27 Nov
Blog

2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Review: Efficient and Stylish

Angled front view of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Platinum in a meadow (passenger side).

2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

RRP $ 23,550.00

"A lot of technology and a breathtaking design make the Elantra Hybrid a market leader."

advantages

  • Surprisingly spacious

  • Lots of technology

  • Stylistic look

  • 54 mpg combined

  • Refined driving dynamics

disadvantage

  • Tire noise

  • Expensive upgrade over non-hybrid

At one point, the Toyota Prius was the only hybrid you could get if you were looking for really good fuel economy. That is no longer the case, of course, because fuel-efficient hybrids come in all shapes and sizes these days. If you look at the EPA's charts, you'll find that the Prius is no longer the king of hybrids as it once was. No, the crown is now on the hood of the Hyundai Ioniq Blue. Hyundai uses its electrified knowledge and brings it into the 2021 Elantra Hybrid.

Sure, the Elantra Hybrid isn't as efficient as the Ioniq or the Prius, but it makes up for it with styling that you won't mind feeling, some impressive tech features, and an interior that makes you actually want to spend your time sometimes Have cake and eat it too. Just like any halfway decent cake from a reputable bakery, you're going to be spending a decent amount of money getting something this sweet.

To get on a 2021 Elantra Hybrid, you'll need to spend $ 24,575 with a mandatory target fee of $ 1,025. That's a hefty upgrade over the regular Elantra, which costs $ 20,675. Our test vehicle was a Limited model that retailed at $ 29,125.

Design and interior

Mainstream automakers can't strike a happy medium with hybrids. Some, like the Toyota Prius and Hyundai Ioniq, have weird designs in the name of aerodynamics, while others like the Honda Insight and Toyota Corolla Hybrid are focused on safety. Bucking the trend of needing a slippery design, the Elantra Hybrid says no too boring for something that feels upscale and distinctive.

A black 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid in a meadow with trees in the background. Joel Patel / Digital Trends

As with many other Hyundais, the wow factor of the Elantra Hybrid starts at the very beginning. The edgy sound of the compact sedan features a unique grille with an intricate design that looks like it was completed by Spider-Man, and headlights protruding far back. The doors have angular lines that blend together to look like a modern work of art. However, none of these traits are as noteworthy as the stern. It's as angular as the triangular head of a venomous snake with taillights that are just as menacing as the reptile's eyes.

The Elantra Hybrid goes against the trend of needing a slippery design and being boring for something that feels upscale.

The interior is just as attractive as high-tech. The digital instrument cluster and the central touchscreen are connected around the driver. The dashboard and center console layout follows a similar curve, making the controls easier for the driver to reach.

While the overall design of the Elantra Hybrid is upscale and most of the materials are comfortable, there is one important thing that will make you pause. The instrument cluster and touchscreen look fine, but there's a large blank space to the left of the driver with a random design. It's an odd item in a package that looks as good as the Elantra Hybrid.

As we all expect from Hyundai, the Elantra Hybrid is packed with features. Leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a sunroof, ambient interior lighting and a lumbar support for the driver's seat are standard in the limited equipment we tested. There's no denying that these are nice features, but Hyundai should have spent a little more time cushioning the underside of the front seats. On a long ride, your bum will go numb and you will start wiggling around to find extra padding. Fortunately, the cabin is spacious with plenty of space for the rear passengers and a useful 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk.

Technology, infotainment and driver assistance

The main reason for an upgrade to the Limited equipment compared to the entry-level blue model is the additional technology. Hyundai has an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality with the blue equipment. When you upgrade to the Limited, you get a 10.25 "touchscreen and 10.25" digital instrument, but you need to connect your smartphone to the larger touchscreen with a cable. The Limited also adds a Bose audio system with eight speakers, a wireless charger, navigation and Hyundai's nifty digital key. We find it strange that Hyundai should combine its upscale features with wired smartphone connectivity, but switching to limited trim is worth it despite the hassle.

It's thoroughly modern in every way, but luckily not in any other way.

Infotainment system in the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 2021.Joel Patel / Digital Trends

Hyundai's infotainment system is now considered to be one of the most intuitive on the market. The layout is simple, the menus are logical, and the graphics are precise, if not the nicest ever to be found in a car. The digital instrument cluster is a nice touch and displays information in an appealing way, but offers little customization options. Choosing a different drive mode results in cool animation, but with this type of digital real estate it would be nice to see a little more.

Thankfully, Hyundai's physical buttons and dials have been retained in the Elantra Hybrid. Aside from losing compatibility with wireless smartphones, the larger touchscreen also loses a physical vote button, but that omission is barely noticeable. Forget odd circular gear levers, this hybrid sedan has a traditional gear lever that is much easier to use. It's thoroughly modern in every way, but luckily not in any other way.

Every Elantra Hybrid is equipped with all important safety features as standard. The blue equipment is standard with front collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic warning, pedestrian detection, safe exit warning and a driver attention monitor. The limited equipment offers adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, Highway Driving Assist as well as cyclist and intersection detection. All functions work smoothly and without any problems.

Experience at the wheel

Close-up of the 2021 grille of the Hyundai Elantra from above. Joel Patel / Digital Trends

The power for the Elantra Hybrid comes from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that alone has an output of 104 hp. The engine is complemented by a 43 hp electric motor for a combined output of 139 hp. That's a little less than the regular Elantra horsepower of 147 hp, but the electric motor helps make the Elantra Hybrid feel appropriate, but not exactly bubbly. The Toyota Corolla Hybrid has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors with a total of 121 hp, while the Honda Insight, thanks to its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and the electric motor, is the most powerful of the group with 151 hp.

Compared to options like the Toyota Corolla Hybrid and the Honda Insight, the Elantra Hybrid has a unique feature: a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The transmission accelerates the sedan in a similar way to a non-hybrid and reacts better to gear changes than transmissions without fixed gears. Additionally, the Elantra Hybrid doesn't have the same powered drone that plague other hybrids.

With polished driving characteristics and a dampened cabin, the Elantra Hybrid gives a sophisticated feeling.

With 200 pounds of extra weight compared to the regular Elantra and less horsepower, the Elantra Hybrid isn't built for sportiness. Compared to the non-hybrid model, the Elantra hybrid has a rear multi-link suspension that is supposed to compensate for the ride. Without testing the two sedans one after the other, it's hard to see how the rides differ. The Elantra Hybrid's handling is a bit stiff in normal use, but nowhere near uncomfortable.There isn't much body tilt, but with easy steering and highly efficient tires that don't inspire much confidence, it's not what you're going to be looking for winding roads for pleasure. What you get is a fairly comfortable ride and easy-to-drive dynamic for your commute to work.

Rear of the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 2021 with forest in the background. Joel Patel / Digital Trends

One of the main advantages of a hybrid powertrain is how quiet the cabin is. Apart from the tires, which can be loud depending on the road surface, the Elantra Hybrid remains quiet. Combine that with the sedan's refined driveability and the result is a grown-up hybrid that feels more refined than other options in the segment.

Gas mileage and safety

Side profile of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid in a meadow with a forest in the background.Joel Patel / Digital Trends

The hybrid segment is divided into two options: ultra-efficient options and more mainstream options. The former includes options like the Toyota Prius and Hyunida Ioniq, while the latter includes the Honda Insight, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, and Honda Accord. Since the vehicles in the first group do not go quite so well with the Elantra Hybrid, the vehicles in the second group are its competitors. And the Elantra Hybrid has the best consumption values ​​in this segment.

