Hyundai Tucson's 2022 redesign adds XRT trim



By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 5, 2023) Introduced as a 2005 model giving buyers a smaller option in their SUV shopping than the rapidly growing older brother Santa Fe, the Hyundai Tucson was fully redesigned for 2022 with a new sportier-looking XRT trim making its debut.


An exclusive front and rear fascia, body side molding and standard sidesteps, a standard roof rack with cross rails and 19-inch, black alloy wheels distinguish the 2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT from SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited trims.

All gas-engine Tucsons are equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It is also is available as a standard hybrid (HEV) or plug-in (PHEV) vehicle that delivers not only better fuel mileage but more in the way of horsepower and torque as well.

The 2.5L engine in the 2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT is rated at 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque which is not going to deliver snap-your-neck performance, but seems adequate to handle normal conditions around town and expressways.

The website www.zeroto60.com clocked the Tucson at 7.1 seconds with front-wheel drive and a slower 8.8 seconds when equipped with optional all-wheel driver. Fuel mileage checks in at a respectable 24 miles-per-gallon city, 29 highway, and 26 combined in AWD configuration using recommended regular fuel.



Hyundai has gifted all Tucsons with a nice array of standard features and safety systems. The 2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT lists forward collision avoidance warning (in case your spouse is not riding along), lane-keeping and lane-following assist, blind-spot detection, and a tire monitoring systems that pinpoints individual wheels among standard safety features.

Also included in the $33,350 starting MSRP for the 2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT AWD are LED daytime running lights, headlights and taillights, rear privacy glass, dual automatic climate control, proximity key with push-button start, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, tilt-and-telescoping steering column, hands-free power liftgate, 3 years of Hyundai’s Blue Link Services, Smart (adaptive) cruise control, and parking guidance for the rearview monitor.

Infotainment functions work off an 8-inch touchscreen that is very user-friendly and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only the top-of-the-line Limited trim gets standard navigation. Wireless device charging also is standard.

The interior is especially room for the compact SUV class with just over 41 inches of legroom in both the first and second rows and cargo capacity of 38.7 cubic feet with second row seats in place.

The only extra on my test 2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT was $195 for carpeted floor mats. That plus $1,295 for destination and delivery put my test vehicle at $34,840.



The base 2022 Hyundai Tucson SE with FWD starts at only $25,800 while gasoline versions top out at $36,800 for the Limited AWD before extras and freight charges are added on.

The Tucson is a carryover model with 2023 prices ranging from $26,700 for the base SE with FWD to $37,460 for the Limited AWD.

What I liked about the 2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT: The exterior is very distinctive without being overly funky. The interior is roomy and comfortable, and the storage area behind the second row is spacious. Numerous safety and easy-to-operate tech features are standard. A more traditional gear-shift lever with a leather-wrapped knob replaces the push-button shifter common throughout the Hyundai fleet.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT: Not so much a complaint but an observation. A running board isn’t really necessary as the cabin doesn’t sit that high up. In fact you might dirty up your pants leg as you step directly to the ground when you exit because the back of your pants leg typically brushes it.

Would I buy the 2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT? Yes. Hybrid and plug-in versions are worth a look as well. They not only deliver better fuel mileage but also offer more in the way of horsepower and torque. You can keep going with the 1.4L gasoline engine when you run out of electric juice.