2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Auto Channel Review by Mark Fulmer
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Singing the Body Electric
Mark Fulmer
THE AUTO CHANNEL
The Tucson Hybrid follows the successful Hyundai strategy of of presenting unique styling, enhanced value, advanced powertrains, and safety. Even in the crowded SUV market, the Tucson competes by giving buyers some interesting design accents.
Like theatrical grill lights. Very recognizable in your rear view mirror.
And feathery tail lights.
And multi-colored digital dash displays
The two engines - a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, and an electric motor with 59 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, work together for a combined 227 horsepower and the same 195 lb-ft of torque. The all-wheel-drive system helps grips the road when taking off from standing still, which is very helpful with the delightful immediate response of the electric engine. The feeling of quickness coupled with well-tuned steering and braking make the Tucson a real pleasure to drive in all of its four modes: Normal, Sport, Smart, and Snow.
Folks in the front seats enjoy lots of legroom, comfortable seats. The dash has soft-touch surfaces with semi-hidden A/C vents in the horizontal lines.
The rear seating has split 60/40 folding seatback that comes with an with adjustable recline, excellent for long drive snoozing.
With rear seat back up, there is 39 cubic feet of room for cargo.
Fold 'em down and you'll have 75 cubic feet of space for stuff.
All passengers can watch for the big Bernardinelli comet coming our way via the substantial moon roof.
When it comes to safety, the Tucson was named a Top Safety Pick Plus rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Safety systems include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, hands-on lane centering, a rear-seat reminder and a driver attention monitor. Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control is optional, but well worth it if your life includes a lot of freeway driving.
Everywhere I drove during the weeklong evaluation, folks of all ages were curious and most interested in the new Tucson Hybrid. If you're in the market, be sure to test one.