Hyundai launches new generation Tucson, an SUV with daring aura

By Rasheed Bisiriyu

The launch of a new look Hyundai Tucson SUV on Monday was ecstatic as many SUV enthusiasts and analysts say they are excited about the entire virtual unveiling experience.

They acknowledge that the new vehicle, a fourth generation Tucson, built for the 2022 market, evokes a combative and daring aura.

“We were excited about the virtual launch event, which took place in West Hollywood, California, on Monday,” say MSN Auto analysts.

Hyundai’s Global Chief Operating Officer José Muñoz and SangYup Lee, who runs the Hyundai Global Design Centre, spoke at the event on the new wonder machine on the wheels.

The professional surfer Sage Erickson, a Hyundai brand ambassador, made an appearance as well.

Hyundai says the 2022 Tucson will be quieter, smoother, and more fun to drive than the outgoing model.

The automaker uses more sound-deadening materials and has an acoustic windshield to reduce the wind noise from coming into the cabin.

Hybrid models use “e-handling” technology, which should improve the steering response and vehicle stability while providing a fun-driving experience.

According to Motor Trends, the new vehicle has a lot of unique things. First, it notes that in a big departure from the current styling, Hyundai sketched the fourth-generation Tucson with angled character lines and a big grille, turning the compact SUV into a distinct player in an ultra-competitive segment.

“The styling isn’t the only big change for the 2022 Hyundai Tucson, though. It’s longer, wider, and taller than the current SUV, and it will be available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid for the first time,” it states.

Hyundai says the new car provides the automaker an opportunity to begin its next adventurous chapter and push the boundaries of efficiency a lot higher.

It says, “The entirely new look with a longer, wider body takes SUV design into more modern territory. And its complex network of sensors and cameras help keep you even safer while making driving—and parking— a lot easier.

“For the first time ever Tucson is giving you choices that push the boundaries of efficiency and performance: from the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid to the race-inspired N Line.”

The auto news website provides other striking details about the new Tuckson SUV. For instance, it notes that the change in proportions means more space inside.

The 2022 Tucson is said to be 5.9 inches longer, 0.6 inch wider and 0.6 inch taller than the model it replaces, with its wheelbase also increasing by 3.4 inches.

This means the new Tucson is now about the same size as the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, two SUVs that have also got bigger recently.

The Tucson is the latest model to embody Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design language, which is seen in the Sonata and Elantra sedans but until now had not made its way to an SUV.

Motor Trends also states, “One of the most striking elements is the integration of the daytime running lights into the grille, which gives the 2022 Tucson a wider, futuristic appearance.

“Taking a page from the Kona and Santa Fe designs, the headlights are nestled in the front bumper, giving the Tucson a combative face. Combined with the well-defined fender openings and sharp character lines on the hood, the Tucson has a concept-y look in pictures, but once you see it in person, it embodies a sharper style that brings a new identity to the table.” 

Interior

The new Hyundai Tucson interior is spacious. When you enter the cabin, you will be welcomed by big screens and tons of techs.

The Tucson Limited model is equipped with a 10.3-inch touchscreen, capacitive HVAC controls, ambient lighting, and another 10.3-inch screen for the instrument cluster. Lower trims get an 8.0-inch touchscreen with a 4.2-inch LCD display on the instrument cluster, but they benefit from wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, something you don’t get with the 10.3-inch touchscreen.

Sitting in the driver’s seat you get a sense of spaciousness from the cabin. The hidden air vents on the dashboard and the lack of a physical lever (say hello to push-buttons) make the cabin feel roomier.

The Limited model also uses piano black trim and cloth on the door panels that looks and feels premium while adding a bit of character to the cabin.

The bigger proportions mean more space inside. The second-row seats feel like a living room, with a whooping 41.3 inches of legroom.

Engine

It has three engine options. They are gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid.

Tucson’s bigger 2.5-litre, four-cylinder gas engine gives you more power with an estimated 187hp and 182lb.-ft. of torque.

Tucson hybrid’s 1.6L turbocharged engine kicks out 226hp estimated total combined system power. And HTRAC All Wheel Drive comes standard.

The third option offers you electric when you want it; and gas when you need it.

Tucson plug-in hybrid’s 1.6L turbocharged engine with 13.8kWh battery power charges in just under two hours. And with standard HTRAC All Wheel Drive and all-electric drive mode, the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is a win-win.

Those opting for the Tucson hybrid or plug-in hybrid will get a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic, an electric motor, and standard all-wheel drive.

The regular hybrid gets a 1.49-kWh battery to deliver about 226 hp and 258 lb-ft, per Hyundai’s estimates, while getting 37 mpg combined.

The plug-in hybrid uses a 13.8-kWh battery that allows the Tucson to cover about 28 miles on electric drive only before reverting to full-hybrid operation.

Power numbers rise to around 260hp and fuel economy numbers increase to about 70 mpg-e.