Test drive: Hyundai Tucson 2022 Plug-in Hybrid Limited | Daily driving | Consumer Guide® The Daily Drive
Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid
2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid Limited
Class: Compact crossover
Passenger capacity: 5
Color: Gray Amazon
| Corporate Governance Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Rooms and Facilities | ONE- |
| Power and performance | B+ |
| match and finish | B+ |
| energy saving | One |
| Value | B+ |
| Scores in the report card are taken from the consensus of the test driver’s assessments. All classes are compared to other vehicles in the same class. The value type is for the specific trim level evaluated and may not reflect the Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire product line. | |
| Comfortable Big & Tall | |
| Big guy | B+ |
| Tall guy | One |
| The Big & Tall comfort rating is for the front seats only. The “Big” rating is based on a male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, the “Tall” rating is based on a 6’6″ tall male tester. | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine Specifications | 261 hp 1.6L |
| Engine type | 4-cylinder turbocharged plug-in hybrid engine |
| Transmission process | 6 speed automatic |
| Drive | AWD |
Miles Driven: 252
Real-world fuel economy: 109.0 mpg
Driving mix: 60% city, 40% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 56 MPGe/23 mpg (city/highway combined)
EPA estimated EV range: 33 miles
Fuel Type: Regularly recommended gasoline
Cost: $56,260 (excluding $1795 transport fee)
Option: Special Paint ($395)
Price as test: $67,450
Quick hits
Wonderful thing: Luxurious cabin, smooth EV/gas integration
Good: Spacious front seats, easy-to-use controls
What’s not so good: The capacitive buttons below the touchscreen are slow to respond
Tom calls for:
Want to hear something silly? By some estimates, owners of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) only plug in their vehicles half the time. This is according to a few studies done in Europe. But don’t be complacent, I can’t imagine US PHEV owners doing much better.
Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid
Here’s the problem: PHEVs cost more than conventional (non-plugged) hybrids and have lower fuel economy when operated in hybrid mode. The reduced range is largely due to the extra weight of the plug-in-hybrid battery. In the case of the Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid—which we’re about to talk about—we’re looking at an extra 500 pounds of mass.
Now, if you’re ready to plug in your plug-in (what about this one?) then a quarter-ton extra will make all the difference in the world, because the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is one. the car stands out and it performs even better in all weather conditions. electrical mode.
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Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid
Redesigned for the 2022 model year, the Tucson compact crossover gets a bit of a makeover for the ’23. The lineup includes five models with conventional 4-cylinder powertrains and front- or all-wheel drive (AWD). Also offered are three hybrid models: Basic Blue, SEL and Limited. Only two plug-in-hybrid models are offered: SEL and Limited. All hybrid and plug-in hybrid models come with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD.
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Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid
Including destination fees, the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid SEL listing costs $36,695 and the Limited is $44,495. For an additional $7800, the Limited includes: automatic tailgate, leather seating surfaces, larger touchscreen (10.25-inch vs 8.0), Bose audio, charging wireless device, heated steering wheel, digital key fob, dashboard blind-spot monitor, rain-sensing wipers, cabin ambient lights and Highway Driving Assist speed (HAD) of Hyundai.
The Tucson’s plug-in hybrid powertrain uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with hybrid assistance and a 13.8 kWh battery. The battery provides an EPA-estimated range of 33 miles on electricity-only operation. The combined systems produce a powerful 261 hp.
Consumer Guide tested a Tucson Plug-in Hybrid Limited 2022 in Amazon gray.
Like the Hyundai Palisade in Calligraphy trim, the Tucson limited edition is considered a premium brand vehicle. The cabin is mostly lined with high quality materials, the fit and finish are top notch. We’re still fans of Hyundai’s easy-to-read infotainment system interface and appreciate the larger screen found on the Limited. Note: We found the capacitive buttons below the touchscreen to be slow to respond. Long response lag in cold weather. This is not a deal breaker, but it is annoying.
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Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid Limited
There’s plenty of space in the Tucson for four adults, and getting in and out is made easier thanks to the wide doors. As with most compact crossovers, three-seat seating in the second row is pretty much theoretical.
When traveling in electric mode, the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid will silently pull away from a stop. Because there’s no masking engine noise, some road and tire noises seep into the cabin, although the effect is not obtrusive. Strength comes with instant gratification and there is plenty of power to overcome and merge manipulations.
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Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid
Press the “gas” hard enough and the engine will start to deliver more power. It is here that the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid distinguishes itself from most other plug-in hybrids, even from luxury car manufacturers. The smooth interaction between gas and electric modes is impressive and makes for a particularly enjoyable driving experience.
Also, the bonus is the Tucson’s handling and handling. I said this about other electrical appliances and plugs: If you’re looking for it, you can feel the mass of the battery when your corners are rounded and running on ramps, but most people will find this plug-in Hyundai sporty and sturdy. There’s even a bit of steering feel, which we appreciate.
Here’s the funniest part of our story: Plugged in as often as possible, we saw 109 mpg during our 252-mile mileage assessment. While this number is meaningless if your circumstances are different, such as your father living at the office or not being able to charge regularly, it shows the potential benefits of driving a plug-in hybrid—and charging regularly.
During a period of relatively mild, battery-friendly temperatures, we saw a better 33-mile electric range according to EPA estimates, and we clearly made the most of that situation.
Note that the Toyota RAV4 Prime and the Tucson company’s steady-state partner the Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid are also great ways to go near-electric without having to worry about finding the next charging station. Also note that the RAV4 Prime is also very fast.
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CG says:
We were impressed with the Tucson Plug-in and found it to be an almost uncompromising way to use less gas while enjoying the ride. If you can live without all the luxury trim, the SEL version offers a similar driving experience for almost $8000. Now there are many. Just don’t be like lazy Europeans, remember plug-ins.
Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid
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2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid Limited Showroom
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