Hyundai Tucson vs Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was built on a new platform, offering North American buyers a long-wheelbase model with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front design featured the new face of Hyundai vehicles, with a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. When illuminated, these lights formed a distinctive shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird's wings. The side profile borrowed design elements from the Hyundai Elantra, with a silver D-pillar creating a floating roof effect. At the rear, the Tucson boasted toothy taillights illuminated by LEDs, contributing to its standout design among compact SUVs.

The Tucson rode on either 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, depending on the trim level. The interior was well-appointed, featuring standard stain- and odour-resistant cloth seats, with sport combination seats in the N-Line and leather-trimmed seats available from the Preferred Trend trim upwards. The dashboard's horizontal lines and uncluttered aesthetic provided a sense of spaciousness. High-end trims included premium fascias, gloss black pillars, and a panoramic sunroof, while standard features encompassed roof rails, body-colour side-mirror housing, and heated outside mirrors with blind-spot monitoring.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid shared the dramatic new face of the Tucson lineup, with sharp, angular cues across its fascia and sides. The grille seamlessly integrated with LED headlights, running lights, and turn signals, creating a futuristic look when illuminated. The hybrid model featured a longer and wider footprint, offering ample cargo space with a trunk capacity of 1,097 litres and 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. The interior provided generous front and rear legroom, with reclining rear seats and a dual-level cargo floor for added versatility. The Ultimate trim added ambient lighting for a touch of flair.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. The ICE engine delivered 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It achieved a fuel consumption rating of 8.2 L/100 km combined with FWD and 9.0 L/100 km with AWD. The hybrid powertrain, on the other hand, provided a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, making it more powerful and engaging to drive. It boasted a fuel efficiency of 6.4 L/100 km combined.

The Tucson Hybrid's AWD system was standard and performed admirably in off-road testing, similar to Subaru's reactive AWD system. The hybrid's suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections while maintaining balance through corners. The plug-in hybrid version, yet to be road-tested, promised even greater power with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque, along with an anticipated 40 kilometres of all-electric range.