As Hyundai moves toward an electrified future, it’s positioned its remaining gas-powered models in a decidedly upscale and future-forward direction, especially from a styling and powertrain standpoint. This is true for the 2022 Hyundai Tucson, which will have a both conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrid variant as well as a sportier N Line. Hyundai shuffled the trim lineup, but the starting price will be $26,135 (including a $1,185 delivery fee), which is a $1,250 jump. 

But the perfectly fine 2021 Tucson is still on sale at dealerships (for less money), though it isn’t sporting the fresh styling and updated tech of its successor.

The Hyundai Tucson will be all-new for 2022, but the current model is still sharp.  Hyundai

The current Tucson isn’t completely outdone by the 2022 model, however. It’s got the smooth, comfortable ride that families and casual car buyers expect, and the ten year or 100,000-mile warranty. Since the 2021 model year will close out the current third-generation Tucson, Hyundai has made no changes to the vehicle, other than swapping in a few new colors. 

The crossover is a big seller for Hyundai, topping 100,000 units each year since 2017. Howeverm compared with rivals such as the Honda CR-V, which consistently sells over 300,000 units per year, it’s way behind.

Hyundai offers the Tucson in six trims: SE, Value, SEL, Sport, Limited and Ultimate. Two powertrains are on tap, depending on trim level. The SE and Value trims are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The SEL trim and above are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 181-horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive.

The base SE trim ($24,885, including destination) comes with 17-inch wheels, projector headlights, cloth upholstery, manual seat adjustments, a 60/40-splitting rear seat, a 7-inch touchscreen, six speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB inputs, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, adaptive cruise control, a driver attention warning system, lane keeping assist and forward collision avoidance assist. Though Hyundai includes these four features as safety equipment, they don’t meet what Forbes Wheels considered mandatory standard safety equipment. Moving to the Value trim ($26,335) adds blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, which we would prefer to see as standard. The Value trims also brings other basics like power seat adjustments, heated front seats, SiriusXM radio and HD radio. 

The Tucson’s interior materials are upscale and its cabin is handsomely styled.  Hyundai

Stepping up to the SEL trim ($27,285) adds 18-inch wheels, LED exterior lighting, second-row USB outlets and dual-zone automatic climate controls. The Sport trim ($29,435) comes with even larger 19-inch wheels, a hands-free power liftgate, a 315-watt Infinity sound system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-wrapped shift knob.

The Limited model ($30,585) adds back the smaller 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery, a premium gauge cluster display, a heated steering wheel and a surround-view camera system. The range-topping $33,235 Ultimate model brings a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, rain-sensing wipers and forward collision assist with pedestrian detection.

The Tucson’s base 2.0-liter engine may have healthy numbers on paper, but it doesn’t inspire much engagement from behind the wheel. It is capable enough, however, to move the compact Tucson around town with ease. On the highway, the smaller engine is noisy under hard acceleration but is otherwise fine at reaching highway speeds and passing. The larger optional 2.4-liter engine offers better acceleration in all driving scenarios.

 Rear-seat head and leg room are generous enough for adults to be comfy on longer drives.  Hyundai

Ride quality is a standout feature for the Tucson. The crossover remains quiet and compliant over most road surfaces, and though its handling isn’t memorable, the Tucson manages curves with minimal body roll and unwanted movement. The leisurely handling and acceleration are well suited for the Tucson’s upscale and reserved personality. 

Inside, passengers will find a well-enough appointed cabin for the price and nice-looking interior finishes and intuitive controls. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and even the base cloth upholstery is soft and feels premium, despite using a stain-, odor- and static-resistant material. Leather and more power options are added at the Limited trim level, but most people will be satisfied with the mid-range accommodations. 

In the front, head and leg room are both adequate at 39.6 inches and 41.5 inches, respectively. The same is true for the rear with 39.2 inches of headroom and 38.2 inches of legroom. The available sunroof cuts slightly into those numbers.

Cargo capacity is an unimpressive 30 cubic-feet behind the rear seats. This is a bottom-class figure compared with its fierce competitive set, which includes the Nissan Rogue (39.3 cubic-feet), the CR-V and Ford Edge (both have 39.2 cubic-feet) and the Toyota RAV4 (37.6). With the second row folded, stowage expands to 61.9 cubic-feet.

The Tucson is much more relaxed than its sporty, sharp styling suggests.  Hyundai

Hyundai’s infotainment software is simple and no-frills (on either the standard 7-inch or upgraded 8-inch touchscreen), which is refreshing in today’s everything-and-the-kitchen-sink approach to infotainment. The native system offers menus that are clearly labeled and easy to understand, and the screens themselves are responsive, which makes using them while driving much less distracting. Most buyers will be happy with the standard access to the ubiquitous Apple CarPlay and Android Auto platforms.

The 2021 Tucson earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and five stars overall from NHTSA.