the Hyundai Kona and Santa Fe, the US market will only be getting the long-wheelbase version of the vehicle. More than the wheelbases, the SUV’s body is going to be longer, wider, and taller than its previous generation.
Now measuring 181.3 inches long and a wheelbase that is 108.3 inches bigger, the new Tucson boasts an increased passenger and cargo space. This spells more interior space and rear-seat legroom than most of its rivals. Its sheer size is expected to make the model stand out in a sea of competitors led by the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue.
In terms of styling, the 2022 Tucson sports a more daring design both on the interior and exterior. According to Sang-Yup Lee, Hyundai’s senior vice president and head of its Global Design Center, the crossover was reshaped with bulging fenders, differently styled wheel wells, a more even roofline, as well as short overhangs.
The overall appearance is perceived to be more rugged than the previous Tucson. At the same time, it is more angular, thanks to the hard edges reminiscent of the Lamborghini Urus. Too, the addition of a chrome strip gives the model a wider look as it forms the vehicle’s C-pillar.
Other details worth noting include the large grille, stacked headlamps similar to those on the Santa Fe and Palisade, full-width triangular taillights that are only visible when illuminated, front daytime running lights, a panoramic sunroof, and the Hyundai logo smartly integrated into the glass that conceals the rear wiper.
Inside, customers can find a pushbutton shifter, four-spoke steering wheel, and a new dashboard that wraps into its doors. The model will come standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen that features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a voice recognition system that allows passengers to control the rear hatch, heated steering wheel, and heated and cooled seats. It will also be offered with a 10.3-inch infotainment screen and digital gauge cluster. Also included in the dash are the wireless phone charging feature, adjustable mood lighting in 64 colors and 10 levels of brightness, navigation with split-screen functionality, and an eight-speaker Bose sound system.
A front-wheel-drive setup is standard for the Tucson, while an all-wheel-drive will be available as an option. The gas models will be powered by the same naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four that powers the Sonata. It is pegged to deliver up to 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque when paired with the re-tuned eight-speed automatic. Hyundai said it is looking at a combined fuel economy of 28 mpg with the FWD.
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson’s gasoline and hybrid models are set to go on sale in the US in spring 2022. They will be preceded by the plug-in models that are expected to arrive in the summer of 2021.
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