2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD a new high for compact SUVs

2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD compact SUV in Calypso Red

Earlier this Spring, several folks were asking us just how good is the new 2022 Hyundai Tucson compact SUV?

Well, we finally nabbed one for drive test.  A 2022 Tucson Limited AWD trim level.

In a few words – we find it just about perfectly designed, built, equipped and priced.

You can do a lot of looking and testing, but – in the compact SUV segment – this one may be the best for 2022.

2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD – As Tested

Hyundai delivered us a snazzy Calypso Red 2022 Limited AWD for drive test a couple of weeks back.

Our 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD was priced at MSRP $36,100 complete, no packages or feature groups to choose from.

We got it all, delivered into our garage, for $37,454.

Powertrain / Running Gear

The 2022 Tucson Limited is powered by the Hyundai Smartstream 2.5L DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine producing a surprisingly robust 187 horsepower @6100 rpm with 178 lb.-ft. of torque @4000 rpm.

It is coupled to a ‘vehicle tuned’ Shiftronic Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission with Shift-By-Wire controller and Paddle Shifters.

Our test Limited was further equipped with their HTRAC All-Wheel-Drive System with electronic variable-torque-split clutch for active torque control between front and rear axles.

It features the driver-selectable HTRAC Drive Control System for added performance.  Settings include NORMAL, SMART, SPORT and SNOW.  NORMAL is very adequate for everyday driving in town and on the highway.  We used the SPORT setting most of our time behind the wheel, enjoying its bias to the rear axle for the sportier performance.

We did not get time in the ‘outback’ with this Tucson, but knowing the capability of HTRAC and factoring the 8.3-inch ground clearance, we expect it would handle moderate back country exploration with little difficulty.

And, if you have a few extra toys to bring along, Tucson tows too – up to 2,000 pounds when equipped with trailer brakes.

Exterior

Standing still, the new 2022 Hyundai Tucson impresses you with a taller ‘profile in motion’ look on its wider and longer platform.

Use of crisp geometric angles and edge lines (front and rear) enhance the styling.

Add in new half-mirror Daytime Running Lamps integrated into the Dark Chrome Grille, Body Color Bumpers, Fascias and Skid Plates (front and rear).

Finish with Black Side Sills plus 19-inch Alloy Wheels and Full Width Tail Lamp plus full LED lighting front and rear, Roof Side Rails and Rear Spoiler, you have a winner.

Interior

In a word, the cabin space design, features and functionality are ‘WOW’.

The new longer, wider and taller 2022 Tucson offers increased interior space with more comfortable seating in both rows plus a 24 percent increase in cargo space – now 38.7 cubic feet.

It is one of the best uses of space in a compact SUV we have seen.  The 2022 Tucson effectively blends comfort, technology and convenience for an excellent driver and passenger experience around town, on the highway and in the outback.

We are particularly impressed with the full wrap-around cockpit design, its integrated center information display and control fascia that descend smoothly to a well laid out console with command and operating controls.

Three areas that Hyundai is rightfully proud of include the 10.25-inch full-touch screen (without hard buttons) the hoodless digital gauge cluster, and multi-air ventilation, a temperature-adjusting system providing diffused airflow on the front passengers.

Second-row ‘fold-and-dive’ seats, with quick release in the cargo area, optimize access to the larger space while 64 color/ten brightness level ambient lighting enhances the excellent choices of interior materials and accents.

Other features on our Tucson Limited included a Panoramic Sunroof, Power Leather-Trimmed Heated and Ventilated Front Seats, Heated Rear Seats with AC Vents and Hands-Free Power Liftgate.

Technology / Infotainment              

The 2022 Tucson Limited has plenty of the latest technology and infotainment available/

Included are a Bose 8-speaker Premium Sound managed through 10.25 color touchscreen with onboard Navigation and Split-screen functionality, SiriusXM, HD Radio, dual front and rear USB outlets, dual 12-volt outlets, Wireless Qi smartphone charging, Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Digital Key w/Remote Engine Start and Climate Control, Dynamic Voice Recognition for cabin feature operation and more.

Advanced connectivity is provided through Blue Link Connected Car System that enables vehicle feature control via smartphone, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Android Wear and Apple Watch smartwatch apps.

Safety and Driver Assistance Systems

Tucson Limited is loaded with the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature Suite of passive, active and technologic safety features both standard or available on Tucson. In fact, the most such features ever available in a compact SUV.

In recognition, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson has earned a ‘Top Safety Pick +’ rating from IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).

Some of the more innovative and segment-exclusive features include:

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian, Cyclist Detection Junction-Turning Detection that monitors oncoming traffic when making left turns and alerts the driver plus provides braking assistance to avoid collision – if needed.

Blind Spot View Monitor – When the left or right turn signal is activated, displays on the digital instrument gauge, a view to the rear on that side.

Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert – If motion is detected (a child or pet) after locking and leaving the vehicle, the horn sounds and sends an alert to the driver’s smartphone via Blue Link.

Other features include: Surround View Monitor, Lane Keeping/Lane Following Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) plus Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and – one of our favorites – Remote Smart Parking Assist (aka ‘smaht pahk’).

2022 Tucson Lineup

As you see, we are bullish on the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD in particular.  However, you can configure yours with multiple choices by model, trim level, powertrain, drivetrain, technology and convenience features.

The 2.5L GDI 4-cylinder Tucson offers both FWD and AWD in four trim levels (SE, SEL, N-Line and Limited) with MSRP from $24,950 – $36,200.

Build yours HERE: https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/2021-tucson

The Tucson Hybrid (both HEV and PHEV) offers three trim levels (Blue, SEL and Limited) – AWD only –  MSRP $29,050 – $37,350.

Create one your way HERE: https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/tucson-hybrid

Warranty

And, of course, the new 2022 Tucson comes with the best warranty in the industry.

Every 2022 Tucson is covered by the Hyundai 10-year 100,000-mile Limited Powertrain and 5-year New Vehicle Limited Warranty plus 5-year Unlimited Miles Roadside Assistance

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KEY DATA:   2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD

• Trim Level                         Limited AWD
• Class                                 Compact Crossover (2-row)
• Seating                              Five
• MSRP                                 $36,100
• As Tested                          $37,454 (delivered)
• Engine                               2.5L GDI DOHC 4-cylinder
• Horsepower                      187 @ 6700 rpm
• Torque                              178 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rom
• Transmission                    8-speed Automatic w/Shiftronic & Paddle Shifters
• Drive System                     AWD (on demand)
• Wheel size                        19-inch Alloy
• Tire Size                            235/55R19
• Suspension                       MacPherson Strut/Coil Springs (F), Multi-link (R)
• Ground Clearance             8.3-inches
• Steering                            Rack & Pinion Motor Powered
• Brakes                              ABS w/Brake Force Distribution
• Tow Capacity                    2,000 lbs. w/Trailer Brakes
• Fuel Capacity                    14.3 gallons
• Fuel Economy                   24/29/26 mpg    city/highway/combined
• Range                               415 miles (highway)