The blue base has combined fuel economy numbers of up to 54 mpg (53 mpg city, 56 mpg highway) while the Limited carries a combined rating of 50 mpg (49 mpg city, 52 mpg highway). These numbers top the mainstream hybrid options. The Insight, Corolla Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, and Sonata Hybrid Blue get up to 52 mpg combined. The Accord Hybrid is the least efficient with a combined rating of 48 mpg.

A note on the fuel consumption figures for the Elantra Hybrid. While incredibly impressive, they'll be really hard to replicate in the real world. In our week in the car we averaged around 43 mpg together. That's still a great number, but in real-life driving conditions, most of the Elantra Hybrid's competitors will come closer to their official EPA numbers.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not yet subjected the Elantra Hybrid to a crash test in 2021. Without any major differences to the regular Elantra, we assume that the evaluation will be carried over to the electrified model. The Elantra 2021 was named the “Top Safety Pick” and received the grade “Good” in all six crash tests carried out by the institute. The headlight ratings should also be adopted, which means that the values ​​range from “Acceptable” to “Good”. In testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Elantra Hybrid received an overall safety rating of five stars in 2021.

Close up of 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid driver's side taillight. Joel Patel / Digital Trends

Hyundai backs the Elantra Hybrid with a five-year 60,000-mile base warranty and a 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The hybrid components have the same 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty as the powertrain. The regular warranty is above average for the class, while the hybrid drive is average. The Corolla Hybrid comes with an 8-year guarantee of 100,000 miles for the hybrid components and a 10-year guarantee of 150,000 miles for the hybrid battery. The Insight comes with an eight-year guarantee of 100,000 miles on the hybrid components.

How DT would configure this car

Since the Elantra Hybrid is an expensive upgrade over the regular Elantra and the blue trim is the most efficient option, we think the blue trim is the best choice. It might not come with the big screens or the fancy features, but it is packed full of goodies. Heated front seats, six audio speakers, two-zone climate control, keyless entry, wireless smartphone compatibility and Hyundai's SmartSense security package come as standard.

Our opinion

If you like the design of the Prius or Ioniq, these options give you better fuel economy and the added versatility of a hatchback. Of the other main competitors, the Elantra Hybrid has a sharper design, better EPA numbers, and loads of tech. If a compact hybrid sedan is on your radar, the Elantra Hybrid is one of the best choices.

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid has a better hybrid battery guarantee and is cheaper than the Elantra Hybrid, but does not have the same technical features, spacious cabin or load space. The Corolla Hybrid doesn't feel as upscale as the Elantra Hybrid, nor does it have the same high-end design.

The Honda Insight has a 151-horsepower drivetrain and feels peppier than the Elantra Hybrid, but has a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that roars at higher speeds. With up to 15 cubic meters of cargo space, the Insight has a larger trunk than the Elantra Hybrid. Honda's compact hybrid doesn't offer nearly the same amount of tech features and a far safer design.

Should you get one?

Yes sir. The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid may not compete with the Toyota Prius or the Hyundai Ioniq, but it is the best of the rest.

Editor's recommendations



17 Nov
Blog

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric Review: Everyday EV

Front view of the Hyundai Kona Electric 2022.

Hyundai Kona Electric

RRP $ 43,685.00

"With a range of 258 miles and a lot of technology, the Kona Electric is a great entry point for electric vehicles."

advantages

  • Impressive range

  • Functional interior

  • Intuitive infotainment system

  • Available digital key

disadvantage

  • Charging with low power consumption

  • Poor driving experience

Electric cars based on existing gasoline models can feel half-baked, but the Hyundai Kona Electric 2022 appears to be the exception to that rule. The gasoline Kona was already a good subcompact crossover SUV, and the Kona Electric adds an impressive range of 258 miles. To find out if this electric vehicle was as good in real life as it seems on paper, we spent a week driving one.

The Kona Electric was launched as the 2019 model and is receiving some notable updates for the 2022 model year. Highlights include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Digital Key functionality, and the same new touchscreens found in other Hyundai models be used. Hyundai also made some changes to the exterior, but made no changes to the powertrain, so the range stays the same.

Hyundai offers the Kona Electric in the base SEL and our test model Limited, which start at $ 35,185 and $ 43,685, respectively (all prices include a mandatory target fee of $ 1,185). The Kona Electric is also eligible for the full federal tax credit of $ 7,500 and may receive state and local incentives based on where you live.

Close-up view of the headlights and charging port on the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric.

Design and interior

Hyundai has promised a line of electric cars based on a dedicated platform, but right now the Kona Electric shares its basics with gasoline models. That means it has largely the same exterior design as gasoline Kona models, with stacked headlights and daytime running lights, a plastic trim, and a shape that's somewhere between an SUV and a traditional hatchback. Whether gasoline or electric, the Kona looks like nothing else on the road.

Electric models are characterized by a dimmed grille (which also houses the charging port) and model-specific wheels that, according to Hyundai, optimize aerodynamic efficiency. The styling optimizations for the 2022 model year include functional ventilation openings on the front bumper, revised lighting and a new rear bumper. The changes are pretty subtle, however.

The interior is practically identical to that of the gasoline Kona. The main difference is a series of buttons that replace the shift lever on the gasoline model. The interior design is clean and functional, with a convenient storage compartment under the center console. The only drawback was the quality of the material. Almost everything was plain black plastic, and while that would be fine for the price of a simple gasoline Kona, it didn't seem appropriate given our test car's MSRP of roughly $ 43,000.

Whether gasoline or electric, the Kona looks like nothing else on the road.

The Kona Electric has a little less head and legroom in the rear than the already cramped gasoline Kona. The small size and relatively low seating position of this vehicle doesn't feel particularly SUV-like, but the passenger compartment is similar to that of competing electric vehicles. The Kia Niro EV and Chevrolet Bolt EV / EUV offer similar headroom, although the Chevys offer more legroom in both rows. The Volkswagen ID.4 offers more headroom in the front and rear, as well as more legroom in the rear seats, but long-legged drivers won't notice much of a difference.

At 19.2 cubic feet with the rear seats inserted and 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, the cargo space is identical to the gasoline Kona models. With the rear seats folded up, the Hyundai offers more cargo space than the Kia Niro EV and Chevy Bolt EV / EUV, but loses that advantage when you fold the rear seats. Conversely, the Nissan Leaf has more cargo space when the rear seats are folded up, but less when the rear seats are folded down. Only the VW ID.4 offers more cargo space in both cases.

The interior of the Hyundai Kona Electric 2022.

Technology, infotainment and driver assistance

The standard 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher equipment variants receive a 10.25-inch touchscreen with coupling of several devices, but only wired CarPlay and Android Auto.

Our test car had the larger touchscreen that was carried over from other Hyundai models. This is not a problem as we have had positive experiences with the same device in the past. The reasonable layout of the screen, well-designed graphics (including old-fashioned vacuum tubes for the radio menu), and responsiveness have made it one of the best from a mainstream automaker. That's still the case here.

The Kona Electric does an exceptionally good job of displaying charging information. A tab on the right side of the screen shows the battery level, an estimated range, and locations of nearby charging stations. You can also set up the charging station search by station type and even by large networks such as ChargePoint or Electrify America. It's an intuitive setup that first-time EV drivers should put at ease, while also offering the functionality that more experienced drivers are likely to appreciate.

The reasonable layout of the screen, well-designed graphics, and responsiveness make it one of the best from a mainstream automaker.

All Kona Electric models also get a standard 10.25-inch digital instrument with EV-specific gauges for things like state of charge and regenerative braking. Everything was easy to read and the information was well organized, but we found the default white on black a little too bright (there is a night mode too).

The Kona Electric can also be equipped with Hyundai's Digital Key function, which allows the driver to use a smartphone instead of a conventional key fob. Drivers can lock or unlock the doors, start the car and drive with just a connected phone. However, this feature only works with Android phones.

