Hyundai Tucson 2022 Range Review

With more than 30 models in the mid-size SUV class in Australia and, among the mainstream car-makers, a whopping 18 brands competing for your attention, we’re spoilt for choice!

But choosing can be tricky and sometimes confusing.

Once you’ve narrowed down which vehicle is right for you, you need to decide on which model variant best meets your needs – and budget.

Our range reviews break down the commonalities between variants and the all-important differences that can see an entry-level and top-spec model divided by tens of thousands of dollars in some cases.

You also benefit from the collective experience of the carsales team on these reviews as we take a group approach to pulling them apart – so you don’t have to…

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson is the popular South Korean brand’s five-seat mid-size SUV, which means it’s larger than the Hyundai Kona and smaller than the family-focused seven-seat Hyundai Santa Fe.

Today, we find the Hyundai Tucson in its fourth generation, and if you’re basing your decisions (to buy or not to buy) on exposure to an outdated Tucson model, it’s time you took another look because this model is a step change from its predecessors and exceptionally good.

In 2021, the new Hyundai Tucson was named carsales’ Best Mid-Size SUV and a Car of the Year finalist.

With multiple variants comprising different powertrains and trim levels, and with nearly $20,000 separating the entry-level from the top-spec vehicle, the Hyundai Tucson is a fine example of how a range review can help you whittle down a shortlist of potential vehicles that best suit your needs and budget.

Now it’s time to pick apart the range.

Deciding which powertrain best meets your needs is an easy way to determine the right Hyundai Tucson for your lifestyle.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offers three engine and drivetrain combinations as well as three familiar trim levels: the base Tucson, mid-series Elite and top-spec Highlander.

Your entry point – simply called Tucson – offers a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (115kW/192Nm) as front-drive only. It’s paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Climb the ranks to the Elite and Highlander and in addition to the base 2.0-litre petrol engine you can choose from a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol (132kW/265Nm) paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission or a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel (137kW/416Nm) paired to an eight-speed automatic. Both the turbocharged petrol and diesel models are four-wheel drive only.

Claimed combined-cycle fuel economy figures favour the turbo-diesel at 6.3L/100km, then the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol at 7.2 and the thirsty choice being your base 2.0-litre petrol unit at 8.1L/100km.

Suspension and brake specifications are common on all Tucson models regardless of trim level, as are wheelbase, ground clearance (181mm), exterior and interior dimensions.

Differences in off-road geometry across petrol and diesel units, with or without the N Line kit, are negligible.

From the outside, it takes a trained eye to spot the difference between varying 2022 Hyundai Tucson model grades, with new angular lines and a modern silhouette common to all.

The base Tucson model and mid-series Elite feature dark chrome grille and silver exterior accents. LED daytime running lights, a high-mount LED brake light, roof rails, side repeaters and a body-coloured rear spoiler are also standard characteristics.

Wheels are where the exterior looks differ; 17-inch alloys are where the range kicks off, growing to 18s on the Elite and 19s on the Highlander.

The N Line package which we’ll discuss later adds 19-inch wheels (among other things), beefing up the Tucson and Elite rim size in line with the top-spec Highlander.

All Tucson models feature a full-size spare.

The base interior reflects good design that is practical and visually appealing – it’s something common to all Tucson models. Good storage solutions in the form of a lidded arm rest, two cup holders, in-door storage and extra oddment storage below the centre dash stack make for a versatile and user-friendly space.

Premium cloth trim on the seats and door inserts are a nice tactile touch. An electric park brake and alloy-look highlights also bring some visual design flair to the Tucson’s cabin.

Manual-adjust seats and a tilt- and reach-adjustable steering wheel are also standard.

The Tucson kicks off with an 8.0-inch infotainment screen that features most of the goodies new car buyers want, namely Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, AM/FM radio and a six-speaker sound system.

An anomaly in the tech suite sees the entry-level Tucson the only model to feature wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Enjoy!

