Hyundai Reveals Market-Sized 2022 Tucson SUV

May 26, 2021

Paul Seredynski

Hyundai has revealed its 2022 Tucson SUV, which has been upsized for the North American market. The C-class Tucson is Hyundai’s top-selling SUV, and the all-new 2022 model will feature three distinct powertrains including hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. Along with this market’s stretched dimensions and additional passenger/cargo volume, all-wheel drive (AWD) has been added to hybrid versions. All variants are scheduled to be available by “summer 2021” and will be produced at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) and in Ulsan, Korea.

The new Tucson for the North American market is the long-wheelbase version of the global Tucson platform, which is longer/wider/taller and has a longer wheelbase than the previous generation. Length is up 6.1 in (15.5 cm) to 182.3 in (4630 mm). Width and height have both increased 0.6 in (1.5 cm) to 73.4 in (1864 mm) and 65.6 in (1666 mm), respectively. The Tucson’s wheelbase has grown a substantial 3.4 in (8.6 cm), now stretching 108.5 in (2756 mm). With the rear load floor now two inches lower, cargo volume gains 7.7 ft³ (0.21 m³) and passenger volume is up 6 ft³ (0.17 m³).

Three-engine lineup

The 2022 Tucson will offer three powertrains. Standard is a direct- and multi-port-injected 2.5-L 4-cylinder gasoline engine producing 187 hp (139 kW) and 178 lb-ft (241 Nm), coupled to a Hyundai-designed 8-speed automatic paired with front- or AWD. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions both use a direct-injected 1.6-L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine tied to a 6-speed automatic, and are AWD only.

Hyundai claims the Tucson Hybrid produces a total of 226 hp (169 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) with electric assist coming from a 44.2-kW electric motor and a cabin-mounted 1.49-kWh battery pack. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Tucson uses a liquid-cooled 13.8-kWh battery mounted beneath the vehicle, with an estimated all-electric range (AER) of 28 miles (45 km) and a combined system output of 261 hp (195 kW). Hyundai said the PHEV version will need “less than two hours” to replenish on a Level-2 charger using its 7.2-kW onboard charger.

The electrified Tucson models adopt Hyundai’s P1-placement TMED (transmission mounted electric device) architecture, situating the electric motor between the engine and transmission where a torque converter would traditionally reside. The systems combine conventional transmissions with high-voltage batteries and a 13-kW hybrid starter generator (HSG). Hybrid models also feature an exhaust heat recovery system that debuted on the Ionic hybrid to benefit fuel economy, helping net a 46% efficiency gain between the base AWD Tucson and the AWD hybrid version.

The Tucson’s hybrid power control unit combines several functions, according to Jerome Gregeois, senior manager of powertrain and electrification at the ‎Hyundai Kia America Technical Center. “A low-voltage DC-to-DC converter supplies the vehicle with 12 volt; an inverter that controls the motor; and the hybrid control unit that coordinates the internal combustion engine, electric motor and automatic transmission,” he said. “On the hybrid version, the high-voltage battery assembly includes a 12-volt supply and eliminates the need for a lead-acid 12-volt battery.”

Loaded with tech

Hyundai noted at the Tucson’s virtual reveal that technology was a key attribute for the ultra-competitive C-SUV segment, and the new model brings plenty to the party. Features such as Remote Smart Park Assist permits owners to park and retrieve the Tucson from tight parking spaces from outside the vehicle. Remote start now integrates the heated and ventilated seats, and the smartphone-based Digital Key feature lets owners drive the car while leaving the keys at home, or assign different levels of vehicle access to other smartphones (so your kids can get their junk out of the back but not start the vehicle, for example).

The 2022 Tucson features both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with ADAS functions including forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian, cyclist and “junction-turning” detection. Also available is blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep and lane-follow assist, along with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. An ultrasonic rear occupant alert can remind drivers to check on the status of kids and pets, and Hyundai’s Safe Exit Warning system can help detect approaching cars while parked, sounding a warning if a passenger attempts to open a door.