The Hyundai Tucson is a crucial component of the automaker’s success, particularly since it’s the best selling crossover (and second-best-selling vehicle overall) that the company sells in the US. That’s why we’re more than a little surprised to see Hyundai take such massive risks in redesigning the 2022 Tucson, which boasts a sharp new design that takes the knife-edge looks of the 2021 Elantra to a new level.

For starters, it’s longer and wider than the car it replaces, and it sits lower to the ground, giving it a sportier stance. There’s also more space between its front and rear axles, which means improved leg room for rear passengers, and there’s a larger boot. In fact, you’ll be able to squeeze more holiday luggage or shopping into the Tucson than you can in almost any rival, including the class-leading Range Rover Evoque and the spacious Skoda Karoq.

Engines
The Tucson is also far greener than before, with every engine being electrified in some way. Mild hybrid 1.6-litre petrol engines with 148bhp and 178bhp will be available at launch, with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox.
A plug-in hybrid model is due to arrive soon after and should be able to cover at least 30 miles using electric power alone. Because its battery is hidden beneath the rear seats, there’s no space penalty for choosing it over

Although Hyundai hasn’t confirmed whether a fully electric Tucson will follow, the brand has already shown it can do electric SUVs very well; we gave the smaller Kona Electric a four-star rating in our road test.

Electronically controlled suspension is being offered on the Tucson for the first time. Hyundai claims that it makes for a more comfortable ride, but the system is likely to be an option on higher trim levels, rather than being standard.

Interior
The interior has gone upmarket compared with the old Tucson’s, with every car getting a new 10.3in digital instrument cluster and an equally large touchscreen infotainment system. The climate controls are all touch-sensitive too, sitting on a panel below the infotainment screen. However, while they look great, we suspect they’ll be more distracting to use on the move than traditional knobs.

As well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone mirroring and a wireless charging pad, there are now USB charging points in both the front and rear rows of seats.

Generous safety kit includes a new central airbag system that prevents the driver and front seat passenger from colliding with each other in the event of an accident. Other available safety kit includes driver attention monitoring and a smarter semi-autonomous system that allows the Tucson to control its own speed and lane position on the motorway. There’s also an enhanced automatic emergency braking system that can identify hazards when you’re turning out of a junction.

Given all of the changes made to this new Tucson, you won’t be surprised to learn that its price is expected to rise significantly, now starting at around £28,000. That means the new Tucson will be more expensive than key rivals such as the Peugeot 3008 and the Karoq.

However, it still looks a bargain next to its premium Audi Q3 and Evoque rivals, and buyers should also factor in the benefit of Hyundai’s five-year/unlimited-mileage warranty. And, by its predecessor’s example, you can expect healthy savings through our New Car Buying service before too long.

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