Hey guys! Today, we’re diving deep into the 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL. This compact SUV has been making waves, and we’re here to give you the lowdown on whether it lives up to the hype. We’ll explore everything from its performance and interior to its technology and overall value. So, buckle up and let’s get started!

Overview of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL

First off, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL is a trim level that sits comfortably in the middle of the Tucson lineup. It offers a sweet spot of features and affordability, making it a popular choice for many buyers. You get more than the base model without breaking the bank for the top-tier trims. The Tucson itself represents Hyundai's bolder design language and improved technology, setting it apart from previous generations. The SEL trim specifically adds a touch of luxury and convenience that enhances the overall driving experience. Compared to its rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5, the Tucson aims to stand out with its distinctive styling and a comprehensive suite of standard features. Whether you're looking for a daily commuter or a family-friendly SUV, the Tucson SEL aims to deliver on all fronts. Its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and modern technology make it a strong contender in the competitive compact SUV market. Plus, with Hyundai's reputation for reliability and value, the Tucson SEL presents a compelling package for those seeking a well-rounded vehicle that doesn't compromise on quality or features. The exterior design is particularly noteworthy, with its striking grille and sharp lines giving it a contemporary and eye-catching appearance. This aesthetic appeal is complemented by practical considerations such as ample cargo space and comfortable seating, making the Tucson SEL a versatile option for various lifestyles. With its blend of style, substance, and value, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL is definitely worth a closer look for anyone in the market for a compact SUV.

Performance and Handling

Let’s talk about how this baby performs! Under the hood, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL typically comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine churns out around 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. While it’s not going to win any drag races, it provides adequate power for daily driving. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which offers smooth and responsive shifts. One of the first things you'll notice is the Tucson's comfortable ride quality. It soaks up bumps and potholes with ease, making it a great choice for long commutes or road trips. The suspension is tuned to provide a balance between comfort and control, so you won't feel like you're floating all over the road. Handling is decent, with the steering feeling precise and well-weighted. The Tucson isn't the sportiest SUV in its class, but it's certainly competent and easy to maneuver in city traffic. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is available as an option, providing added traction and stability in slippery conditions. This is a great feature if you live in an area with snow or frequent rain. Fuel economy is also a strong point for the Tucson SEL. It gets an estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, which is competitive for its class. This means you won't have to break the bank at the gas pump. Overall, the performance and handling of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL are solid. It's not the most exciting SUV to drive, but it's comfortable, capable, and fuel-efficient, making it a practical choice for everyday use. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or taking a weekend trip, the Tucson SEL offers a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.

Interior and Comfort

Now, let’s step inside and see what the 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL has to offer in terms of interior and comfort. The first thing you’ll notice is the modern and well-designed cabin. Hyundai has really stepped up its game with the latest Tucson, offering a more premium feel than previous generations. The seats in the SEL trim are typically upholstered in cloth, but they are still comfortable and supportive. You can also opt for available leather upholstery for a more luxurious touch. The front seats offer plenty of space for both the driver and passenger, with ample headroom and legroom. The rear seats are also surprisingly spacious, making it comfortable for adults to sit in the back. One of the standout features of the Tucson SEL's interior is the available panoramic sunroof. This sunroof extends over both the front and rear seats, letting in plenty of natural light and creating an airy and open feel. The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, with a minimalist design that looks both modern and functional. The center console is well-organized, with plenty of storage space for your phone, keys, and other small items. The infotainment system is easy to use, with a responsive touchscreen display and intuitive menus. You can also connect your smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for seamless integration with your favorite apps. The Tucson SEL also comes with a variety of convenience features, such as keyless entry, push-button start, and dual-zone automatic climate control. These features make your daily drives more comfortable and convenient. Overall, the interior of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL is a pleasant place to be. It's spacious, comfortable, and well-designed, making it a great choice for families or anyone who spends a lot of time in their car.

