Justin Narayan unpacks the flagship model of the Hyundai Tucson range, to find out just how much substance this style-driven medium SUV possesses.
- Looks sporty yet rides comfortably
- Modern cabin with large screens, multiple USB points and unique design elements
- Blind-spot vision camera is fantastic
- Near-prestige drive-away as tested
- Low speed dual-clutch transmission behaviour
- Short 10,000km service intervals
Introduction
About 12 months ago, Hyundai launched its all-new and fourth-generation Tucson medium SUV in Australia. It replaced the outgoing Hyundai Tucson, a product that for the last six years has been one of the brand’s best sellers in Australia.
Now, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson moves upmarket. How? By introducing sharp exterior styling, new technology, and the option of an N Line appearance package across the range.
Yes, that does mean you can buy an entry-level and self-titled 2022 Hyundai Tucson and then introduce a fancy N Line sports styling kit. The range kicks off from $34,900 plus on-road costs ($38,930 drive-away) for the base-model Hyundai Tucson, or $you 38,400 plus on-road costs ($42,535 drive-away) for the same car with N Line kit (drive-away prices based on a metro Sydney address. Pricing may vary by location).
Regardless of what option you chose, both entry-level versions feature a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol with 115kW/192Nm sent to the front wheels.
Next up, and in the middle of the range, is the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Elite. Priced from $39,400 plus on-road costs ($43,565 drive-away) with the same naturally aspirated engine, it’s at this trim level where new drivelines are unlocked. For an extra $5000 you can pick a 132kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol with all-wheel drive and seven-speed dual-clutch auto, or for $7000 more the 137kW/416Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel with eight-speed torque-converter auto and all-wheel drive too.
Last up the 2022 Hyundai Tucson hierarchy is the Highlander model we’re testing today. Starting from $46,400 plus on-road costs ($50,841 drive-away before options), it too is offered with the same three drivelines: a front-drive 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol, all-wheel-drive 1.6-litre turbo petrol, and all-wheel-drive 2.0-litre diesel.
Our test car not only featured the 1.6-litre turbo petrol and all-wheel-drive powertrain, but also the N Line styling package. Add in the $595 extra for Crimson Red paintwork and you’re left with an almost $57,000 drive-away proposition – $51,995 plus on road costs, or $56,717 drive-away.
Not cheap, but is there value here? Let’s find out.
| Key details | 2022 Hyundai Tucson Highlander N Line |
| Price (MSRP) | $51,400 plus on-road costs |
| Colour of test car | Crimson Red |
| Options | Premium paint – $595 |
| Price as tested | $51,995 plus on-road costs $56,717 drive-away (Sydney) |
| Rivals | Kia Sportage | Mazda CX-5 | Toyota RAV4 |
Inside
On the inside, the dashboard and its surrounds are an all-new affair.
Grabbing your attention instantly is a huge and dominant centre stack, where you operate the vehicle’s infotainment system and general cabin controls.
I make a point because this central ‘control centre’ is the focal point of the Hyundai Tucson’s interior design, as both left and right adjacent sections of the cabin have been clearly designed symmetrically and sympathetically to pay tribute to the large rectangular piece of glossy black plastic in the middle.
Once you’ve gotten over its dominance, you begin to notice other new and nice touches for 2022. Hyundai as a brand is big on perceived quality and material selection, and you can see that when you begin to poke about.
For example, elements like the squishy and gel-backed fabric strip that runs along the dash and doors, as it’s nice to see different types of materials making their way into the usual sea of black plastic.
It even sports a slightly German and tartan-inspired design motif on the dash that wouldn’t look astray in a Golf GTI. Aside from the cool fabric, there’s acres of deeply grooved and solid-looking plastics, too, and overall the cabin looks to have stepped up in terms of quality.
The seats inside our test car are clad in suede-look and leather trim as part of the N Line styling package. If you pick a regular 2022 Hyundai Tucson Highlander without the N Line package, you’ll receive full leather seats.
They’re comfy, albeit flat and not very sporty, electrically adjustable with two-way lumbar support and two-position memory, heated, and also ventilated. The side bolstering around your back is strong, but the seat base could do with more support around your thighs.
Still, the vantage point is great with plenty of tall glass to peer out of, and the driver’s pew in particular can be lifted high enough to give a shorter person the same view. Which, if you are sitting here, means you’re staring directly at the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that’s in front of you.
Although it features a few stylistic themes and different modes, it does lack the customisation and configurability of what’s found in Volkswagen Audi Group products. Gimmicks aside, its legibility is top-notch regardless of sun blasting in through the sunroof or driver’s door, and I like the fact it lacks a binnacle over the top, as it clearly doesn’t need one.