The standard driver assistance technology includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic warning, rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane following assistant, safe exit assistant and a driver attention monitor. The Kona Electric Limited adds adaptive cruise control and automatic high beam. That's a pretty good range of features, but the Kona Electric doesn't have the clever camera-based blind spot surveillance system available in other Hyundai models that shows a camera view in the instrument cluster when a turn signal is activated.

The 10.25-inch touchscreen of the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric Limited.

Experience at the wheel

The Kona Electric's single engine produces 201 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. That's roughly the same horsepower you get in a base VW ID.4 or Chevy Bolt EV, but the Hyundai has a lot more torque.

While the gasoline versions of the Kona are available with all-wheel drive, the Kona Electric is only front-wheel drive. That's not ideal for a vehicle billed as an SUV, but most of the Kona Electric's competitors don't offer all-wheel drive either. You can buy a four-wheel drive VW ID.4 or spend more money on a Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y, or Volvo XC40 Recharge.

The lush torque provides more kick off the line than the Kona's petrol sibling.

That luscious torque gives you more kick off the line than the Kona's gasoline siblings, or leads to pointless wheelspin if you're not careful. Robust acceleration, however, is a feature of every electric car as electric motors provide instant torque delivery. The driver can choose between different levels of regenerative braking using paddle shifters. The lowest setting allows the car to roll at highway speeds. The highest setting provides a significant delay in lifting the accelerator, but falls a little short of the single-pedal driving that most EVs aim for.

The Kona Electric couldn't differ from other EVs in terms of handling, as it lacked the solidity of the VW ID.4 and the maneuverability of the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV. The sloppy handling of the electric model also felt like a devaluation compared to the last gasoline Kona we tested. The cabin at least kept road noise out (all Kona models get more sound-deadening acoustic glass for 2022) and the ride was pretty comfortable most of the time. However, the suspension couldn't absorb even small bumps and transmit a harsh jolt into the cabin every time.

The instrument cluster of the Hyundai Kona Electric 2022.

Range, charging and security

At 258 miles, the Kona Electric offers significantly more range than most other equally priced electric vehicles, beating the Kia Niro EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Nissan Leaf. The Chevy Bolt EV offers 259 miles of range, but that drops to 247 miles for its Bolt EUV sibling. The Volkswagen ID.4 is rated with a range of 260 miles in the basic rear-wheel drive Pro configuration and achieves this with more SUV-like amounts of passenger and cargo space.

However, when it's time to recharge, you may have to wait a long time. According to Hyundai, it takes the 7.2-kilowatt onboard charger nine hours to fully charge the 64.0-kilowatt-hour battery from a level 2 240-volt AC source. The Kona Electric is also equipped for DC fast charging with 70 kW, with which, according to Hyundai, a charge of 10 to 80% can be achieved in 47 minutes. However, it took us a little over an hour to go from a 25% charge to 80%, and we only got a peak charge of 39 kW. While a single charging session does not allow for a scientific conclusion, that is not encouraging.

Full crash test ratings for the Kona Electric are not available. The gasoline Kona performed well on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests, but these results may not apply directly to the electric version. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also didn't publish any crash test ratings for the Kona Electric, but again, the gasoline Kona did well in the federal agency's tests.

The Kona Electric comes with the same 5-year, 60,000-mile new vehicle warranty and 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty as gasoline Hyundai models, which are some of the best warranty terms in the business. The electric model also comes with a 10-year battery guarantee for 100,000 miles, which is competitive with other guarantees for EV batteries.

Three quarter rear view of the Hyundai Kona Electric 2022.

How DT would configure this car

As mentioned above, when it comes to tech, you have to make a choice with Hyundai infotainment systems. The basic Kona Electric SEL gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the Kona Electric Limited gets a bigger touchscreen with better graphics. We'd go for the Limited model with a larger screen, which we think will be more appreciated in everyday use. The Limited also adds other technical features.

This high-end Kona Electric has standard wireless device charging, Hyundai's digital key, and battery heating system. These three features are available as part of a paid convenience package for the Kona Electric SEL, but that adds $ 3,500, bridging the gap on the base price of the Limited. The limited trim also gets adaptive cruise control. With the SEL, that is not possible at any price.

Our opinion

The Kona Electric is bucking the trend of mediocre electric vehicles based on gasoline cars. It offers impressive range for the price while maintaining the well-designed interior and funky styling of the gasoline Kona. However, it is let down by low power charging and a lackluster driving experience.

The Hyundai's cramped interior and cargo area would be a drag compared to traditional crossover SUVs, but it's a similar story with the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Bolt EV / EUV (which are currently undergoing a major recall). Only the recently launched Volkswagen ID.4 offers a true SUV-like experience with more cargo space and an all-wheel drive version on the way.

Marketing categories aside, the Kona Electric stands out as a budget electric vehicle. It offers a lot of tech for the price and sufficient range not to interfere with most drivers, although uneven charging infrastructure deployment could still be inconvenient for some people. The upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5 will be the automaker's true future tech statement, but anyone ready to venture into EV now won't be disappointed with the Kona Electric.

Should you get one?

Yes sir. The Kona Electric doesn't feel like the car of the future, but it is a great electric vehicle for today.

Editor's recommendations



12 Nov
Blog

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric Review: Everyday EV

Front view of the Hyundai Kona Electric 2022.

Hyundai Kona Electric

RRP $ 43,685.00

"With a range of 258 miles and a lot of technology, the Kona Electric is a great entry point for electric vehicles."

advantages

  • Impressive range

  • Functional interior

  • Intuitive infotainment system

  • Available digital key

disadvantage

  • Charging with low power consumption

  • Poor driving experience

Electric cars based on existing gasoline models can feel half-baked, but the Hyundai Kona Electric 2022 appears to be the exception to that rule. The gasoline Kona was already a good subcompact crossover SUV, and the Kona Electric adds an impressive range of 258 miles. To find out if this electric vehicle was as good in real life as it seems on paper, we spent a week driving one.

The Kona Electric was launched as the 2019 model and is receiving some notable updates for the 2022 model year. Highlights include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Digital Key functionality, and the same new touchscreens found in other Hyundai models be used. Hyundai also made some changes to the exterior but made no changes to the powertrain so the range stays the same.

Hyundai offers the Kona Electric in the base SEL and our test model Limited, which start at $ 35,185 and $ 43,685, respectively (all prices include a mandatory target fee of $ 1,185). The Kona Electric is also eligible for the full federal tax credit of $ 7,500 and may receive state and local incentives based on where you live.

Close-up view of the headlights and charging port on the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric.

Design and interior

Hyundai has promised a line of electric cars based on a dedicated platform, but right now the Kona Electric shares its basics with gasoline models. That means it has largely the same exterior design as gasoline Kona models, with stacked headlights and daytime running lights, a plastic trim, and a shape that's somewhere between an SUV and a traditional hatchback. Whether gasoline or electric, the Kona looks like nothing else on the road.

Electric models are characterized by a dimmed grille (which also houses the charging port) and model-specific wheels that, according to Hyundai, optimize aerodynamic efficiency. The styling optimizations for the 2022 model year include functional ventilation openings on the front bumper, revised lighting and a new rear bumper. The changes are pretty subtle, however.

The interior is practically identical to that of the gasoline Kona. The main difference is a series of buttons that replace the shift lever on the gasoline model. The interior design is clean and functional, with a convenient storage compartment under the center console. The only drawback was the quality of the material. Almost everything was plain black plastic, and while that would be fine for the price of a simple gasoline Kona, it didn't seem appropriate given our test car's MSRP of roughly $ 43,000.

