Apparently someone at Hyundai forgot to tell the designers that the final design of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson isn’t supposed to look like a concept car, because the new crossover just debuted and it looks unlike anything that came before it.
The new exterior of the 2022 Tucson is the first thing you’ll notice, that is an evolution of the brand’s Sensuous Sportiness design. The crossover takes advantage of parametric dynamics on the exterior, that makes the car stand out.
Out front the headlight and daytime running light arrangement is what sticks out. There are half-mirror type DRLs that only expose themselves when the vehicle is running, so you don’t normally know they’re there. The LED headlights also look like they’re straight from a science fiction movie.
Full-width taillights are also LED and resemble the styling cues of the front. There are seven colors for the Tucson, but only four are available on the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants; White Cream, Phantom Black, Shimmering Silver and Intense Blue. Three of those colors are new for Tucson.
Inside the infotainment takes center stage with dual 10.25-inch full-touch screen displays. Wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto are on board, and drivers will be able to use Hyundai’s NFC-based digital key technology.
In a sign of the current times, the Tucson’s climate control system was benchmarked against aircraft filtering systems to monitor air quality and make sure the air you breathe in the Tucson is far cleaner than the air outside.
Powering the hybrid Tucson is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with a combined power output of 230 PS (227 hp) and 182 lb-ft of torque. It’s coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission and not a CVT.
No word yet on how far the Tucson PHEV can go on electricity alone.
The 2022 Tucson is a bold-new design that looks unique and stylish, and it’s a vehicle we are eagerly waiting for when it goes on sale next year.