Other small touches in the first row include a fun push-button gearshifter (instead of a lever), two USB-A charging points and a 12-volt power outlet, a wireless charging pad, plus a pair of large cupholders.
Over in the back, occupant space is good for the segment. Sitting behind my own driving position, my knees were clear of the seat back, feet able to kick around under the front pew, and my upper body left with enough room to get comfy.
It’s worth mentioning that three fully grown men across the second row may be a challenge, but a trio of teenagers will find it comfortable enough. I also fitted a forward- and rearward-facing Britax convertible child seat and found there to be enough room for two children.
The excellent and high hip point also means loading kids in support seats is easy, and the same goes for frail people, too, as popping in and out yourself is easier than climbing into a low-slung sedan.
Amenities in the back include a pair of air vents, two USB ports, a pair of cupholders in the fold-down armrest, and a pair of bottle holders in the doors. In terms of boot space, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson range packs 539L of storage, which is fantastic for the segment.
I found the boot plenty big enough for a child’s small bike (with training wheels), groceries, and a couple of backpacks too. It’s the sort of space where you can leave things (umbrella, picnic mat and other detritus) and not worry about ever needing the extra room.
| 2022 Hyundai Tucson Highlander N Line | |
| Seats | Five |
| Boot volume | 539L seats up / 1860L seats folded |
| Length | 4640mm |
| Width | 1865mm |
| Height | 1665mm |
| Wheelbase | 2755mm |
Infotainment and Connectivity
Across the 2022 Hyundai Tucson range, two infotainment systems are offered.
Entry-level Hyundai Tucsons receive an 8.0-inch touchscreen, whereas both the Elite and Highlander (like our test car) get a 10.25-inch display. The bigger screen not only packs more processing power, but it also looks better, as its dimensions are identical to the other 10.25-inch display in front of the driver.
Although bigger and better than the 8.0-inch screen in the entry-level model, it does lack some connectivity. Whereas the base 2022 Hyundai Tucson has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, the mid-tier Elite and top-spec Highlander offer smartphone connectivity via a wired connection only.
It’s a technical glitch that Hyundai Global is trying hard to solve, so don’t assume that just because the entry-level car has certain tech, every other model in the range must do too. The system in the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Highlander N Line also dropped in and out of Apple CarPlay a few times, despite changing the cord to a genuine and new one halfway through.
Other than some patchy smartphone mirroring, the rest is up to scratch. The hardware package is juicy enough to run programs responsively, and the software features a nice-looking interface.
Finally, and as a top-spec model, the infotainment wouldn’t be complete without premium audio. Offered exclusively on 2022 Hyundai Tucson Highlander models is an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system complete with external amplifier.
While it’s branded, the sound system left me feeling cold. The high points of Bjork’s Crystalline lacked brightness, but overall the mix was handled well enough. Another staple track by Eric B and Rakim felt a little narrow, too, but again was at least staged correctly and with audio in the right physical places.
It’s not the first time I’ve disagreed with a Bose-branded vehicular sound system, but to be honest I was expecting more from the package.
Safety and Technology
As a mid-sized family SUV, safety gear and tech are high priorities.
The complete 2022 Hyundai Tucson model range benefits from a five-star ANCAP safety rating having been tested under ANCAP’s latest and most strict 2021 testing criteria.
Things helping the result include standard-fit safety features like blind-spot collision avoidance assist, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection plus junction assist, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Moving up to the Tucson Highlander brings a 360-degree parking camera, auto high beams, and a trick blind-spot view monitor that uses cameras to show you live vision down the side of your car when you activate a blinker. Cool stuff.
| 2022 Hyundai Tucson Highlander N Line | |
| ANCAP rating | Five stars (tested 2021) |
| Safety report | Link to ANCAP report |
Value for Money
As a recap, our 2022 Hyundai Tucson Highlander with optional N Line sports package and Crimson Red paint is a $57,000 drive-away proposition.
The most obvious alternative is the 2022 Drive Car of the Year overall winner, the Kia Sportage GT-Line petrol. Kia has taken a different approach to its model range by making the sports styling package standard-fit and exclusive to the flagship model, instead of optional across the range like Hyundai.
Another likely alternative is the recently updated 2022 Mazda CX-5, with a comparable all-wheel-drive CX-5 Akera model starting from $56,000 drive-away.
That makes the Hyundai – at least in our car’s configuration – an expensive choice. Thankfully, maintaining one isn’t the same story, as Hyundai’s pre-paid service packs will save you money.
| At a glance | 2022 Hyundai Tucson Highlander N Line |
| Warranty | Five years / unlimited km |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 10,000km |
| Servicing costs | $957 (3 years), $1595 (5 years) |
A three-year/30,000km plan costs $957 or $319 each stop. A four-year/40,000km package costs $1267 or $316 annualised, and five-year/50,000km at $1595 or $319 each year.