Whether gasoline or electric, the Kona looks like nothing else on the road.

The Kona Electric has a little less head and legroom in the rear than the already cramped gasoline Kona. The small size and relatively low seating position of this vehicle doesn't feel particularly SUV-like, but the passenger compartment is similar to that of competing electric vehicles. The Kia Niro EV and Chevrolet Bolt EV / EUV offer similar headroom, although the Chevys offer more legroom in both rows. The Volkswagen ID.4 offers more headroom in the front and rear, as well as more legroom in the rear seats, but long-legged drivers won't notice much of a difference.

At 19.2 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, the cargo space is identical to the gasoline Kona models. With the rear seats folded up, the Hyundai offers more cargo space than the Kia Niro EV and Chevy Bolt EV / EUV, but loses that advantage when you fold the rear seats. Conversely, the Nissan Leaf has more cargo space when the rear seats are folded up, but less when the rear seats are folded down. Only the VW ID.4 offers more cargo space in both cases.

The interior of the Hyundai Kona Electric 2022.

Technology, infotainment and driver assistance

The standard 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher equipment variants receive a 10.25-inch touchscreen with coupling of several devices, but only wired CarPlay and Android Auto.

Our test car had the larger touchscreen that was carried over from other Hyundai models. This is not a problem as we have had positive experiences with the same device in the past. The reasonable layout of the screen, well-designed graphics (including old-fashioned vacuum tubes for the radio menu), and responsiveness have made it one of the best from a mainstream automaker. That's still the case here.

The Kona Electric does an exceptionally good job of displaying charging information. A tab on the right side of the screen shows the battery level, an estimated range, and locations of nearby charging stations. You can also set up the charging station search by station type and even by large networks such as ChargePoint or Electrify America. It's an intuitive setup that should put first-time EV drivers at ease, while also offering the functionality that more experienced drivers are likely to appreciate.

The reasonable layout of the screen, well-designed graphics, and responsiveness make it one of the best from a mainstream automaker.

All Kona Electric models also get a standard 10.25-inch digital instrument with EV-specific gauges for things like state of charge and regenerative braking. Everything was easy to read and the information was well organized, but we found the default white on black to be a little too bright (there is a night mode too).

The Kona Electric can also be equipped with Hyundai's Digital Key function, which allows the driver to use a smartphone instead of a traditional key fob. Drivers can lock or unlock the doors, start the car and drive with just a connected phone. However, this feature only works with Android phones.

The standard driver assistance technology includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic warning, rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane following assistant, safe exit assistant and a driver attention monitor. The Kona Electric Limited adds adaptive cruise control and automatic high beam. That's a pretty good range of features, but the Kona Electric doesn't have the clever camera-based blind spot monitoring system available in other Hyundai models that shows a camera view in the instrument cluster when a turn signal is activated.

The 10.25-inch touchscreen of the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric Limited.

Experience at the wheel

The Kona Electric's single engine produces 201 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. That's roughly the same horsepower you get in a base VW ID.4 or Chevy Bolt EV, but the Hyundai has a lot more torque.

While the gasoline versions of the Kona are available with all-wheel drive, the Kona Electric is only front-wheel drive. That's not ideal for a vehicle billed as an SUV, but most of the Kona Electric's competitors don't offer all-wheel drive either. You can buy a four-wheel drive VW ID.4 or spend more money on a Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y, or Volvo XC40 Recharge.

The lush torque provides more kick off the line than the Kona's petrol sibling.

That luscious torque gives you more kick off the line than the Kona's gasoline siblings, or leads to pointless wheelspin if you're not careful. Robust acceleration, however, is a feature of every electric car as electric motors provide instant torque delivery. The driver can choose between different levels of regenerative braking using paddle shifters. The lowest setting allows the car to roll at highway speeds. The highest setting provides a significant delay in lifting the accelerator, but falls a little short of the single-pedal driving that most EVs aim for.

The Kona Electric couldn't differ from other EVs in handling, as it lacked the solidity of the VW ID.4 and the maneuverability of the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV. The sloppy handling of the electric model also felt like a devaluation compared to the last gasoline Kona we tested. The cab at least kept road noise out (all Kona models get more sound-deadening acoustic glass for 2022) and the ride was pretty comfortable most of the time. However, the suspension couldn't absorb even small bumps and transmit a harsh jolt into the cabin every time.

The instrument cluster of the Hyundai Kona Electric 2022.

Range, charging and security

At 258 miles, the Kona Electric offers significantly more range than most other equally priced electric vehicles, beating the Kia Niro EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Nissan Leaf. The Chevy Bolt EV offers 259 miles of range, but that drops to 247 miles for its Bolt EUV sibling. The Volkswagen ID.4 is rated with a range of 260 miles in the basic configuration with rear-wheel drive Pro and achieves this with more SUV-like amounts of passenger and cargo space.

However, when it's time to recharge, you may have to wait a long time. According to Hyundai, it takes the 7.2-kilowatt onboard charger nine hours to fully charge the 64.0-kilowatt-hour battery from a level 2 240-volt AC power source. The Kona Electric is also equipped for DC fast charging with 70 kW, with which, according to Hyundai, a charge of 10 to 80% can be achieved in 47 minutes. However, it took us a little over an hour to go from a 25% charge to 80% charge, and we only got a peak charge of 39 kW. While a single charging session does not allow for a scientific conclusion, that is not encouraging.

Full crash test ratings for the Kona Electric are not available. The gasoline Kona performed well on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests, but these results may not apply directly to the electric version. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn't released any crash test ratings for the Kona Electric either, but again, the gasoline Kona did well in the federal agency's tests.

The Kona Electric comes with the same 5-year, 60,000-mile new vehicle warranty and 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty as gasoline Hyundai models, which are some of the best warranty terms in the business. The electric model also comes with a 10-year battery guarantee for 100,000 miles, which is competitive with other guarantees for EV batteries.

Rear three quarter view of the Hyundai Kona Electric 2022.

How DT would configure this car

As mentioned above, when it comes to tech, you have to make a choice with Hyundai's infotainment systems. The basic Kona Electric SEL gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the Kona Electric Limited gets a bigger touchscreen with better graphics. We'd go for the Limited model with a larger screen, which we think will be more appreciated in everyday use. The Limited also adds other technical features.

This high-end Kona Electric has standard wireless device charging, Hyundai's digital key, and battery heating system. These three features are available as part of a paid convenience package for the Kona Electric SEL, but that adds $ 3,500, bridging the gap on the base price of the Limited. The limited trim also gets adaptive cruise control. There is no such thing with the SEL at any price.

Our opinion

The Kona Electric is bucking the trend of mediocre electric vehicles based on gasoline cars. It offers impressive range for the price while maintaining the well-designed interior and funky styling of the gasoline Kona. However, it is let down by low power charging and a lackluster driving experience.

The Hyundai's cramped interior and cargo area would be a drag compared to traditional crossover SUVs, but it's a similar story with the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Bolt EV / EUV (which are currently undergoing a major recall). Only the recently launched Volkswagen ID.4 offers a true SUV-like experience with more cargo space and an all-wheel drive version on the way.

Marketing categories aside, the Kona Electric stands out as a budget electric vehicle. It offers a lot of tech for the price and sufficient range not to interfere with most drivers, although uneven charging infrastructure deployment might still be inconvenient for some people. The upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5 will be the automaker's true future tech statement, but anyone ready to venture into EV now won't be disappointed with the Kona Electric.

Should you get one?

Yes sir. The Kona Electric doesn't feel like the car of the future, but it's an excellent electric vehicle for today.

