After recently introducing a more rugged-looking version called XRT for the Santa FE SUV in 2022, Hyundai is back in action with a similar off-road styling package for the compact 2022 Tucson model. In this review of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT AWD we will take a look at the XRT off-roading trim to the Tucson line with plastic cladder, roof cross rails and exclusive wheels.
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A compact SUV must be spacious for passengers, and this is the case with the 2022 Tucson. Its wheelbase is among the longest in its class, allowing plenty of rear legroom, as well as a large cargo capacity. Indeed, its volume of 1,095 liters with the rear seat up, and up to 2,119 liters with the seats folded down, ranks the Hyundai behind the Mitsubishi Outlander , Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester , but slightly ahead of the Toyota RAV4 , Volkswagen Tiguan and Nissan Rogue. In addition, the new generation of the Tucson is noticeably more roomy than the old one.
XRT is Hyundai Tucson's relatively new variant. It's designed to be tougher than the standard model. It is a spectacular car, which comes with everything necessary to position itself among the best in the segment, and which also arrives to convince the followers of the Korean firm.
Hyundai's best-selling SUV comes in the following trim levels: SE, SEL, N Line, XRT and Limited.
All Tucson XRT models are based on the preexisting SEL trim with the Convenience Package, but benefit from a number of visual alterations. Among these upgrades are unique front and rear fascias with rugged accents and a particularly striking matte black finish.
Exterior
From the front you can see a youthful appearance, but at the same time aggressive, which gives the car an additional appeal. The hood is short and thrown forward, with certain lines that merge with the car's headlights and grille. The grill is large and with the manufacturer's slogan right on the chrome-colored roof. There are fog lights on the sides of the bumper, air intakes with a third in the lower central area, all taking care of keeping the engine in optimal temperature conditions.
On the sides we perceive black alloy wheels or wheels, with an efficient brake system made up of discs and calipers on all wheels. The door locks are the same color as the body, while the mirror caps come in black. The wheel arches are pronounced. On the roof we find a grill for the transfer of light loads.
It is especially its multi-faceted grille incorporating LED lights that is the most talked about. Hyundai calls this technology “parametric dynamics”. We also note that the optical units no longer exist altogether and that the lighting is incorporated into the vehicle's grille. Is this the future of automotive lighting? If so, it's not ugly at all!
As for the side profile, it features a Z-style silhouette. The rear profile was completely redesigned by Hyundai designers with a new tailgate, taillights and bumper. The 3D double hook-shaped LED tail light cluster is the most striking feature of the SUV.
The 2022 Tucson XRT features several unique features, inluding ruggedly detailed front and rear fascias, prominent side cladding, black monochromatic exterior mirrors, and ruggedly designed 19-inch black alloy wheels. The model also features a dark side window surround, approach lighting and side steps, black cloth-only interior seats and black interior headliner, and side bars. roof crossbars and an exterior tow hitch.
The Tucson XRT offers exterior features distinct from other Tucson liveries, including XRT-exclusive wheels and special dark exterior elements. US buyers will have the choice of a front-wheel-drive configuration or a configuration with the HTRAC AWD system,
Behind the car we have a shark fin-shaped radio antenna, a decorative spoiler, brake or stop lights with advanced LED technology, reverse and auxiliary lights embedded in the bumper, among other details of interest.
Interior
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson is equipped with advanced Level 2 driver assistance systems and more than 60 safety features. It is equipped with a myriad of premium features such as the panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, 12-way adjustable driver's seat with memory function, 8-way adjustable front passenger seat and the intelligent tailgate with height adjustment function. The SUV also has four driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport and Smart.
The multimedia system is surprisingly complete, with an eight-inch touch screen in all versions except the Ultimate, which benefits from a 10.25-inch display. The eight-speaker Bose system provides great sound, and most Tucson variants offer front and rear USB ports as well as an inductive charging area.
Since the XRT is based on the Tucson SEL with Convenience Package, it includes features like a hands-free smart liftgate, 10.2-inch Hyundai Digital Key, wireless charging pad, ambient interior lighting, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, dual automatic temperature control, and soft-touch door panels. There's also an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and a BlueLink Connected Care Package.
Additionally, heated front seats, autonomous emergency braking and lane departure prevention are standard on all trims.
Power and Mechanics of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT AWD
Among the mechanical qualities of the car we have that the Tucson XRT 2022 is available with the SUV's standard 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that is capable of developing an interesting 187 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 178 pound-feet that are accompanied by some 241 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Tucson XRT is offered with or without HTRAC AWD. The 2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT that Torque News used for this review purpose was offered with HTRAC AWD.
Prices for the new 2022 Hyundai Tucson SUV start at $24,950 for the base SE trim. But the XRT off-road trim, which we reviewed came with a $34,790 MSRP price tag and it included the $1,245 Inland Freight and Handling cost. While the base engine provides good performance, its fuel consumption is 26 MPG combined and 24/29 city/highway respectively.
The Drive
On the road, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson displays a refined ride, good handling and a well-soundproofed cabin. In short, nothing to say about the road qualities of the Tucson. I would say it's a pretty exciting SUV to drive.
The only thing spectacular about the 2022 Hyundai Tucson is its exterior design, which pleases or displeases depending on everyone's opinion. However, it is a comfortable, refined, quiet and spacious utility vehicle that amply meets the needs of buyers in this category looking for a versatile vehicle to transport the family.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.
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