EPA efficiency ratings for the 2022 Hyundai Tucson PHEV have finally been released and it looks like it’ll have one of the longest estimated EV mode range in its class. At 33 miles on a charge, the only competitors that surpass the Tucson PHEV are the Toyota RAV4 Prime at 42 miles and the upcoming Ford Escape PHEV, which is good for 37 miles. However, the latter is FWD only whereas the Tucson and the RAV4 have AWD. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the oldest entry and has the lowest EV mode range at 24 miles but it, too, gets AWD as standard thanks to it having an electric motor on each axle.
In terms of power, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson PHEV is the second most powerful plug-in hybrid in its segment. It uses a 1.6-liter turbo-four coupled to a 13.8-kWh battery, a 99-hp electric motor, and a six-speed automatic transmission. The total system output is 261 hp, which is 41 hp less than the Toyota RAV4 Prime. Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV is down 41 hp versus the Tucson PHEV while the Ford Escape PHEV is the least powerful with an estimated combined output of 200 hp. Hyundai is the only one that features a mechanical AWD system, meaning there’s a drive shaft linking the front and rear axles. Mitsubishi and Toyota use an e-AWD setup, which adds an electric drive motor on the rear to add traction to the rear wheels. Using a level 2 charger or 240-volt outlet, you can fully charge the Tucson PHEV in around two hours. A wall outlet will do the same in double the time.
When driven as a hybrid, the EPA rates the 2022 Tucson PHEV at 35 mpg across the board. That’s behind the Escape PHEV, which is good for 43/38/40 mpg city/highway/combined and that RAV4 Prime at 40/36/38 mpg. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV slots below the Tucson PHEV at 26 mpg across the board. With a full tank and a fully charged battery, the Tucson PHEV is rated for 420 miles. Total range estimates for the Escape PHEV and RAV4 Prime are 520 and 600 miles respectively. Once again, the Outlander PHEV brings up the rear at 320 miles with a full tank and a full charge but keep in mind the current model is based on a crossover that’s nearly a decade old. Expect the next-generation Outlander PHEV to possibly rival or even leapfrog the Tucson PHEV because it’s getting a larger battery and more power.
On sale before the end of 2021, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson PHEV will be the most powerful version of the brand’s popular compact crossover. It will be offered in SEL and Limited grades, and in typical Hyundai fashion, be packed with a lot of standard equipment out of the gate. The range-topping Limited grade should get all the niceties including a digital gauge cluster, a large 10.25-inch touch screen, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, remote parking capability, heated/ventilated front seats, and a full suite of driver assistance features. Unfortunately, Hyundai is only selling the Tucson PHEV and the larger Santa Fe PHEV in 11 states. If you’re interested in one, you must live in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont in order to find it at your local dealer.
