Is the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid a Good Car?
If you’re looking for an affordable compact crossover SUV, the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid earns one of the top spots.
Completely redesigned, the
2022 Hyundai Tucson
Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t only come with better gas mileage and significant savings—it boasts a big shot of adrenaline, devilishly handsome looks, rich features, and a polished demeanor. Whether you’re looking for better fuel efficiency, a smoother ride, a best-in-class warranty, or more power, the Hyundai Tucson PHEV is the complete package. And with a starting price of $36,695, it may not be the cheapest plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) on the market, but it offers some stiff competition.
If you’re ready to explore everything the 2022 Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid offers,
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While it may look more futuristic than its previous year’s model, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson combines a head-turning look with practicality and solid driving dynamics to create one of the most sought-after plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) on the market.
But the 2022 Tucson PHEV is the way to go if you're looking for the ultimate savings. Available in a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and gas-powered version, drivers can choose what suits them best. Plus, when it’s up against its other PHEV competitors, it has the Car & Driver Editor’s Choice award to brag about.
Pricing
The starting price for the 2022 PHEV model starts at a modest $36,695, which is about average for most compact crossover hybrids and only a few thousand more than the Hybrid Blue AWD—but still less than the Hybrid Limited AWD.
If you’re looking for a plug-in hybrid, there are two options: the base SEL trim that starts at $36,695 and the fully-loaded Limited that comes with a heftier price tag of $44,495. Either way, the savings add up when you go hybrid-electric!
Plus, all Tucson Plug-in Hybrid models are eligible for a $6,253 federal tax credit, bringing the base prices to a much more reasonable point!
Performance and fuel economy
The compact AWD SUV comes packing a turbocharged 1.6-L engine paired with an electric motor, a powerful 13.8-kWh lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed automatic transmission. Boasting 261-hp, the Tucson PHEV has more power and speed than the Tucson Hybrid and gets an average EPA of 420 miles.
With a combined fuel efficiency of just 35 mpg on all-gas and 80 MPGe combined gas and electric operation, the Tucson PHEV falls short compared to most other plug-in hybrids. However, there is one place where it excels: the 33 miles of pure electric power, thanks to the larger battery pack tucked away in the Tucson.
And if you run dry on the road, you won’t have to stress about charging time! The 7.2-kW onboard charger using 240-volt electricity can launch the Tucson Hybrid PHEV to a full charge in less than two hours.
With excellent EV abilities and added power, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid offers impressive capability and efficiency. However, as far as driving dynamics go, the driving experience is conventional—it’s no sports car, but it handles confidently, steers relatively crisply, and offers a comfortable ride. But what’s most striking about the 2022 Tucson PHEV is how quiet and refined it feels, giving the modest SUV a rare sense of luxury.
Exterior styling
Hyundai completely revamped the inside and outside of the 2022 model year of the Tucson PHEV. Compared to most other plug-in hybrids, the Tucson offers a daring and edgy exterior that differentiates it from its competitors. With razor edges running the doors, exaggerated bulging fenders, and the Hyundai logo hidden in the LED-laden grille, nothing about the 2022 Tucson screams boring.
But as eye-catching as the exterior is, the interior is even more impressive.
Interior and comfort
The exterior of the Tucson may scream hip and modern, but the interior doesn’t stray from the classic Tucson—it’s stylish and simplistic, with bold lines and a big touch of class. While the Tucson PHEV doesn’t fall in with the luxury SUVs, the interior is thoughtfully arranged with high-quality materials and plenty of luxury features. It’s utterly sensuous sportiness.
The Tucson PHEV offers many benefits, but there is one area where they compromise: storage. The larger battery on the plug-in version means the cargo capacity is reduced, but the 38.7 cubic feet should be sufficient for even bulky items.
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Technology
The Tucson SEL and Limited PHEV come decked out with a host of standard features that every tech-savvy driver will love—starting with Hyundai's digital key smartphone app. If you don’t have your keys on you, don’t sweat it—you can lock, unlock, and remote start your Tucson from your smartphone! Both trims also come standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; a larger 10.3-inch screen with built-in navigation is available, along with an upgraded Bose stereo system, Wi-Fi hotspot, and high-speed wireless charging.
