Ground-breaking 2022 Hyundai Tucson: Pricing and specs

The 2022 Tucson SUV not only has a radically new exterior, but it also boasts 3 segment firsts, 2 firsts for Hyundai and receives 6 new safety features, plus some much-needed upgrades. Here's the low down.

2022 Hyundai Tucson: Exterior styling

The most striking thing about the 2022 Hyundai Tucson is that exterior. It now wears some extremely cutting edge clothes.

Hyundai stylists working on the Tucson project clearly went all out on this one. The older Tucson SUV was soft around the edges, with a more reserved and conventional exterior that fell in line with rival SUVs. But the 2022 Hyundai Tucson breaks the mould and grinds it into a fine powder.

The grille is the most attention-grabbing thing. It looks straight out of a sci-fi movie, with the headlights neatly encapsulated into the "parametric grille". The rear end also has a pleasing, minimalist styling, with a continuous light bar running from flank to flank.

Down the sides, sculpting and style lines combine to create the impression that this car is ready to pounce. Quite deservedly, Hyundai calls the 2022 Tucson the manifestation of "Tomorrow's car, today".

For those who want something different, there's an N Line body kit on offer too. All three trim levels (Tucson, Elite and Highlander) receive this option pack. You'll also have to wait until the third quarter of this year for the N Line option to arrive at Australian Hyundai dealers.

Hyundai Tucson engine options

Buyers now have to choose between three engines.

There's a front-wheel-drive 2.0-litre petrol, that comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission. You can purchase that Tucson right now, in whichever trim you like. This Smartstream powertrain summons 115kW and 192Nm.

For buyers who want a more powerful and grunty engine, you'll have to wait until at least Q2 of this year, when Hyundai says a 1.6-litre turbo petrol will launch. This engine comes with a 7-speed, dual-clutch automatic. It's only sold as an AWD, meaning you should have some extra grip with this Hyundai Tucson. Power and torque 1.6 measure 132kW (@5,500RPM) and 265Nm (between 1,500-4,500RPM).

Finally, if you want a diesel, you'll have to wait until Q3, when you can buy a 2.0-litre diesel. Hyundai pairs this engine with an 8-speed automatic. Power is rated at 137kW, while torque jumps to 416Nm. Again, Hyundai Tucsons equipped with this powertrain are all-wheel-drive.

Hyundai says the AWD Tucson splits torque between the front and rear axles and can control brakes by sides, which should help make the SUV more agile. Diesel models get a Terrain Mode, so they can tackle unsealed roads.

2022 Hyundai Tucson: Interior tech

What do you find on the inside of the new Tucson?

First, there are two 10.25-inch displays. One serves as a digital instrument cluster for the driver and houses vital speed and safety information. Meanwhile, a second screen of the same size is touch-enabled and this one delivers up the navigation and audio controls. You can split this screen too, which is a nice touch.

Other highlights, as standard, include:

• Qi Wireless smartphone charging.
• Saveable user profiles, as well as a guest mode.
• Dual-zone air conditioning, with a function that turns on the steering wheel and seat cooling/heating where needed to balance the temperature.
• A first-in-class Multi-Air Diffusion Mode, which channels gentle wafts of cooled or warm air around the passenger compartment.
• Quiet Mode: Automatically lowers the volume in the rear, while adjusting the front speakers to a hushed level. This is going to be a popular feature with parents!

Hyundai Tucson safety equipment

There's a heap of segment firsts on the 2022 model. Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) are all, according to Hyundai, pioneering features for the category.

RSPA is the most interesting. The Tucson parks itself, while you stand outside the vehicle! You use the smart key fob for this and you can even switch off the engine once in position!

Also new for Hyundai is a 7 airbag set-up and a Safe Exit Warning. Additionally, the Tucson is getting new features like Surround View Monitor, Parking-Collision Avoidance Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. All very handy safety inclusions!

Plus, Hyundai upgraded the Smart Cruise Control and Driver Attention Warning systems, while carrying over Lane Keeping Assist and High Beam Assist unchanged from the previous Tucson generation.

Was the 2022 Hyundai Tucson developed in Australia?

No. But while the Tucson has what Hyundai labels a "global tune", it was put through the brand's Australian tuning division's testing protocol. One specialist from Hyundai Motor Company Australia proclaimed he was extremely pleased with the results.

What else could I buy?

The Kia Sportage comes to mind, as that's sold by Hyundai's sister company. Alternatively, you could look at the popular Toyota RAV4. You might also consider one of the Lexus SUVs.