Editor's recommendations



29 Oct
Blog

2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited AWD: Extra Power and Efficiency

Exterior of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited.

2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited AWD

RRP $ 37,350.00

"The Tucson Hybrid sets the bar for efficiency and performance paired with technology."

advantages

  • Unique look

  • Luxurious cabin

  • Seriously efficient

  • Impressive technology

  • Charges

disadvantage

  • Intrusive touch controls

  • Wireless smartphone compatibility only with standard screen

Hyundai designers have made a name for themselves as some of the best in the business over the past few years. Fancy designs will only get you so far, however.

It's good that the completely redesigned 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is so much more than just a pretty face. There is a lot of substance underneath. So much so that the Tucson Hybrid sets the high water mark in its class. In the pursuit of improved fuel economy, the Tucson Hybrid also comes with a healthy performance boost over the regular Tucson.

The compact hybrid scene is still relatively new. There are few competitors, and all of them match or improve the Tucson Hybrid's fuel economy. There is the Ford Escape Hybrid, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the Honda CR-V Hybrid. Not exactly a crowded market, but there are some heavyweights. Seeing the Tucson Hybrid hold up against just such an established group speaks volumes for how far the model has come compared to the previous generation.

The base 2022 Tucson Hybrid starts at $ 30,235 with the required target fee of $ 1,185. Our test car with exceptionally soft carpeting was the top Tucson Hybrid Limited, which is priced at $ 38,730.

Interior and exterior design

2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited AWD Front

Joel Patel / Digital Trends

Exterior of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited.

Joel Patel / Digital Trends

2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited AWD taillights

Joel Patel / Digital Trends

2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited AWD rear end

Joel Patel / Digital Trends

With so many SUVs on the streets these days, designers are struggling to find ways to distinguish their models from others. Others may obviously have problems, but Hyundai designers are thriving, producing hits at an impressive rate. When we say the Tucson Hybrid looks different than anything else on the market, we mean it. Identical twins, the Tucson and Santa Cruz even look like weird ducklings in the Hyundai family.

Usually something that looks this good requires some kind of compromise on the inside.

It starts with the weird grille, which has a jewel-like finish and is part of what Hyundai calls a "Parametric Dynamics" design. The daytime running lights of the SUV are integrated directly into the radiator grille and provide a fascinating view at night. The rest of the package is just as impressive, with enough wedges and chiseled lines to cosplay as a 190s sports car.

Usually something that looks this good requires some kind of compromise on the inside. Fortunately, there are no compromises to be found. In contrast to the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which eats its way into the cargo space, the hybrid fits the regular Tucson. There is 38.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and a total of 74.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. Rear passengers get 41.3 inches of rear legroom, more space than any direct competitor for the Tucson Hybrid.

View of the interior of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited 2022 from the driver's seat.

Joel Patel / Digital Trends

View of the interior of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited 2022 from the driver's seat.

Joel Patel / Digital Trends

View of the interior of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited 2022 from the passenger seat.

Joel Patel / Digital Trends

Views of the interior and rear seats of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited 2022.

Joel Patel / Digital Trends

The Tucson Hybrid's interior design may not generate the same shock and awe as the exterior, but it feels especially upscale for a compact hybrid at this price point. Our limited test equipment included leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, an electric tailgate and ventilated front seats. The natural rounding of the air nozzles and the course of the center console appear modern and yet remain functional. Materials also feel classy as others in the segment tend to use hard plastics that look and feel unsightly. A couple of glossy black panels are a fingerprint magnet, but that's the biggest problem we could find.

Technology, infotainment and driver assistance

2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited infotainment system.Joel Patel / Digital Trends

Typically, automakers tend to reserve their best features for higher trim levels. That's not exactly the case with the Tucson Hybrid. The standard 8-inch touchscreen offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, satellite radio, two USB ports on the front and back, and Bluetooth. The Limited equipment we tested included a 10.25-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital instrument, wireless device charging, navigation, and a Bose audio system. Oddly enough, the larger touchscreen loses compatibility with wireless smartphones for old-fashioned wired connectivity. That's an annoying decision given all of the other high-end features that the larger touchscreen is paired with.

While the 10.25-inch touchscreen is one of the reasons for upgrading to a higher level of equipment, the 10.25-inch digital instrument feels like it could be more useful.

The larger touchscreen offers crisp graphics and simple menus, but you lose rotary knobs and traditional buttons for functions like adjusting the volume and adjusting the radio. All buttons on the center console of the SUV are touch-sensitive and picky. The volume buttons have to be pressed several times, for example, in order to sensibly increase or decrease the system volume of the audio system. The smooth look of the center console is appealing, but we prefer a classic switchgear.

Inside view of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited 2022.Joel Patel / Digital Trends

While the 10.25-inch touchscreen is one of the reasons for upgrading to a higher level of equipment, the 10.25-inch digital instrument feels like it could be more useful. For example, it lacks the customization that Volkswagen offers in its digital cockpit instrument cluster. The available Bose audio system sounds good, but I still fondly remember the old Harman Kardon system. However, if you're more interested in tuning things than pumping the cabin with noise, Hyundai offers a unique "nature sounds" setting to play quieter sounds like "rainy day", "warm fireplace" and "busy forest".

Hyundai offers its SmartSense suite with advanced security features for many of its vehicles, although the suite's features differ depending on the vehicle. The standard safety features of the Tucson Hybrid include front collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic warning. Also standard is the safe exit warning, which warns you if you open the door and if a vehicle is approaching from behind.

Higher equipment variants, such as the Limited we tested, are equipped with parking sensors, a parking camera with all-round visibility and a remote-controlled intelligent parking assistant. While the system doesn't work nearly as smoothly as it does in the displays, it can be helpful in making sure you leave enough room in tight spaces.

Experience at the wheel

The Tucson Hybrid comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a 44.2 kW electric motor for a combined output of 226 hp. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive as standard. This value makes the Tucson Hybrid one of the most powerful hybrids in its class. The CR-V Hybrid (212 PS), the RAV4 Hybrid (219 PS) and the Escape Hybrid (200 PS) all fall behind slightly. It even beats the regular Tucson gasoline engine by 39 horses.

Look at what's under the hood of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited AWD.Joel Patel / Digital Trends

Unsurprisingly, it also delivers more straight-line oomph than the regular Tucson. The hybrid powertrain lets most of its muscles play off the line, but still has a lot of pulling power on the autobahn. Unlike other hybrids, the Tucson Hybrid's powertrain uses a six-speed automatic transmission instead of a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). It delivers well-timed shifts, which can be a problem with CVTs, and even allows manual shifting with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, although they feel out of place.

Whether you're driving around town or taking the final leg of a road trip, the Tucson Hybrid offers a comfortable, smooth ride. The sophisticated driving style of the SUV is reminiscent of some of the past classes. The hybrid powertrain ensures that it stays quiet inside, but a sharp step on the gas pedal brings a lot of engine noise into the cabin.

Take the Tucson Hybrid around a curve and it will surprise you with crisp steering and confident handling. Unlike other hybrids in the class, the Tucson Hybrid doesn't sway wildly around corners, making it one of the more athletic options in the class.

Gas mileage and safety

Exterior of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited.Joel Patel / Digital Trends

The Tucson Hybrid falls behind the competition in terms of fuel economy, but is still insanely efficient. The entry-level blue is rated at 38 mpg combined (38 mpg city, 38 mpg highway) while the rest of the lineup is rated at 37 mpg combined (37 mpg city, 36 mpg highway). The Escape Hybrid leads the segment with an overall rating of 41 mpg, while the RAV4 Hybrid follows just behind with an overall rating of 40 mpg.