Manual, single-zone climate control is also another budget-spec give-away.

A 4.2-inch cluster (also found in the Elite) is simple to read and features a trip computer and digital speedo.

We commend Hyundai for the safety inclusions that are standard across the entire range, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB) for forward and turning manoeuvres with pedestrian and cyclist detection.

There’s also blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, driver attention monitoring, rear occupant alert, safe exit warning, steering wheel haptic feedback and traffic sign recognition.

Buyers are not forced up the price range to satisfy basic safety kit and all models carry a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating.

The Tucson’s second row is dimensionally identical regardless of trim level and offers good headroom and legroom and decent outward vision.

Second-row amenity standard across all model grades includes two directional air vents, seatback pockets, a centre arm rest with cup holders and two USB charge points as well as two ISOFIX positions and three top-tether child seat anchors.

The boot capacity – 539 litres with the rear seats upright, extending to 1860L when they’re folded – is also consistent across all models, accessed via a manual tailgate lift on both Tucson and Elite grades.

A retractable cargo cover, six anchor points, a light and 12V outlet complete the boot amenity.

With 18-inch alloys the key differentiator to the exterior of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Elite, it’s inside where things are more noticeably a step up the ranks.

You’ll find leather upholstery, a push-button start button, and heated front seats with electric adjust for the driver.

On top of that, you graduate to dual-zone climate control and a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen that creates a modern focal point in the front of cabin and brings with it satellite navigation, live traffic updates, voice assistance and digital radio.

The most significant change to the interior, however, is the switch to shift-by-wire transmission which changes both the look and feel of the cabin, including a reshuffle of the centre console layout that now feels more modern and ergonomically friendlier than the base-model Tucson.

The range tops out with the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Highlander, which (like the Elite) gets the choice of the three drivetrain and transmission combinations.

The additions to the kit are not blindingly obvious, but rate well at this price point. They include seat ventilation, a heated steering wheel and a large panoramic sunroof.

Infotainment functionality improves with the addition of a 360-degree camera and a Bose premium audio system featuring eight speakers and an external amplifier.

It’s on the Highlander only that you get a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation cluster – and while it doesn’t sound like a big selling point, for the driver it significantly changes the cabin ambience and brings Hyundai’s clever blind spot view monitor providing an additional camera view when turning.

Second-row passengers in the outboard seats also go one step better with heated seats.

The Hyundai Tucson is a leading player in the mid-size SUV segment in Australia, lining up against the top-selling Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5.

Other solid offerings in this segment include the new Kia Sportage – which is related to the Tucson and also comes highly recommended – along with the Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan X-TRAIL and Subaru Forester.

Our most recent testing has found the Ford Escape and Volkswagen Tiguan worthy of close consideration too.

With an example of each powertrain under consideration in this Hyundai Tucson range review, it was the turbocharged diesel in the Highlander that impresses most.

Delivering the grunt you might need for towing (up to 1900kg, compared to 1650kg for the petrol models), as well as a punchy engine response whenever it’s needed, it’s our pick of the bunch.

It’s the diesel-only variants that also benefit from multi-terrain drive modes of Mud, Snow and Sand – in addition to driving modes Eco, Normal, Sport and Smart on all petrol/diesel AWD models. (The base 2WD petrol misses out on a Smart mode.)

If your duties are limited to the suburbs, the entry-level petrol unit may well meet your needs, but we found it a little light on power and relatively thirsty.

A step up to the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol unit remedies this, bringing more the pep and response that makes for more enjoyable driving and a more refined powertrain.

But our money’s with the turbo-diesel.

Across the entire Tucson range, second row and boot capacity are well fit for the family load.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson range is separated by around $20,000, with several key choices defining factors in your final investment.

The entry-level Tucson is priced from $34,900 plus on road costs, which is competitive with base auto models found in key rivals: Kia Sportage (from $34,445), Mazda CX-5 (from $34,390) and Toyota RAV4 (from $34,400).

