The 2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT brings rugged looks without sacrificing the Tucson’s good on-road driving dynamics. We know it’s 2023, but not much has changed for 2023 from the 2022 model.

Exterior Design

For 2022 Hyundai brought XRT equipment to the Tucson for the first time. With wider fender flares, black cladding, darker bumpers and side steps, the XRT trim adds adventurous looks. Also featured are black accents including the 19” wheels, window trim, and mirrors. It certainly looks the part.

Inside

2022 Tucson XRT Space and Comfort

One of the greatest benefits of having a crossover in this class is the seat height. It’s perfect! No climbing up or slumping down to get in or out. It’s something not often thought of anymore as crossovers are now the standard for America, but it is noteworthy.

All seats are covered in a fabric material that has a neoprene feel to it, but is not neoprene. It feels like a durable material that adds to the rugged appearance.

Up front the Tucson XRT is comfortable and roomy. 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and 6-way manual passenger seat allow for nearly everyone to get comfortable.

The rear bench is comfortable for two passengers, but adding a third may make things tight. There is a fold down center arm rest with two cup holders and reading lights up top. Other than that the layout is basic.

Cargo capacity is on par with the Rav4. There are plastic anchors to help hold cargo in place. Because they are plastic, we wouldn’t trust them with much weight. Under the floor is the compact spare tire and jack. However, additional space is there that would be good for safety and recovery equipment.

Technology

A plethora of standard safety features are included in the Tucson XRT. Everything from blind spot monitors to accident avoidance is in the safety suite. The infotainment touch screen is 10.3 inches and includes Apple Car Play and Android Auto. For charging devices, up front there are a total of four options: Two USB-A ports, a wireless charging pad, and a 12 volt socket. For the rear seats there are only two USB-A ports on the back of the center console. The cargo area houses one more 12-volt outlet.

Driving the 2022 Tucson XRT

Performance

On-road performance is basically the same as the rest of the Tucson lineup. The only engine option is the 2.5-liter inline 4 with 187 hp and 178 ft-lbs of torque. This simple engine should be reliable and easy to maintain for the long run and provides okay performance. Merging onto the freeway requires a lot of throttle input and plan for longer passes as the torque peaks at 4,000 rpm.

Getting that power to the wheels is an 8-speed automatic. It shifts smoothly and finds the right gears well. Downshifts aren’t cumbersome but don’t stun either. Handling is nimble and steering is quick enough for this class of vehicle. Feedback is okay from the electric power steering system, and it is easy to maneuver around town without any issues.

Fuel Efficiency

With a simple, non-turbo, engine, fuel mileage is okay. Rated for 24 mpg city and 29 mpg highway certainly isn’t top of the class, but the trade-off should be long term reliability. During our testing we saw values in the 26 mpg combined range putting us right in the middle of the city/highway ratings.

Taking the 2022 Tucson XRT Off-Pavement

Despite all of the off-road apparel, there are no mechanical updates to improve off-road performance. Ground clearance, approach, & departure angles all remain the same. We propose that the break-over angle is actually worse due to the low hanging side steps.

Pricing

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT AWD starts with a base MSRP of $33,350. Our tester only had one option, carpeted floor mats for an additional $195. Add in the additional $1,295 destination charge and the total MSRP comes to $34,840. This falls into a reasonable price range for vehicles in this class.

Quick Take

Closing Thoughts

If you are looking for something with all the rugged looks without sacrificing on-road driving dynamics then the 2022 Tucson XRT might be the best choice for you. It’s a simple and reliable vehicle and is backed by Hyundai’s excellent warranty.