The only downsides to the 2022 Hyundai Tucson’s maintenance plan are its 10,000km intervals. If you travel closer to the national average of 13,000km per year, a competitor with 12-month/15,000km intervals will be much cheaper to maintain over the long term.
Hyundai’s official fuel consumption rating for the Tucson with a 1.6-litre turbo engine is 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres. On test we recorded a still respectable 8.5L/100km. The Tucson is rated to run 91 octane regular unleaded or E10 fuel.
Fuel Consumption – brought to you by bp
| Fuel Usage | Fuel Stats |
| Fuel cons. (claimed) | 7.2L/100km |
| Fuel cons. (on test) | 8.5L/100km |
| Fuel type | 91 octane unleaded |
| Fuel tank size | 54L |
Driving
Even though our 2022 Hyundai Tucson Highlander is littered with N Line sports features, it still thankfully drives like a family car.
There’s no need to make the ride quality firm and stiff to match the looks, and Hyundai clearly agrees. The ride quality is great, and around town it’ll soothe after a long day in the office. It’s a soft, squishy ride that even has some roll and play about how it goes over potholes and tatty road surfaces.
The only thing you’ll notice is some trembling or rippling felt through the body as those large 19-inch wheels strike deep road imperfections, but that’s as bad as it gets. Some of the suspension’s inherent softness is to blame here, as its damping isn’t controlled enough to manage the inertia of the large and heavy wheels.
Off-road editor Sam Purcell noted no such thing on his drive of the entry-level car with smaller wheels, so consider that the price you pay for vanity. Out on a country lane, the Hyundai Tucson continues to feel composed and well-mannered.
Its soft and supple suspension means mid-corner bumps at the speed limit don’t throw it off-course, and its all-wheel-drive system unquestionably aids traction when the conditions are wet, like they were for most of the loan.
When the road does get a little faster, and some of the corners begin to switch-back on each other left-to-right, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson can feel cumbersome. It’s in these scenarios were the locally-tuned 2022 Kia Sportage product earns it keep, and proves that the chassis is capable of being better.
Wet weather however is another point where the all-wheel-drive system pays dividends is off the mark, as the all-paw traction helps it get away from the lights smartly, just in case you forgot the lane ahead is ending.
Performance from the 132kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is great, and mostly because of that latter torque figure. Although not the largest outright number, the healthy-enough torque output is still offered in full from 1500–4500rpm, or just about a third of the rev gauge.
It helps the Tucson feel a little more broad-shouldered than it actually is, but the gutsy powertrain still has enough legs to lug a family around with the boot full. A seven-speed dual-clutch is the only transmission offered, and 95 per cent of the time is right for the task.
Although far more refined than its earlier attempts at a twin-clutch auto, it’s still not perfect. You’ll still find the odd calibration woe when tasking the auto with sudden inputs on irregular inclines, or when reverse parking on a hill. Doing so still requires a delicate foot and diligent management of the accelerator pedal.
As expected, you do learn quite quickly what inputs are needed to best avoid any hesitation or lurching. It’s worthwhile spending a day to tune in and pay attention to how it operates during the first couple of drives, especially before absolutely cranking the standard-fit Bose eight-speaker stereo system.
Other than those couple of scenarios mentioned above, the seven-speed auto is generally well-mannered, quiet, and actually quite fast on the upshifts. If you feel like banging through the gears and channelling your inner youth, it’ll somewhat humour your antics.
After all, it is plastered with Hyundai N badges – the same ones found on the 2022 Drive Car of the Year Best Hot Hatch, the Hyundai i30 N DCT.
| Key details | 2022 Hyundai Tucson Highlander N Line |
| Engine | 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol |
| Power | 132kW @ 5500rpm |
| Torque | 265Nm @ 1500–4500rpm |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive |
| Transmission | Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Power to weight ratio | 78.2kW/t |
| Weight (kerb) | 1689kg |
| Tow rating | 1650kg braked, 750kg unbraked |
| Turning circle | 11.8m |
Conclusion
Despite the near-on $60K price tag, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson is a comfortable, spacious and technology-laden medium SUV that should be vying for your attention.
The turbocharged N Line model provides enough visual drama for the money, but when you begin to assess the performance of the driveline versus the price, it does fall a little short.
We didn’t touch on any aspects of the all-new Tucson’s design in this review, but I honestly think it looks more cohesive and better styled than its sibling from Kia.
Beauty is also in the eye of the beholder, so make sure you check both out before making your choice.
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