The overhauled fourth-generation Hyundai Tucson compact crossover has debuted with sharp styling, new powertrains, and a seriously cool light-up grille. The SUV will even be coming with an N Line performance variant that's going to be part of the brand's just-announced plan to have seven performance models by the end of 2022.
Although only U.S. info is available right now and Canadian-specific information hasn't been announced yet, we don't expect many changes of note, certainly not to the shape and interior of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. It embraces Hyundai's new exterior design language with what the brand calls jewel-like kinetic detailing to give the model an identity that lets it stand out in a segment where it's tough to look different. Even from the side, the sharp lines and creases make this one stand out from the crowd.
The first thing you'll notice inside is the steering wheel that brings to mind a 1967 Pontiac grille. With thin middle spokes and a bottom spoked frame, this is a chunky wheel, but at least it's different. Keep looking, though, and you'll see a bezel-free digital dashboard wrapped with a vent line that goes from door to door. There's also a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system sitting atop a climate control system that doesn't use big buttons, but dedicated controls instead of a touchscreen. Interior mood lighting with 64 colours is available with multiple brightness levels.
For the second row, the seats fold and dive for more cargo space with two levels in the cargo area, and the entire interior has grown. While other markets will offer a shorter wheelbase, we get the long one, which is wider, longer, and taller than before. It's 155 mm longer at 4,630 mm overall, with 218 L more cargo space with the seats in place, so the new Tucson should offer plenty of room.
The base engine will be a 187-hp 2.5L four-cylinder, while a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid model will be available next year. A PHEV model with around 45 km of range is also expected with the gas-only offering an eight-speed automatic transmission and the electrics getting a six-speed unit.
Some segment firsts Hyundai says will be available on Tucson include remote Smart Park Assist, which moves it forward and in reverse to get in and out of a parking space, a digital key using your smartphone, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Expect the gas and hybrid models early next year with the PHEV in the summer.
Hyundai Tucson N Line
You should also expect an N Line version of the Tucson to join the Sonata, Elantra, and Veloster. No details were given about this N Line version, but since the new Tucson shares a platform with the Sonata, the 290-hp 2.5L turbo four-cylinder engine from that car's N Line version would make sense here and make for one quick compact crossover. The teaser shows an N-specific front and rear treatment as well as different wheels. Expect suspension changes to complete the package and some interior upgrades like more heavily bolstered.
Two More N Models including One More "Purist" N
Finally, Hyundai has said it's going big on N and N Line performance models. Currently, the brand has revealed the Veloster N, the Sonata N Line, and the Elantra N Line, with the Tucson N Line joining the party. A full-on Elantra N will be coming soon, boosting performance and enthusiast appeal over the N Line model. Hyundai says one more full-zoot N model is coming along with one more N Line. We're not sure what models will get the performance treatment, but Hyundai's graphics show a pair of crossovers under a cover. They could be placeholders, but maybe there are a Kona N and N Line on the way?
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