The Tucson PHEV also comes with a solid lineup of driver assistance features, including:
- Remote smart park assist
- Blind-spot collision-avoidance assist (BCA)
- Highway drive assist
- Navigation-based smart cruise control (SCC)
On top of that, the SEL and Limited also come with a smart power tailgate, walk-in device, expanded voice recognition, Bluelink® connected car services, and more.
Warranty coverage
When it comes to warranty coverage, few automotive makers compete with the Tucson Plug-in hybrid. Hyundai offers a limited warranty and powertrain warranty, plus the addition of complimentary maintenance—something that most other SUVs don’t have.
- Limited warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first)
- Powertrain warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first)
- Battery warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first)
- Complimentary maintenance: 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first)
Trim levels and options
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is available in two distinct trim levels: SEL and Limited. Despite being the entry-level PHEV, the SEL is well-equipped with all the must-have features like an 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®, dual automatic temperature control, USB outlets, and so much more.
Upgrade to the Limited, and you’ll get premium features like 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation and traffic flow, Bose premium sound system, heated steering wheel, ambient interior lighting with 64 colours, and loads of high-tech driving features like surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. With the Limited, it’s luxury at an affordable price. While optional packages may not be offered with the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid, you can customize it with various accessories.
The bottom line
If you’re looking for a wallet- and environmentally-friendly vehicle, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is a top pick. That said, it might not be up your alley if you’re looking for something futuristic and all-electric or with more off-road capability. But for most drivers looking for a well-built and practical hybrid, the Tucson delivers.
2022 Hyundai Tucson PHEV vs. 2022 Toyota Rav4 Prime
How does the 2022 Hyundai stack up against one of its biggest plug-in competitors, the
Toyota Rav4 Prime
? There are several similarities between the two hybrids, but the most significant differences come in fuel economy, driving range, and charging time. The Rav4 has the Tucson beat in both fuel economy and driving range, offering a respectable 38 mpg on gas only and 94 MPGe combined gas and electric. And with a driving range of 42 miles, it beats the Tucson by more than 30%.
But here are the downfalls: charging time and price. While the Tucson can fully charge in less than 2 hours, you will have to wait 4.5 hours for a full charge on the Rav4. And with a nearly $5,000 price difference, the small fuel efficiency and electric range gaps may be something you’re willing to compromise on.
Model | Starting price | Fuel economy (gas only) | Fuel economy (gas + electric) | Driving range | Charging time (Level 2) | Hybrid battery warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid | $36,695 | 35 mpg | 80 MPGe | 33 miles | 1.7 hours | 10 years or 100,000 miles |
2022 Toyota Rav4 Prime | $41,515 | 38 mpg | 94 MPGe | 42 miles | 4.5 hours | 8 years or 100,000 miles |
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2022 Hyundai Tucson PHEV vs. 2022 Ford Escape PHEV
Another of the Tucson's competitors is the
Ford Escape
PHEV. The starting price of $36,950 is just $255 more than the Tucson SEL.When choosing between the Ford and Hyundai, it comes down to personal preferences for styling. The two crossover SUVs offer nearly identical interior cargo space, excellent infotainment and connectivity, and decent comfort.
But where the Escape may have a one-up is with fuel economy. It achieves an extra 5 miles on gas-only but a whopping 25 miles more with gas and electric combined. Plus, it has a slightly higher electric-only range of 37 miles, compared to just 33 miles for the Tucson.
That said, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson PHEV ranks substantially higher for reliability than the Ford Escape PHEV, which may result in a clear winner between the two competitors.
Model | Starting price | Fuel economy (gas only) | Fuel economy (gas + electric) | Driving range | Charging time (Level 2) | Hybrid battery warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid | $36,695 | 35 mpg | 80 MPGe | 33 miles | 1.7 hours | 10 years or 100,000 miles |
2022 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid | $36,950 | 40 mpg | 105 MPGe | 37 miles | 3.3 hours | 10 years or 150,000 miles |
How to save money on car insurance
If you’re scouting out the best hybrid to reduce your
car expenses
, you’re not the only one. But while opting for the Hyundai Tucson PHEV may reduce your fuel bills, there’s still one place they may be killing you: insurance. But if there’s one way to save on insurance, it’s with Jerry
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