2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT AWD: The Compact Crossover Offering Athletic Appeal

Highlight: The XRT appeals to those seeking a vehicle with an athletic appeal.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $34,645 (Base SE Model: $27,745)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features (XRT): airbags; ABS; a stability control system; a 360-degree camera; forward collision brakes; a lane keep assist system; lane following assist; a high beam assist system; a driver assistance warning system; a heated side mirrors with turn signals; a tire pressure monitoring system; cruise control; and child safety locks

Standard Equipment (SE): 17-inch wheels; an 8-speed automatic transmission; remote keyless entry system; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; air conditioning with cabin filter; a 6-way adjustable power driver’s seat; second row split folding seats; stain odor resistant cloth seat trimming; rear windshield wipers; and a 8-inch color touchscreen display audio system; automatic headlights; LED lighting; rear seat heater ducts; and driver side power window switches

Standard Equipment (XRT): 19-inch black alloy wheels; side cladding; side steps; black heated exterior side mirrors; black side finishers; approach lights; black cloth seating surfaces; roof cross rails and tow hitch; privacy glass; a push button ignition starter system; a power driver’s seat with lumbar support; heated front seats; illuminates sun visors with sliding arm extender; a leather wrapped manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a hands free liftgate; a radar activated cruise control system; an 8-inch; information screen; and SiriusXM

Options: carpeted floor mats

Other Trim Levels: 

SE FWD

Limited AWD

N Line AWD

SEL AWD

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine/187-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Towing: 2,000 lbs

Standard Fuel Mileage: 24-city/29-hwy

What’s New:  The all-new larger quasi-compact Tucson wears a new design. The Tucson is also partially electrified for the 2022 model year, offering a plug-in model.

Also new for the model year is the outdoorsy XRT trim.

Why:

A sexy futuristic design

Peppy engine

Great road trip vehicle

Easy to use infotainment system

Partial split rear reclining seats

19-inch wheels

Roomy cargo area

Rugged look

Leather seats

Ventilated front seats available

Heated front and rear seat

A remote smart park system (designed for close parking)

A handsfree smart liftgate

AWD

A host of driving aid features

A co pilot assist driving system and a radar activated cruise control system

One of the best new vehicle warranties in the industry

A wireless remote smartphone charger

A brake hold system

But:

No power sunroof available on the XRT model

XRT offers the look, but might not be capable of performing Jeep 4x4 off-road driving

Verdict: The fourth-generation compact Tucson, with its quasi head-turning exterior design, is available in a variety of trims. This year’s model mirrors that of the RAV4, offering a gasoline model, a hybrid model and a plug-in. The Tucson is also larger, pricing more cargo volume and passenger space.

We spent our time behind the wheel of the Tucson’s higher end XRT trim. This particular trim provides more of a rugged look in either a front wheel drive or an wheel drive configuration. With the Tucson’s priciest model, Hyundai’s product planning team stepped up this trim -- adding 19-inch black alloy wheels, body side cladding, black exterior side mirrors, black side window finishes, roof side rails/cross bars and a body color rear spoiler. This trim isn’t available as a hybrid or plug-in model. Currently it’s only available as a gasoline model.

Competition: Chevy Equinox; Ford Escape; Honda CR-V; Kia Sportage; Mitsubishi Outlander; and Toyota RAV4