Hyundai Tucson 2022 review: Elite 2.0D N Line

The new Tucson has some vampy vibes going on in the rear with the tail-lights looking like fangs, but that adds to the sleek predatory aggression seen in the rest of the detailing; like the crisp body lines that create interesting angular panes across its length and snub-nose of the bonnet.

It’s a big improvement from the previous model's styling. (Image: Dean McCartney)

It’s a big improvement from the previous model's styling, which wasn’t bad but relatively plain looking. This Tucson is no plain Jane.

The mix of materials from canvas, Alcantara, synthetic leather and piano black have added an element of quality to the cabin. (Image: Dean McCartney)

Worth noting that there are only four available colours with the N-Line option pack, and beside the white, all will cost an extra $595. This lack of customisation might not appeal to everyone but at least the other colours aren’t all shades of grey.

Tucson features LED headlights. (Image: Dean McCartney)

It’s nicely spaced inside and even the back seat gets plenty of headroom and legroom. The storage is good up front; the glove box and centre console are both large and on either side of the console, there are little shelves/cubbies for a wallet or phone.

The glove box and centre console are both large and on either side of the console. (Image: Dean McCartney)

The storage in the back seat is bare bones, besides map pockets and single drink holders in the doors (not storage bins, mind) there are no other storage cubbies back there.

There are two cupholders in each row and there’s a small space for your phone underneath the multimedia screen.

It’s nicely spaced inside and even the back seat gets plenty of headroom and legroom. (Image: Dean McCartney)

I like the way the middle of the floor in the back doesn’t rise as high as some SUVs as it means more comfort for middle seat passengers.

Impressively, there’s a full-size spare in the boot, but you do face the compromise of not being able to lower the cargo floor down.

This is an easy car to drive and handle. It’s not a clunky experience and for a mid-size SUV, you can do a fair amount of ‘zipping’ around.

The front sports seats are very comfortable and I like the look of the perforated Alcantara leather mix. They’re heated and the driver’s side can be adjusted electrically and has adjustable lumbar support.

The front sports seats are very comfortable and I like the look of the perforated Alcantara leather mix. (Image: Dean McCartney)

The back seat is comfortable, too, even on longer trips and there are practical plastic kickplates for little feet. The perforated leather can be tricky to clean though. I’d invest in a good car seat cover if you have kids or pets who don’t travel well. That is, they have a tendency to throw-up!

This model doesn’t have a powered tailgate, but the lid isn’t too heavy to open. (Image: Dean McCartney)

This model doesn’t have a powered tailgate, but the lid isn’t too heavy to open. I did find that the button to open the rear door sits a lot lower than you'd expect, and all week I instinctively tried to open it from the wrong spot!

The Tucson has all of the important safety and tech features I want to see, including AEB (city, urban and inter-urban speed), adaptive cruise control with driving assist, where it will steer itself but you still have to have your hands on the wheel, of course!

It has curtain airbags covering the second row, as well as, a front centre airbag, something that’s starting to appear on new car models. The Tucson also has a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing conducted in 2021, so it’s still fresh.

The Tucson has all of the important safety and tech features I want to see. (Image: Dean McCartney)

There are two ISOFIX mounts plus three top tether child seat mounts and with the right ones, you might be able to squeeze three car seats side by side.

It was easy fitting my harnessed booster and there’s decent space for front occupants when a 0-4 rearward facing child seat is installed. Overall, I felt confident driving this.

The Elite can be picked up for $47,400, before on-road costs. The model I’ve been driving is diesel and all-wheel drive but there is a two-wheel drive available on the petrol variants.

This model has the optional sporty 'N Line' pack, which adds a few extras like, sportier body details, 19-inch alloys, Alcantara and leather seats and a red stitched sports steering wheel, to name a few.

This pack does add an extra $2K to the price tag. The extras are worth it, though, and even with the options, it’s a well-appointed SUV for under $50K.

The Elite can be picked up for $47,400, before on-road costs. (Image: Dean McCartney)

The Tucson comes with five-year/unlimited km warranty, which is standard for the class. It comes with five-years capped priced servicing which can be pre-purchased and averages under $400 per service, which is competitive for the SUV market.

Servicing intervals are every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, which is pretty good.

The official combined cycle fuel consumption figure is 6.3L/100km and I achieved 6.4L/100km on mostly highway trips, with some city mixed in.

I’m impressed with the real-world consumption for a car of this size. This would be a major selling point for my family with the rise of living expenses nowadays.