Photos by Paul Borden

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 23, 2023) I’ve changed my mind. About a year ago, I reviewed the 2022 Hyundai Tucson with a standard hybrid power train and answered the question “Would I buy it?” with a firm yes. Then I added I would not recommend the plug-in version because of the hassle of recharging it.

But after a week in the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in (PHEV) I have a change of heart. The extra mileage gained by the Plug-in’s capability of up to 33 miles of all-electric range makes plugging it in at night a minor inconvenience.

In addition to the all-electric range to serve you on many of your daily commutes (most of your destinations are within a 16-mile drive), the 2022 Hyundai Tucson PHEV offers a very friendly 35-miles-per-gallon fuel consumption operating only on power provided by the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gas engine, giving the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in a healthy 80 MPGe rating.

You can charge the battery by plugging the 2022 Hyundai Tucson PHEV into your standard household outing, but a Level 2 charger you can set up at home is the way to go. Hyundai says recharging to full capacity can take less than two hours with the Level 2 charger.

In addition to the increased fuel mileage, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson PHEV also is has the biggest punch of all Tucson models, including those powered by the 2.5-liter gas engine.

Combined horsepower for the Plug-in is 261 ponies compared to 187 in the 2.5L gas-powered version and 236 in the standard hybrid (HEV). Torque is 258 pound-feet in both the Plug-in and standard hybrid and 178 lb.-ft. in the 2.5L gas models.

The Plug-in gets a 6-speed automatic transmission instead of the CVT that seems to be common among plug-in vehicles, which adds to the driving experience.

It’s not a sports car-like performance, but the zero-to-60 mph clocking for the Plug-in is 7.1 seconds for Limited trim and 8.1 with for SEL (source www.carindigo.com), which is quicker than other Tucsons..

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson PHEV is offered in just two trims, SEL and Limited, both with all-wheel drive. This review is based on the top-of-the-line Limited that carries a starting MSRP of $44,295 with the $1,245 destination and deliver fee included.

As the top of the price. In addition to the drive-train specs mentioned earlier, among items included in the base MSRP are keyless entry and push-button start, a panoramic sunroof, leather-trimmed seats, dual automatic climate control, 19-inch alloy wheels, power driver’s seat with lumbar and power passenger front seat, heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, hands-free power liftgate, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless device charging, and Bose Premium Sound system.

Safety systems include Smart (adaptable) cruise control, a surround-view camera, forward collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, rear-view monitor with parking guidelines, blind-spot and lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention warning.

With all that, the only “option” on my test 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited PHEV was $195 for carpeted floor mats, bringing the final total to $44,640. That’s over $1,000 less than what the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Limited PHEV lists for, and there are no major differences between the two.



What I liked about the 2022 Tucson Limited PHEV: No range anxiety with a gas engine, and the transition from electric power to gas is seamless. The cabin is roomy and nicely done. The ride is comfortable and quiet. Rear storage space is compromised by the placement of the battery pack, but at 31.9 cubic feet is still pretty roomy. The 6-speed automatic transmission no doubt gives it an edge in quickness over the CVTs common in the segment. Finally, this year’s redesign gives the Tucson a sporty exterior.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 Tucson Limited PHEV: Tech features overall are pretty user-friendly, but I would prefer knobs to adjust audio volume and changing radio stations instead of push buttons.

Would I buy the 2022 Tucson Limited PHEV? Definitely, yes. One of the reasons I am not enamored of EVs is range anxiety. I don’t like the hassle of having to keep them charged up. With a plug-in, you can opt to drive on gasoline power until you can plug in the vehicle at your leisure at home even without a Level 2 charger. If the Limited’s price tag makes you hesitate, the SEL comes in at nearly $8,000 less.