The 2022 Hyundai Tucson.Supplied
Hyundai revealed the fourth-generation edition of its popular Tucson SUV Monday. It’s larger and more powerful than before with many mechanical cues from the new Sonata sedan, but has a unique front face that will make it truly stand out on the road.
It will be sold in Canada and the United States only as a “long-wheelbase” version that is 15 cm. longer than the current Canadian Tucson (and 13 cm. longer than the new version that will be sold in the rest of the world). It’s slightly wider and taller than the outgoing edition, too.
The new Tucson will go on sale in Korea this month and will be available in Canada and the U.S. early next year as a 2022 model. Prices will be announced closer to the release date, but will probably be similar to the existing 2.4-litre turbo trim-level. It has a starting MSRP of $28,299 plus Delivery and taxes, and then rises through more expensive trims to $38,099." Just to be a little more representative.
It has a unique front face that will make it truly stand out on the road.Supplied
The new sculpted design incorporates daytime running lights in the parametric front grille, which appear to be part of the grille while the vehicle is shut off. As soon as the vehicle comes to life, however, the outer edges of what looks to be the grille light up and show themselves to be five separate DRLs on each side, above and beside a pair of conventional headlights. The look is repeated at the rear, with triangular DRLs under the full-width taillamp that don’t appear to be lights until illuminated.
The new Tucson will be powered by a choice of conventional gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines, unlike the existing Tucson that is only available with a choice of gas engines.
The new four-cylinder 2.5-litre gas engine will be similar to the engine under the hood of the normally-aspirated Hyundai Sonata, and it will make 190 horsepower and 182 lb-ft. of torque. That’s a small increase of 9 hp and 7 lb-ft. from the current 2.4-litre engine that powers the Tucson’s two top trims, and a big increase of 30 hp and 32 lb-ft. from the current, less-costly 2.0-litre engine. It will be coupled to a push-button eight-speed automatic transmission, like the Sonata, instead of the current six-speed.
The new four-cylinder 2.5-litre gas engine will make 190 horsepower and 182 lb-ft. of torque.Factory 35/Supplied
The hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are even more powerful. A 1.6-litre turbocharged engine creates 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, similar to the engine that powers the Sonata Turbo, but the all-new hybrid powertrains boost this to 230 hp and 258 lbs.-ft. This smaller engine uses Hyundai’s Continuously Variable Valve Duration technology, first seen last year, to improve its power and fuel efficiency.
Rear cargo capacity is increased by more than 200 litres, to a total of 1,096 litres of usable space behind the rear seats.
Rear cargo capacity is increased by more than 200 litres.Supplied
Inside the compact SUV, the Tucson can connect to two smartphones simultaneously through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means the driver and a passenger can alternate between their playlists without having to disconnect and reconnect. The system will automatically recognize their phones so that they don’t even need to be removed from pockets or bags, except for charging.
The top-trim edition will have a 10.25-inch display screen above its floating centre console. All buttons will be touch-screen, either on the display or on the fascia beneath it, and an enhanced voice recognition system will also activate the controls.
Hyundai says the new Tucson’s air-purification system is based on those found on aircraft. It filters fine dust, reduces moisture from the evaporator and keeps the air-conditioning system clean. Korea’s air is often filled with smog, and North Americans – who are now experiencing smog at unprecedented levels – will stand to benefit from the Asian experience.
The top-trim edition will have a 10.25-inch display screen above its floating centre console.Supplied
The new Tucson will include a lengthy laundry list of driver’s assistance features. Hyundai’s standard SmartSense system includes Highway Driving Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Surround View Monitor, Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist, High Beam Assist and Driver Attention Warning.
Optional features will also include Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Advanced Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, and Safe Exit Warning.
Supplied
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