Crossovers burst onto the scene with guns blazing and robbed midsize sedans of their sales numbers. The increasing demand for this vehicle class over recent years can be attributed to even more space and practicality compared to sedans, which makes them more suitable for family duties and overall versatility in the urban setting. The Toyota RAV-4 has been the bona fide gold standard in this segment since its inception, and has continued to set the standard for other crossovers to emulate. More recently, hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology have been incorporated into CUVs to deliver better fuel economy, reduce emissions, and also for a performance edge. However, this welcome addition comes at a cost. Literally. Prices for plug-in hybrid crossovers cost significantly more than equivalent gas-powered non-plug-in hybrid variants, with MSRPs going even higher as the options list lengthens. However, Hyundai's best-selling model in the U.S. market, the Tucson, features a plug-in hybrid iteration with a starting price well below the $40,000 mark, and is arguably the best-value PHEV in this price range. The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is jam-packed with exceptional technology and engineering that bests similarly-priced rivals such as the Ford Escape PHEV and even the pricier Toyota RAV4 Prime.
10 The Tucson's Bold And Exceptionally Styled Exterior
Just look at this thing. Hyundai's design department has been swinging hard for the fences recently, and the styling of the current generation Tucson is only a small testament to its hard work. The parametric-style jewel front grille with integrated LED headlights sit pretty right underneath the long chiseled hood, with aggressively-angled body lines gracing the sides of this CUV. The tail-end is just as arresting, with double-fanged taillights on each end unified by an uninterrupted light bar that runs across the length of the rear hatch. The design of the Hyundai Tucson is so chiseled and angular, it might not look out of place next to a Lamborghini Urus. The unique diamond-cut alloy wheels set compliment the body styling, and are housed in distinctly-styled fender arches. With most other crossover PHEVs looking very similar, the Tucson certainly breaks the mold and stands right out for all the good reasons.
9 Premium Interior Styling And Build Quality
The breathtaking styling continues on the inside, with a culmination of superb build materials and quality that make every second spent in this interior a pleasant one. On the driver's end, you're faced with an exquisitely-crafted steering wheel sporting Hyundai's signature parallel spoke design, with an immersive 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster placed directly behind the controls. A similarly-sized screen occupies the center console for infotainment duties, with capacitive-touch HVAC controls situated directly beneath. The gear selector switches are flanked by conveniently placed cup holders, all housed in a classy piano black panel between passenger and driver. All these features are gracefully tied together with coherent interior lines which flow up from the center console and fan out in either direction across the dashboard with the air vents integrated in them, and seamlessly connect with the lines on both doors. Soft touch elements and sturdy plastics can be found in every visible surface of this interior, and it gives off an overall premium sense.
8 More Than Enough Interior And Cargo Space
Thanks to the 2022 redesign, the Hyundai Tucson benefits from an elongated wheelbase of 108.5 inches, which equates to a 3.4-inch gain compared to its predecessor. This doesn't seem like much on paper, but in actuality results in even more head and legroom to carry full-size adults in the rear, with the front seats also liberally positioned. With legroom measuring 39.5 inches, this beats out the more expensive Toyota RAV4 Prime, which offers 37.8 inches of rear legroom. Cargo space is also an area where this crossover shines. The Tucson offers 31.9 cubic feet of room behind the rear seats, which more than doubles to 71.8 cubic feet with the rear seats stowed away, more room than the 63.2 cubic feet in the RAV4 Prime. This crossover also has a number of nifty storage areas, with a sizable central bin and accommodating door bins to hold generously-sized beverage bottles.
7 Great Infotainment And Convenience Tech Features
Keeping with the value-for-money theme, the Tucson PHEV is bountifully decked with great standard features that punch above its pricing point. The higher-ranked Limited trim rewards you with an immersive 10.25-inch infotainment screen bundled with inbuilt navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Occupants are nestled in incredibly comfortable and supportive heated and ventilated front seats with power adjustment and lumbar support, and heated rear seats, all trimmed in plush leather upholstery. It gets even better, with a center-console wireless charger to keep your mobile device juiced up while on the go, and an intuitive HVAC system with Multi-Air Mode technology that softens climate control airflow and creates a breeze-like effect for a relaxing ambiance. The Tucson PHEV also features Remote Smart Parking Assist, which utilizes the key fob controls to maneuver the car in and out of tight parking spaces with the driver outside.
