2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Review: Quick Take

The Hyundai Tucson PHEV finished second in our recent 2022 AutoGuide Compact SUV Comparison test presented by NRS brakes.

This is thanks to its status as an all-around performer. In short, it does everything well. From its edgy, eye-catching exterior design to its loaded interior and strong on-road performance, Combine with that a great efficiency score, and the Tucson PHEV is tough to beat. Its corporate cousin, the all-new Kia Sportage bested the Tucson in our comparison, but the margin was small. Most of all, it didn’t impact our positive impressions of the Hyundai.

On the styling front, the Tucson could be viewed as somewhat polarizing. While its design isn’t my favourite in the test, I applaud Hyundai’s aggressive approach. Will its bold grille and “hidden” LED daytime running lights be to everyone’s taste? No, but I think that may be the point. If the aim is to stand out, some may not come along for the ride. But I commend Hyundai for not following the path of least resistance with more samey-SUV styling. Among its rivals in this test, one’s eyes are drawn to the Tucson, which is a win for Hyundai’s design team, in my view.

It’s a similar story in the cabin, where Hyundai feels completely comfortable with kicking convention to the curb. By ditching a traditional gear shifter in favour of transmission buttons, which I don’t love, but I can appreciate the boldness of the move.

The dual digital displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment are large, (8-inch and 10.25-inch, respectively) pretty to look at, easily legible, and blissfully straightforward to navigate. Deep levels of customization are a strong suit here. And the presence of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a nice convenience touch.

Elsewhere, the Tucson offers supportive, comfortable seating. There’s plenty of passenger space in both rows and a logical order to the placement of controls and switches. There’s more hard, scratchy plastic and fingerprint-magnet piano black trim inserts than I’d prefer, but they don’t overwhelm.

From a utility standpoint the Tucson PHEV scored a perfect 10 in cargo carrying with a 66.2 cu-ft. rating (1,876 litres) with the rear seatbacks folded down. Keeps the seats up and there’s still 31.8 cu-ft. (902 litres) of space. The Tucson’s max tow rating is low at 2,000 pounds (907 kg), but it’s there if you need it.

On the road, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in has a total output of 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. are among the highest in our test. This power showed up not only among our scores, but in our driving impressions. With peak torque beginning at just 1,500 rpm, combined with extra power from its electrified drivetrain components and standard AWD, this Hyundai packs quite a punch, both from rest and at speed. Not a performance machine, per se, but peppier than you’re likely expecting.

As far as general handling and ride comfort are concerned, the Tucson tracks with a fair degree of precision for a mid-size SUV and doesn’t feel out of sorts on bumpier and broken tarmac. Impressively, the 1.6-turbo 4-cylinder doesn’t produce a great deal of cabin noise under load either. It makes the Tucson Plig-in a smooth and quiet operator. Credit Hyundai’s new N3 platform that’s shared with the 2023 Kia Sportage. It creates a longer, wider, and more spacious Tucson with better sound deadening and a wheelbase better suited to soaking up the bumps.

Overall, the Tucson plug-in makes for a compelling option in the compact SUV segment. It will take a big bite out of your wallet with a $44,495 ($48,424 CAD) as-tested price, which hurt it in our comparison. But it is also among the best-equipped, both in terms of creature comforts and advanced safety kit. And then there’s fuel consumption, where it’s 33 miles (53 km) of pure electric range helped it achieve the best efficiency rating in our test.

Bottom line, the Tucson plug-in’s many advantages are bound to keep it on the short list for many in the compact SUV segment.

FAQs

How long does it take to charge the Tucson plug-in hybrid with a Level 2 charger?

Hyundai claims it will take less than two hours to fully charge the Tucson Plug-in’s battery using a stage two charger. 

Does the Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid charge while driving?

Yes, the battery is charged by the gasoline engine while driving and it also charges the battery when idling. 

How much will the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In cost?

Pricing for the entry level Tucson Plug-In SEL costs $36,695 after destination charges.