The Elite is where more choice commences and it’s priced from $39,400 for the 2.0-litre petrol, $43,400 for the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol and $45,400 for the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (all plus on-road costs).

In keeping with the graduating engine choices of the Elite, the top-spec Highlander kicks off at $46,400, moving to $50,400 and tops out at $52,400 (plus ORCs).

The popular option that you’ll most likely be tempted with is the N Line pack, which is available on all variants.

If not already specified in the donor vehicle, the pack adds 19-inch alloy wheels, N Line exterior body kit, LED headlights and rear combination lights, gloss black grille with unique daytime running lights, silver-painted N Line skid plates, N Line badging, leather and suede interior trim, N Line steering wheel and the 10.25-inch digital instrumentation cluster.

Pulling this all apart, while the N Line badging and bling give street cred, it’s the up-spec to the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that feels like the hero of this option pack.

The N Line pack’s pricing scale reflects the level of equipment already present (or not) in the donor vehicle. For example, on the cheapest Tucson it will cost $3500 but on the already well-specified top-spec Highlander it adds just $1000.

Premium paint will set you back $595 and the Highlander variants offer a choice between optional grey or brown interior trim for $295.

A five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty is standard on all Tucson variants and service intervals are listed at 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Capped-price servicing after five years sees the petrol engines ($1595) slightly cheaper than the diesel ($1875).

The great thing about the expansive 2022 Hyundai Tucson line-up is that buyers have the ability to tailor the vehicle to their needs, budget and lifestyle. We love choice!

And if it was our money on the table?

Firstly, we’d opt for the more powerful and versatile turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel engine which brings with it all-wheel drive grip and flexible multi-terrain drive modes.

Where it’s available (on Elite and Highlander grades), the diesel adds $6000 to the bottom line compared to the 2.0-litre petrol/2WD or $2000 compared to the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol/AWD.

And while the Highlander is an impressive package, we think that the mid-spec Elite is the sweet spot in terms of value for money, starting at $45,400 plus on-road costs for the diesel.

Add to this (if you will) the N Line Pack for $2000, and at $47,400 plus ORCs you have yourself a very well-specified SUV.

It may not be the sales leader, but the Hyundai Tucson remains a formidable player in the mid-size SUV segment, deserving high praise for its tech and safety and offering capable driving performance.

It’s also an SUV we’d happily have in our garage.

How much does the 2022 Hyundai Tucson cost?
Price: $34,900 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 115kW/192Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.1L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 184g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2021)

How much does the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Elite cost?
Price: $39,400 2.0P 2WD, $43,400 1.6T AWD, $45,400 2.0D AWD (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol, 1.6-litre turbo-petrol, 2.0-litre turbo-diesel
Output: 115kW/192Nm (2.0P), 132kW/265Nm (1.6T), 137kW/416Nm (2.0D)
Transmission: Six-speed auto (2.0P), seven-speed DCT (1.6T), eight-speed auto (2.0D)
Fuel: 8.1L/100km (2.0P), 7.2L/100km (1.6T), 6.3L/100km (2.0D) (ADR Combined)
CO2: 184g/km (2.0P), 164g/km (1.6T), 163g/km (2.0D) (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2021)

How much does the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Highlander cost?
Price: $46,400 2.0P 2WD, $50,400 1.6T AWD, $52,400 2.0D AWD (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol, 1.6-litre turbo-petrol, 2.0-litre turbo-diesel
Output: 115kW/192Nm (2.0P), 132kW/265Nm (1.6T), 137kW/416Nm (2.0D)
Transmission: Six-speed auto (2.0P), seven-speed DCT (1.6T), eight-speed auto (2.0D)
Fuel: 8.1L/100km (2.0P), 7.2L/100km (1.6T), 6.3L/100km (2.0D) (ADR Combined)
CO2: 184g/km (2.0P), 164g/km (1.6T), 163g/km (2.0D) (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2021)