LOOKS

Fully redesigned, the Tucson features a powerful and bold new look, particularly on the N Line model.

The headlight design is particularly sharp, among other touches that set it apart from the competition — such as dual-tipeed exhaust, black side mirrors and window surrounds, 19-inch black alloy wheels and an N Line rear spoiler. Overall, it just looks more in-your-face and aggressive and racy than the standard compact SUV offerings. There are also exclusive N Line colors, such as Red Crimson.

These accents continue inside the vehicle, with the Tucson N Line featuring N-Line branded black leather sport seats, and red stitching on the door trim and armrest, and N Line Sport seats. Also featured are a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated front seats, and a hands-free power liftgate.

In terms of space, you get 38.7 cubic feet for cargo with the seats up, and 80.3 cubic feet with the back seats lowered. The back row also contains a center armrest, and can comfortably seat five adults.

Quality of the materials is among the most high-class you will find in a non luxury ride (both leather and fabric seating is available), and the vehicle is quite roomy compared to competitors.

There is lots to love on both the interior and exterior design, especially with the N Line.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

The 2022 Hyundai Tuscon N Line that I tested featured the standard engine option — a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Output was 187 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. FWD is standard, but AWD is optional.

For those looking for greener options, both hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains are offered on the Tucson.

The Tucson is not the fastest vehicle in its class or the most powerful. Zero-to-60 times, for example, are roughly 8.5 seconds with the standard engine.

But it's still an excellent and smooth vehicle to drive and responds well to driver input. And it's powerful enough to get you moving when you really need to. It offers a quiet ride, with limited road noise entering the vehicle. Just don’t expect a rocketship.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

The new and refreshed Hyundai models feature a tech setup that is completely touchscreen focused, without standard dials and buttons in play. Some people may like this and others won’t, but I got used to it pretty quickly, and voice commands are a reliable alternative if you don’t like the setup.

A premium Bose sound system delivered quality sounds, and the center screen is well-designed and features easy-to-comprehend menus and commands.

Other tech features include: Android Auto & Apple CarPlay compatibility, rearview monitor with parking guidance, wireless phone charger, USB outlets, 12V power outlets, SiriusXM satellite radio, and more.

Safety was another strong point, with plenty of excellent systems that rival what any of the competition have to offer in terms of keeping everyone in the vehicle safe.

I liked the little touches, like the alert that pops up when a driver ahead has started to move once the light turns green. This feature, plus the Driver Attention Warning, keeps you on point on days you may be paying less attention than you should.

Safety features on the Tucson included: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Rear Occupant Alert, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, a bevy of airbags, and tire pressure monitoring.

MPG

Regarding fuel economy, official numbers are 24 city/29 highway/26 combined. In the real world, driving the Tucson, I averaged 21 mpg. This is lower than listed, and will trail some competitors in the compact SUV class.

The hybrid Tucson offers 38 mpg, and you’ll get 32 electric-only miles on the plug-in hybrid.

PRICE

The 2022 Tucson N Line that I tested was priced at $33,670; and the base price starts about $25,500.

It also comes with the stellar Hyundai warranty: including 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Warranty; 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty; and 5 years of roadside assistance. 

BOTTOM LINE

Between its sharp new design inside and out, plus its tech and safety prowess, the newest version of the Hyundai Tucson should make an immediate splash in the compact SUV market. While not the most powerful option available, it offers a very strong overall package that competes well in a field with many strong alternatives, which is not easy to do. As Hyundai’s redesign language makes its way through their lineup, they continue to grow stronger.

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Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.