If you're in the market for a compact SUV that offers a strong blend of value, comfort, capability and dealership support, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson SE is a very compelling pick especially if you plan to buy it from Michigan City Hyundai (4411E.MichiganBlvd, Michigan City, IN).
Balanced Performance & Powertrain
The 2022 Tucson comes with a 2.5liter inline4 engine producing about 187hp and 178lbft of torque, paired with an 8 speed automatic transmission.
Choosing the AWD variant gives you added traction and stability helpful in inclement weather (snow, rain, slick roads) or when driving on less than ideal surfaces.
The driving dynamics are quite reasonable for its class: the powertrain isn't overly sporty, but offers adequate thrust, smooth shifting, and a good balance between efficiency and capability.
Towing capacity is modest (around 2,000lbs) which for many users will be more than sufficient (small trailer, boat, etc) rather than a full heavy duty setup.
Why this matters: If you want a vehicle that is capable for daily driving, family duties, maybe weekend errands or light trailers and can handle tougher weather or road conditions the AWD adds real value. The powertrain will cover pretty much everything a compact SUV buyer needs without stepping up to a high cost premium.
2. All Weather Confidence with AWD
The inclusion of AWD (often marketed by Hyundai as HTRAC in some regions) means better grip, better handling in snow, rain or slippery surfaces.
Living in northern or midwestern states (with winters, sleet, snow, ice) makes AWD a meaningful benefit.
Also, even in dry conditions, having AWD adds a layer of security and can improve resale value (many buyers place a premium on AWD).
With the Tucson's size and footprint, the added traction doesn't come with overly punitive penalties (compared to much larger SUVs).
Fuel economy does drop slightly with AWD versus FWD for the 2022 SE AWD its about 24 mpg city / 29 mpg highway (versus 26/33 for FWD) according to sources.
Why this matters: If your driving includes bad weather, rough roads, or you just want extra peace of mind, the AWD version makes a lot of sense. It means the vehicle is more versatile across conditions.
3. Modern, Practical Dimensions & Space
The 2022 Tucson features a very usable interior with seating for five, and a generous cargo area capacity (KBB lists ~80.3cuft with the rear seats folded) for this size of vehicle.
The length (~182.3 inches) and width (~73.4 inches) make it tame enough for daily driving and parking, yet spacious enough for family use.
With the SE trim, you get a solid set of standard features (see below) that make it very livable from day one.
Practical features like a 60/40 split rear seat, good head/leg room, and generally modern interior layout make it competitive.
Why this matters: You're getting an SUV that is sized for real world usability big enough for comfort, gear, and people, but not so large that it becomes burdensome for errands, tight parking or commuting.
4. Strong Feature Set for the Value Trim
The SE trim may be the base/entry level in the lineup, but it comes with a respectable list of standard equipment: 17inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, power windows and locks, keyless entry (in many examples), an 8inch touchscreen infotainment system (in many markets) with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Importantly, Hyundai has included a good suite of driver assistance and safety features even on the base trim: e.g., forward collision warning/automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, driver attention monitoring.
Safety & Reliability Considerations
The 2022 Tucson earned strong safety credentials: for example, it was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for its performance in crash tests and its frontal