In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2022 Tucson received a “Top Safety Pick +” rating. The SUV received the grade “Good” and the top grade “Superior” for its front crash prevention technology in all crash tests. The headlight ratings range from “acceptable” to “good”. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet crash tested the 2022 Tucson.

Hyundai offers a 5-year base warranty of 60,000 miles and a 10-year powertrain warranty of 100,000 miles. A 10-year guarantee with 100,000 miles applies to the hybrid components of the SUV. These are above average for the guarantees for the segment. Honda, Toyota and Ford all offer their hybrids with a three-year base warranty of 36,000 miles and a five-year warranty of 60,000 miles. Toyota and Honda cover the battery components of their hybrid vehicles with a 10-year guarantee of 150,000 miles, depending on the purchase condition.

How DT would configure this car

Since the Tucson Hybrid has a slightly lower fuel consumption than its competitors and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the smaller touchscreen, we think the basic blue is the best choice. It's also not about sparing on features, as it comes with heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, four USB ports, Hyundai's SmartSense safety features and an electrically adjustable driver's seat.

Our opinion

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid isn't the most fuel-efficient compact SUV on the market, but it's still one of the best options. Not only is it more enjoyable to drive and more sophisticated than other options, but it also offers more power and more impressive technology. It's the gold standard for the segment.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, and Honda CR-V Hybrid all match or have better fuel economy values ​​than the Tucson Hybrid. But they all offer smaller cargo areas, less legroom in the rear, smaller touchscreens and only wired smartphone compatibility. The Escape Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid are slightly cheaper than the Tucson Hybrid, but have interior materials that match their lower prices.

Unless you're looking for a luxury hybrid from Lexus, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lincoln or Volvo, the Tucson Hybrid is the best choice in the affordable compact class.

Should you get one?

Yes sir. The Tucson Hybrid is the best of its kind.

Editor's recommendations



07 Oct
Blog

2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited AWD: Extra Power and Efficiency

Exterior of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited.

2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited AWD

RRP $ 37,350.00

"The Tucson Hybrid sets the bar for efficiency and performance paired with technology."

advantages

  • Unique look

  • Luxurious cabin

  • Seriously efficient

  • Impressive technology

  • Charges

disadvantage

  • Intrusive touch controls

  • Wireless smartphone compatibility only with standard screen

Hyundai designers have made a name for themselves as some of the best in the business over the past few years. Fancy designs will only get you so far, however.

It's good that the completely redesigned 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is so much more than just a pretty face. There is a lot of substance underneath. So much so that the Tucson Hybrid sets the high water mark in its class. In the pursuit of improved fuel economy, the Tucson Hybrid also comes with a healthy performance boost over the regular Tucson.

The compact hybrid scene is still relatively new. There are few competitors, and all of them match or improve the Tucson Hybrid's fuel economy. There is the Ford Escape Hybrid, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the Honda CR-V Hybrid. Not exactly a crowded market, but there are some heavyweights. Seeing the Tucson Hybrid hold up against just such an established group speaks volumes for how far the model has come compared to the previous generation.

The base 2022 Tucson Hybrid starts at $ 30,235 with the required target fee of $ 1,185. Our test car with exceptionally soft carpeting was the top Tucson Hybrid Limited, which is priced at $ 38,730.

Interior and exterior design

2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited AWD Front

Joel Patel / Digital Trends

Exterior of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited.

Joel Patel / Digital Trends

2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited AWD taillights

Joel Patel / Digital Trends

2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited AWD rear end

Joel Patel / Digital Trends

With so many SUVs on the streets these days, designers are struggling to find ways to distinguish their models from others. Others may obviously have problems, but Hyundai designers are thriving, producing hits at an impressive rate. When we say the Tucson Hybrid looks different than anything else on the market, we mean it. Identical twins, the Tucson and Santa Cruz even look like weird ducklings in the Hyundai family.

Usually something that looks this good requires some kind of compromise on the inside.

It starts with the weird grille, which has a jewel-like finish and is part of what Hyundai calls a "Parametric Dynamics" design. The daytime running lights of the SUV are integrated directly into the radiator grille and provide a fascinating view at night. The rest of the package is just as impressive, with enough wedges and chiseled lines to cosplay as a 190s sports car.

Usually something that looks this good requires some kind of compromise on the inside. Fortunately, there are no compromises to be found. In contrast to the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which eats its way into the cargo space, the hybrid fits the regular Tucson. There is 38.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and a total of 74.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. Rear passengers get 41.3 inches of rear legroom, more space than any direct competitor for the Tucson Hybrid.

View of the interior of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited 2022 from the driver's seat.

Joel Patel / Digital Trends

View of the interior of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited 2022 from the driver's seat.

Joel Patel / Digital Trends

View of the interior of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited 2022 from the passenger seat.

Joel Patel / Digital Trends

Views of the interior and rear seats of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited 2022.

Joel Patel / Digital Trends

The Tucson Hybrid's interior design may not generate the same shock and awe as the exterior, but it feels especially upscale for a compact hybrid at this price point. Our limited test equipment included leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, an electric tailgate and ventilated front seats. The natural rounding of the air nozzles and the course of the center console appear modern and yet remain functional. Materials also feel classy as others in the segment tend to use hard plastics that look and feel unsightly. A couple of glossy black panels are a fingerprint magnet, but that's the biggest problem we could find.

Technology, infotainment and driver assistance

2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited infotainment system.Joel Patel / Digital Trends

Typically, automakers tend to reserve their best features for higher trim levels. That's not exactly the case with the Tucson Hybrid. The standard 8-inch touchscreen offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, satellite radio, two USB ports on the front and back, and Bluetooth. The Limited equipment we tested included a 10.25-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital instrument, wireless device charging, navigation, and a Bose audio system. Oddly enough, the larger touchscreen loses compatibility with wireless smartphones for old-fashioned wired connectivity. That's an annoying decision given all of the other high-end features that the larger touchscreen is paired with.

While the 10.25-inch touchscreen is one of the reasons for upgrading to a higher level of equipment, the 10.25-inch digital instrument feels like it could be more useful.

The larger touchscreen offers crisp graphics and simple menus, but you lose rotary knobs and traditional buttons for functions like adjusting the volume and adjusting the radio. All buttons on the center console of the SUV are touch-sensitive and picky. The volume buttons have to be pressed several times, for example, in order to sensibly increase or decrease the system volume of the audio system. The smooth look of the center console is appealing, but we prefer a classic switchgear.

Inside view of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited 2022.Joel Patel / Digital Trends

While the 10.25-inch touchscreen is one of the reasons for upgrading to a higher level of equipment, the 10.25-inch digital instrument feels like it could be more useful. For example, it lacks the customization that Volkswagen offers in its digital cockpit instrument cluster. The available Bose audio system sounds good, but I still fondly remember the old Harman Kardon system. However, if you're more interested in tuning things than pumping the cabin with noise, Hyundai offers a unique "nature sounds" setting to play quieter sounds like "rainy day", "warm fireplace" and "busy forest".

Hyundai offers its SmartSense suite with advanced security features for many of its vehicles, although the suite's features differ depending on the vehicle. The standard safety features of the Tucson Hybrid include front collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic warning. Also standard is the safe exit warning, which warns you if you open the door and if a vehicle is approaching from behind.

Higher equipment variants, such as the Limited we tested, are equipped with parking sensors, a parking camera with all-round visibility and a remote-controlled intelligent parking assistant. While the system doesn't work nearly as smoothly as it does in the displays, it can be helpful in making sure you leave enough room in tight spaces.

