Trims, Powertrain, and Fuel Economy

The trio of trims for the ’22 Tucson Hybrid consists of the Blue, SEL Convenience, and Limited. They use a powertrain made up of a six-speed automatic transmission, a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas-burning engine, and an electric motor; their combined output is 226 horsepower. This is definitely a practical crossover, with its standard all-wheel drive and towing capacity of 2,000 pounds (when it’s equipped with trailer brakes; without those, it’s limited to 1,650 lb.).

Most people who choose hybrid vehicles are concerned about using less fuel, and the Tucson Hybrid is certainly efficient. The base trim, the Blue, is EPA rated for 38 mpg both around town and on the highway. The SEL Convenience and Limited carry more standard features, which means they weigh more and require a tad more gasoline: those two trims are rated at 37 mpg city/36 mpg highway. Regenerative braking will add some range to the battery when it runs lower.

Standard Equipment

Whichever Tucson Hybrid you choose, you’ll get plenty of great features. The Blue has a bunch of features that aren’t that common on other base trims – things like heated front seats, LED auto on/off headlights and daytime running lights, dual-zone automatic climate control, paddle shifters, heated exterior mirrors with turn-signal indicators, rooftop side rails, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a deluxe backup camera with parking guidelines. It also has USB ports for both rows, two 12-volt power outlets (including one for the cargo area), a 60/4split fold-down and reclining rear seatback, and a versatile cargo-area floor with two levels.

The SEL Convenience adds some desirable standard equipment, including a couple of things that are exclusive to the class: the hands-free liftgate and Hyundai Digital Key (which lets you use a smartphone in place of the Tucson Hybrid’s key fob). The other highlights are wireless device charging, a panoramic sunroof, a universal garage door opener, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and ambient interior lighting. The Limited gets even more: upgraded LED daytime running lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, leather seats, a power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, ventilated front seats, driver’s seat memory, a heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, more ambient interior lighting settings, and additional exterior styling elements (chrome-accented side mirrors, unique front and rear fascias, a dark chrome grille, and gloss-black pillars).

Technology and Safety

Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of driver-assist technology is included on every 2022 Tucson Hybrid. The Blue gets the base version of the package, with forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection and cyclist/junction turning detection, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, driver attention warning, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert. The SEL Convenience gets an upgraded version of rear occupant alert, and the Limited also receives a blind-spot monitor, a surround-view monitor, reverse parking collision-avoidance assist, front and rear parking distance warning, highway driving assist, navigation-based adaptive cruise control with curve control, and Remote Smart Park Assist.

The base infotainment system (found on the two lower trims) has an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration (both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), high-definition radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth (hands-free phone and audio streaming), and Hyundai Blue Link Connected Car Services. The system on the Limited moves up to a 10.25-inch touchscreen, which isn’t compatible with the wireless smartphone integration, and so that reverts to the traditional kind with a plug. Navigation, voice recognition, and a premium Bose audio system are standard on the Limited.