6 The Tucson PHEV Offers Class-Leading Performance
Motivating the Tucson PHEV is a peppy 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine putting out 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. In tandem with an electric motor, these figures are bumped up to an impressive 261 horses and 258 pound-feet of twisting force. Mated to a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission, this crossover delivers brisk acceleration with a 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds which is above average for a PHEV in this class, outperforming the 7.7 second time by the Ford Escape plug-in. The Tucson PHEV also comes with switchable drives modes, including a dedicated Sport mode that always keeps the gas engine activated and stiffens up the steering feel for even more engagement.
5 Impressive Fuel Economy And EV-Only Range
Efficiency is a strong suit of the Tucson PHEV, with an EPA-estimated 35 MPG of combined driving. One upside of a plug-in hybrid is the ability to drive on electric-only power. The Tucson PHEV packs a sizable 13.8-kWh battery unit along with the electric motor, good for 33 miles of electric-only driving range and 80 MPGe of efficiency. In together, this crossover delivers an impressive 420 miles of combined range, more than enough for urban runs and the occasional extended road trip. You can replenish a completely depleted battery in under two hours with a 240-Volt charger, and also recoup some energy while on the go with regenerative braking, with varying levels of energy capture.
4 Standard All-Wheel-Drive With Enjoyable Handling
The Tucson doubles down on its supremacy in the sub-$40,000 price range with the inclusion of a standard all-wheel-drive system, a feature that just a few rival crossover plug-ins come with. The similarly-priced Ford Escape PHEV can be only had with a front-wheel-drive system. The Tucson's standard HTRAC All-Wheel Drive system unlocks a new level of capability with the Tucson PHEV, allowing for surefooted performance in all weather conditions and most road surfaces. This crossover also astonishes in the handling department, with a keenly tuned e-Handling setup that utilizes the traction control system paired with the electric motor for torque vectoring on the rear axle, resulting in tighter cornering performance. With smooth and progressive ride quality on bumpy roads along with taut and composed dynamics in the twisties, the Tucson PHEV allows you to have your cake and eat it too.
3 Zero Compromise On Safety
As a crossover SUV aimed at consumers with families, Hyundai pulled out all the stops to ensure the safety of all occupants in the Tucson PHEV. Hyundai equipped this vehicle with a comprehensive suite of safety features, Hyundai SmartSense, which includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance. For even longer trips, the Tucson PHEV has got you covered with Driver Attention Warning, which keeps track of driving patterns and detects laxity or drowsiness and gently alerts the driver with a sound cue and a warning message. In the unfortunate event of a crash, the Tucson PHEV has been proven to be a safe crossover, adjudged as a top safety pick by IIHS thanks to its exceptional crash-worthiness and avoidance and mitigation systems. NHTSA also gives Tucson an overall five-star rating, as it performs well in frontal, side and rollover crash tests.
2 Remote Connectivity Through Your Smartphone
Keeping with the theme of convenience, the Tucson PHEV features a Hyundai Digital Key system that utilizes Near Field Communication (NFC) from your smartphone and acts as a replacement for your key fob. This allows you to lock/unlock your doors and start your engine, all straight from your phone. You can even share your Tucson PHEV with other drivers without handing them the key, simply by just texting them your Digital Key. Hyundai takes smartphone connectivity even further with the Bluelink Connected Car mobile app, which also features all the aforementioned functionalities, along with in-app toggles for your Tucson's climate control system. These are features that even the pricier RAV4 Prime does not come with.
1 Renowned Reliability With Great Warranty Coverage
Exceptional reliability is assured if you opt for the Tucson PHEV. With great build quality and engineering expected from the Hyundai brand, this crossover has J.D. Power predicted reliability rating of 77 out of 100, which ranks higher than other rivals in the class. Hyundai also offers outstanding warranty plans for the Tucson PHEV, with a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a 10-year/100,000-mile battery and hybrid components warranty. The Tucson PHEV also has no safety recall issues from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, further cementing its solid quality and dependability.