Experience at the wheel

The Tucson Hybrid comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a 44.2 kW electric motor for a combined output of 226 hp. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive as standard. This value makes the Tucson Hybrid one of the most powerful hybrids in its class. The CR-V Hybrid (212 PS), the RAV4 Hybrid (219 PS) and the Escape Hybrid (200 PS) all fall behind slightly. It even beats the regular Tucson gasoline engine by 39 horses.

Look at what's under the hood of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited AWD.Joel Patel / Digital Trends

Unsurprisingly, it also delivers more straight-line oomph than the regular Tucson. The hybrid powertrain lets most of its muscles play off the line, but still has a lot of pulling power on the autobahn. Unlike other hybrids, the Tucson Hybrid's powertrain uses a six-speed automatic transmission instead of a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). It delivers well-timed shifts, which can be a problem with CVTs, and even allows manual shifting with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, although they feel out of place.

Whether you're driving around town or taking the final leg of a road trip, the Tucson Hybrid offers a comfortable, smooth ride. The sophisticated driving style of the SUV is reminiscent of some of the past classes. The hybrid powertrain ensures that it stays quiet inside, but a sharp step on the gas pedal brings a lot of engine noise into the cabin.

Take the Tucson Hybrid around a curve and it will surprise you with crisp steering and confident handling. Unlike other hybrids in the class, the Tucson Hybrid doesn't sway wildly around corners, making it one of the more athletic options in the class.

Gas mileage and safety

Exterior of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited.Joel Patel / Digital Trends

The Tucson Hybrid falls behind the competition in terms of fuel economy, but is still insanely efficient. The entry-level blue is rated at 38 mpg combined (38 mpg city, 38 mpg highway) while the rest of the lineup is rated at 37 mpg combined (37 mpg city, 36 mpg highway). The Escape Hybrid leads the segment with an overall rating of 41 mpg, while the RAV4 Hybrid follows just behind with an overall rating of 40 mpg.

In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2022 Tucson received a “Top Safety Pick +” rating. The SUV received the grade “Good” and the top grade “Superior” for its front crash prevention technology in all crash tests. The headlight ratings range from “acceptable” to “good”. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet crash tested the 2022 Tucson.

Hyundai offers a 5-year base warranty of 60,000 miles and a 10-year powertrain warranty of 100,000 miles. A 10-year guarantee with 100,000 miles applies to the hybrid components of the SUV. These are above average for the guarantees for the segment. Honda, Toyota and Ford all offer their hybrids with a three-year base warranty of 36,000 miles and a five-year warranty of 60,000 miles. Toyota and Honda cover the battery components of their hybrid vehicles with a 10-year guarantee of 150,000 miles, depending on the purchase condition.

How DT would configure this car

Since the Tucson Hybrid has a slightly lower fuel consumption than its competitors and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the smaller touchscreen, we think the basic blue is the best choice. It's also not about sparing on features, as it comes with heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, four USB ports, Hyundai's SmartSense safety features and an electrically adjustable driver's seat.

Our opinion

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid isn't the most fuel-efficient compact SUV on the market, but it is one of the best options nonetheless. Not only is it more enjoyable to drive and more sophisticated than other options, but it also has more power and more impressive technology. It's the gold standard for the segment.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, and Honda CR-V Hybrid all match or have better fuel economy values ​​than the Tucson Hybrid. But they all offer smaller cargo areas, less legroom in the rear, smaller touchscreens and only wired smartphone compatibility. The Escape Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid are slightly cheaper than the Tucson Hybrid, but have interior materials that match their lower prices.

Unless you want to go upstream with a luxury hybrid from Lexus, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lincoln or Volvo, the Tucson Hybrid is your best bet in the affordable compact class.

Should you get one?

Yes sir. The Tucson Hybrid is the best of its kind.

Editor's recommendations



08 Apr
Blog

2020 Hyundai Sonata First Drive Review: Chase The Sun

2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid first ride review: Chase the sun

"The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a comfortable, spacious highway cruiser."

  • Sleek design

  • Spacious interior

  • Comfortable ride

  • Impressive technology

  • Disappointing real fuel consumption

  • Hates corners

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata is an almost perfect mid-range sedan. It has excellent road manners and technical features that you won't find in any other car in this price range. While the stuff on the dash is impressive, it's not the stuff under the hood. The engines available at the start are only sufficient.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is expected to be available in June in Blue, SEL and Limited versions. Our test car was the top-limited model, which offers all important technical functions, including a digital instrument cluster, a digital key smartphone control and a solar roof, with which the battery can be charged. Hyundai hasn't released any prices yet, but expects the hybrid model to offer a premium over the standard Sonata, priced between $ 24,000 and $ 34,000.

During our time with the sonata, we noticed that Hyundai still has a few tricks up its sleeve. Is better gasoline performance the missing part of the Sonata puzzle?

Design and interior

You have to have a keen eye to see the difference between the Sonata Hybrid and the standard sonata. The differences are limited to a new grille, wheels and rear spoiler. Even these changes were made for aerodynamic efficiency rather than aesthetic reasons. Hyundai was already satisfied with the existing Sonata exterior design.

"It's not about making an environmentally friendly vehicle declaration. Overall, it's about making a great design statement," said Scott Margason, head of product planning at Hyundai Motor America, to Digital Trends.

2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

After all, the sonata looked quite extroverted. Designers gave it a slimmer profile than the average sedan, as well as the trick “Hidden Lighting Lamps”, which turn the bonnet into a laser light show. These additional lighting elements extend back from the headlights and, when switched off, fit into the chrome trim of the vehicle.

Despite an additional battery, according to Hyundai, the Sonata Hybrid has the same trunk as the standard Sonata. This also results in more trunk space than the Toyota Camry Hybrid, but less than the Honda Accord Hybrid. The Sonata Hybrid also has more front and rear leg room than the Camry and Accord, but the Japanese hybrids offer significantly more rear leg room.

"It's not about making an environmentally friendly vehicle declaration. It's about making a great design statement overall."

The driver's seat of the Sonata Hybrid is a great place. The touchscreen of the dashboard and the storage compartments of the center console are perfectly positioned, the steering wheel is just the right size and the car offers an excellent view to the outside.

Technology, infotainment and driver assistance

The standard infotainment setup includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Limited models get a 10.25-inch touchscreen as well as a digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a head-up display. The screen graphics are crisp and clear, and the main touchscreen offers a nice swipe function for changing menus. However, Hyundai did not go overboard with screens. The designers also included analog controls for functions like volume, where a button works better than a swipe.

The digital instrument cluster enables an improved blind spot monitoring system that automatically shows the view from outside cameras when you tap the turn signals. This is a simple but helpful feature and a step above what competitors offer. However, it is also an optional extra. The standard aids for the driver include adaptive cruise control, a lane departure warning system, autonomous emergency braking and an automatic high beam. These characteristics are also standard for the rival Honda Accord Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid. But Hyundai has also set the standard for rear traffic warnings. This function is optional on the Toyota and not available on the Honda.

Stephen Edelstein / Digital Trends

The Sonata Hybrid can also be upgraded with Lane Follow Assist. As the name suggests, it follows the road instead of waiting for the car to deviate from its lane before intervening. This feature worked well during a previous ride in the Arizona non-hybrid sonata, but didn't seem to be so composed on the New York streets where we drove the hybrid. The steering wheel jerked constantly as the system made small steering inputs, as if someone had given the computers a double shot of espresso.

Hyundai did not go overboard with screens.