Technology and Features

Alright, let’s dive into the tech and features of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL! This is where the Tucson really shines, offering a host of modern amenities that enhance the driving experience. The centerpiece of the Tucson SEL's technology is its infotainment system. It typically comes with an 8-inch touchscreen display, which is easy to see and use. The system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. You can access your favorite apps, make calls, and send texts using voice commands or the touchscreen. In addition to smartphone integration, the Tucson SEL also offers a variety of other tech features. It comes standard with a rearview camera, which makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier. You can also opt for available features such as a 360-degree camera system, which provides a bird's-eye view of your surroundings. The Tucson SEL also comes with a suite of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. These features help to prevent accidents and keep you safe on the road. Other available tech features include a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. These features add an extra layer of safety and convenience to your daily drives. The digital instrument cluster is also a standout feature, providing a customizable display of important vehicle information. You can choose to display your speed, fuel economy, and other data in a variety of different formats. Overall, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL is packed with technology and features that make it a pleasure to drive. From its intuitive infotainment system to its advanced safety features, the Tucson SEL offers a comprehensive suite of amenities that enhance the driving experience. Whether you're a tech-savvy driver or simply looking for a comfortable and convenient SUV, the Tucson SEL has something to offer.

Safety and Driver-Assistance

Safety first, guys! The 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL comes loaded with safety features and driver-assistance technologies to keep you and your passengers protected. Hyundai has made safety a top priority, and it shows in the Tucson's impressive list of standard and available features. Standard safety features on the Tucson SEL include: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): This system can detect vehicles and pedestrians in front of you and automatically apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision. Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): This system helps to keep you centered in your lane by providing gentle steering corrections. Lane Following Assist (LFA): This system works in conjunction with LKA to provide even more assistance in keeping you centered in your lane. Driver Attention Warning (DAW): This system monitors your driving behavior and alerts you if it detects signs of fatigue or distraction. Rear Occupant Alert (ROA): This system reminds you to check the rear seats for children or pets before exiting the vehicle. In addition to these standard features, the Tucson SEL also offers a variety of available safety and driver-assistance technologies, including: Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA): This system can detect vehicles in your blind spot and provide visual and audible warnings. It can also apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA): This system can detect vehicles approaching from the side while you're backing up and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go: This system maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front of you and can automatically adjust your speed to match the flow of traffic. Highway Driving Assist (HDA): This system combines SCC and LFA to provide semi-autonomous driving assistance on the highway. The 2022 Hyundai Tucson has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), further solidifying its reputation as a safe and reliable SUV. With its comprehensive suite of safety features and driver-assistance technologies, the Tucson SEL provides peace of mind for both drivers and passengers. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or taking a road trip, the Tucson SEL is designed to keep you safe on the road.

Pricing and Value

Let's talk about the bottom line: pricing and value. The 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL offers a compelling package for its price point, making it a strong contender in the competitive compact SUV market. The starting price for the Tucson SEL typically falls in the mid-$20,000 range, which is competitive with rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5. However, the Tucson SEL often offers more standard features than its competitors, giving it an edge in terms of value. One of the key factors that contributes to the Tucson SEL's value is its long list of standard features. As we've discussed, it comes with a variety of tech, safety, and convenience features that are often optional on other vehicles. This means you get more for your money with the Tucson SEL. In addition to its standard features, the Tucson SEL also offers a variety of available options and packages. These options allow you to customize the vehicle to your specific needs and preferences. However, it's important to note that adding options can quickly increase the price of the Tucson SEL. Another factor to consider when evaluating the Tucson SEL's value is its reliability and warranty. Hyundai has made significant improvements in its reliability ratings in recent years, and the Tucson is generally considered to be a reliable vehicle. Hyundai also offers a generous warranty, including a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This warranty provides peace of mind and helps to protect you from unexpected repair costs. Overall, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL offers excellent value for its price. It comes with a long list of standard features, a comfortable and well-designed interior, and a generous warranty. While it may not be the sportiest or most luxurious SUV in its class, it's a practical and affordable choice that offers a lot of bang for your buck. If you're looking for a compact SUV that won't break the bank, the Tucson SEL is definitely worth considering.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL:

Pros:

• Stylish exterior design
• Spacious and comfortable interior
• User-friendly technology
• Available advanced safety features
• Competitive price
• Excellent warranty

Cons:

• Engine performance could be more spirited
• Some may find the ride a bit firm
• Certain features are only available on higher trims

Final Verdict

So, is the 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL worth it? Absolutely! It’s a well-rounded compact SUV that offers a great balance of features, comfort, and value. While it might not be the flashiest or most powerful option in its class, it excels in the areas that matter most to everyday drivers. If you’re in the market for a reliable and stylish SUV that won’t break the bank, the Tucson SEL should definitely be on your shortlist. Happy driving, guys!