The Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue better watch out, because we can’t stop thinking about the new and improved 2022 Hyundai
Tucson. It’s smoother, quieter, and handles like a champ. Check out why this five-seater was named the best compact SUV for families in 2022.
Drivetrain and smooth handling
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was rated the best compact SUV for families on the U.S. News
2022 Best Cars for Families list. The vehicle scored a 9.0 out of 10 and also won the 2022 Best Compact SUV for the Money. It’s also the top pick for crossover SUVs and SUVs with two rows. U.S News considers a variety of factors when ranking new autos like space, reliability, safety, connectivity, and convenience. The publication looked at 96 cars, minivans, and SUVs and conducted extensive research to help them choose the best vehicle for every kind of family.
A major step forward, this fourth-generation SUV “is 6 inches longer than the outgoing model, and that translates to much more back-seat space and cargo room,” according to U.S. News. It’s also got an edgier exterior and a sleek infotainment system.
Consumer Reports
was also impressed. They’re a fan of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson’s well-weighted steering and firm, yet steady suspension. The organization also claimed the car is a much more comfortable ride than the Hyundai Santa Fe. The auto also stayed well-controlled and steady when encountering bumps. The solid compact SUV sports a 2.5-liter zippy four-cylinder engine with 187 hp. Though it takes a whole 9.6 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph, it’s nothing to be concerned about for everyday driving.
And drivers can expect the eight-speed automatic transmission to get an EPA of about 26 mpg.
The Tucson’s handling is up there with the likes of the Mazda CX-5. And it was found to be more than capable on Consumer Report’s avoidance maneuver when pushed to its limits. This means the SUV is secure when swerving to avoid obstacles on the road.
Test drivers at Consumer Reports gave the car “high marks for confidence due to good front-end grip, a stable and poised character, and a well-tuned electronic stability control (ESC) system that keeps everything in check when the vehicle reaches or exceeds, grip limits.”
The brake pedal is easy to modulate, and distances for the car were shorter than average when coming to a stop on wet and dry surfaces.
With a max tow of 2,000 pounds, the subcompact SUV offers an “optional all-wheel-drive system [that] can send power to the rear wheels as needed to help improve traction on slippery roads and surfaces,” notes Consumer Reports. Driving down a gravel road is about all the hardcore off-roading this car can handle.
Upscale interior where value meets class
With slim windshield pillars and a low dashboard, the visibility on the 2022 Hyundai Tucson is clear. The driver’s seat has a commanding view forward and is elevated just enough to still allow plenty of headroom for taller drivers. It’s also easy to get in and out of the vehicle, due to its big doors and seats perched at a natural height.
Hyundai stepped up its game when it came to redesigning the cabin. The Tucson features an upscale appearance, stylish controls, and quality materials. According to Consumer Reports, “The new 8-inch infotainment touch screen has large, simple-to-decipher icons and features standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.”
The interior also comes with well-placed armrests and plenty of space. The SUV’s front seats are supportive, and heated seats are offered with the mid-level SEL. And despite the new swoopy styling, you can expect to take advantage of a ton of cargo space on family road trips.
You can also count on the cabin to be pleasantly quiet. The wind and road noise is still pretty muffled, even at higher speeds.
Advanced safety assistance
Since July 2021, rear cross-traffic warning and blind spot warning have become standard. As well as “active safety and driver assistance features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams,” according to Consumer Reports.
Hyundai actually allows the driver to use adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane-keeping assistance (LKA) independently. Meaning that “the driver has the ability to adjust the braking and acceleration characteristics of the ACC system, which Hyundai refers to as ‘Smart Cruise Control,’” Consumer Reports tells us.
The Tucson also prompts drivers to put pressure on the steering wheel when necessary, as part of the indirect driver monitoring system that senses driver engagement.
Consumer Reports recommends getting the SEL trim equipped with the Convenience package (for front- or all-wheel drive, and the hybrid). This version includes a wireless charging pad, sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power liftgate. Naturally, the hybrid will have the best fuel economy at 32 mpg and agreeable power delivery.
The practical family car starts at around $25,000 and comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
4.7