Another technical feature adopted by the non-hybrid sonata is the digital key from Hyundai. As standard in the SEL and Limited equipment variants, the driver can use a smartphone instead of a conventional key fob. While some car manufacturers offer remote unlocking or engine starting via an app, only Hyundai, Lincoln and Tesla currently allow drivers to get in and out with just a smartphone. The digital key can also be transferred remotely to other people if you want someone to rent your car. The function is currently only compatible with certain Android phones.

A technical feature the Sonata Hybrid misses is the Remote Smart Parking Assist, which you may have seen in Hyundai's Super Bowl display with a Boston accent. The function with which the car can enter and exit even in tight parking spaces is available with the standard sonata, but not with the hybrid. It has to be recalibrated for the hybrid powertrain and will be added at a later time, according to Hyundai.

Experience behind the wheel

The hybrid powertrain goes well with the relaxed character of the sonata, but doesn't expect impressive numbers.

The Sonata Hybrid uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is supported by a single electric motor. The total system performance is 192 HP. That is only 1 HP more than the base engine for the non-hybrid Sonata and much less than for the hybrid Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Unlike Honda and Toyota, Hyundai has retained a conventional transmission as part of its hybrid system. The Sonata Hybrid's six-speed automatic has a software function called Active Shift Control, which uses the electric motor to add or subtract the torque on the input shaft of the transmission. According to Hyundai, this ensures faster gear changes (ie less interruption in performance when accelerating) and better mileage.

Using a conventional transmission is important because it makes the Sonata Hybrid feel more like a normal car. The power supply is much more linear than with the Honda or Toyota hybrid systems, and the transfer between electricity and gasoline is smooth.

The hybrid powertrain goes well with the relaxed character of the sonata, but doesn't expect impressive numbers.

Hyundai also did a good job of calibrating the driving modes. Sport offers the right amount of extra urgency, and Eco isn't the penalty area found in most other cars. Hyundai also included a smart mode that automatically switches between the other modes depending on the conditions. But not everything was fine-tuned.

Hyundai brought in Albert Biermann, the former head of the BMW M Performance Division, to make his cars more exciting. But Biermann must have been on vacation when the suspension tuning of the Sonata Hybrid was completed. The handling of this car is more Buick than BMW. The steering wheel feels like it's not connected to anything, and the body's roll in sharp turns is so strong that the car feels like it's about to tip over.

We have seen similar trends in the non-hybrid sonata, but the more curvy roads at this test site have made these trends even clearer. The Sonata Hybrid performed better on highways, where its floppy suspension made it one of the quietest rides of any mid-size sedan. This is clearly a car that is designed for road trips and commuting, not for winding roads. If you want a sporty sonata, stop by when the N-Line model comes on the market.

Fuel consumption and security

Hyundai announced impressive gasoline consumption figures for the Sonata Hybrid 2020, which, however, were not achievable in real driving. The base blue model is rated at 52 mpg (50 mpg city, 54 mpg highway), while SEL and Limited are rated at 47 mpg (45 mpg city, 51 mpg highway). A 50 mpg rating was once Prius territory, so it's impressive to see a more conventional mid-size sedan reach that mark.

But the Sonata Hybrid doesn't have much of an advantage over its rivals. The Camry Hybrid is rated at 52 mpg combined (51 mpg city, 53 mpg highway) in LE equipment. The Accord Hybrid is rated at 48 mpg combined (48 mpg city, 47 mpg highway). Over a week's drive, the real fuel efficiency of the Hyundai was also much lower at 38.1 mpg on average, according to the car's on-board computer.

Perhaps the number would have been higher if we could better use the sonata's solar roof. Solar cells are used to charge the 12-volt battery (so it doesn't drain while the car is parked) and the hybrid system's battery to allow more use of electricity. According to Hyundai, the roof can add 2 miles of driving range a day, but persistent clouds meant it wasn't used much. Drivers in sunnier areas may get better results.

The 2020 non-hybrid sonata received a Best Safety Pick rating for the Road Safety Insurance Institute (IIHS), but the organization did not provide a specific rating for the hybrid model. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not evaluated any sonata models for 2020.

Hyundai's 100,000-mile drive train 10-year warranty and 60,000-mile drive train five-year warranty are not covered by Honda and Toyota. The Sonata Hybrid 2020 is a new model, but Hyundai has an overall reputation for reliability.

How DT would configure this car

If you want the most technology in your Sonata Hybrid, you have to choose the top equipment variant Limited. It's the only solar roof option available, as well as the triple threat of a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a head-up display.

The additional functions of the Limited increase the weight, which is why it is not as economical as the entry-level Blue. Hyundai unfortunately forces buyers to choose between gasoline consumption and technology.

Our opinion

The hybrid powertrain improves the Sonata 2020, but does not change it. The driving dynamics are about the same as before. Although you will get better mileage, it is important to keep expectations in check. The Sonata also drives more like a normal car than its Honda and Toyota competitors, which some buyers may prefer.

The best of the Sonata Hybrid 2020 is carried over to the non-hybrid version. The highlights include a comfortable ride, advanced driver assistance and a well-designed infotainment system. The hybrid solar roof is a nice technology that could improve efficiency in practice but depends on the weather conditions.

Should you get one?

Yes. The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a good car that happens to be a hybrid.

Editor's recommendations




25 Feb
Blog

2020 Hyundai Venue First Drive Review: All The Tech For Less

2020 Hyundai venue outside

2020 Hyundai Venue first ride review: All technology for less

"The Hyundai Venue 2020 offers a lot of technology at an affordable price."

  • Good technical value

  • High quality interior

  • Comfortable ride

  • Gutless motor

  • Driver aids work poorly

It is now a matter of course that American buyers prefer crossovers over normal cars. As a result, automakers are increasing the driving heights of small hatchbacks to develop new models that have the crossover look but not the utility or all-wheel drive. The trend started with the Toyota C-HR and Nissan Kicks, and now we have a new entry – the 2020 Hyundai Venue.

The venue follows the same recipe as the C-HR and Kicks. According to Hyundai, however, it is primarily aimed at used car buyers. Hyundai believes that a low base price combined with the latest technology and a new car guarantee will attract buyers of used car lots. Starting at $ 18,345, the venue offers a ton of technology for the money, including standard Apple CarPlay / Android Auto and a variety of driver aids.

But is the 2020 Hyundai Venue really cheap and cheerful or just cheap? At Hyundai's invitation, I drove a venue from Miami to the Florida Keys to find out.

Design and style

The venue differs from conventional small hatchback models in its design. It's a bit bigger, both because of an upright, boxy body shape and because of a higher ride height. The venue also carries the same grille as larger Hyundai crossovers to reaffirm the idea that it's not just a regular car.

2020 Hyunda venue profileStephen Edelstein / Digital Trends

Like the Nissan Kicks, the Venue is available in a two-tone color scheme that gives the car a bit more personality. However, this option is only available in the upper denim trim. You have only one color combination to choose from – blue with a white roof.

Your mileage may vary depending on the design, but a box-shaped design should offer more passenger and cargo space than something leaner and more car-like. Despite its sloping roofline, the Toyota C-HR has more cargo space than the venue.

Meanwhile, the kicks has more cargo space and more passenger space than the Toyota or Hyundai. On paper, the venue has more headroom and legroom for the rear passengers than the kicks, but that's not much in the real world.

The venue differs from conventional small hatchback models in its design.

The back seats of the venue are narrow, especially if the front seats are designed for tall people. The hold is good for a small hatchback, but not impressive compared to real crossovers. Even the Hyundai Kona, a tiny vehicle, offers more.

When it comes to utility, the venue (and other similar vehicles) don't offer enough to justify the crossover label. If you buy the venue against used cars, as Hyundai believes, many buyers will likely find something with more space at the same price.

2020 Hyundai Venue touchscreenStephen Edelstein / Digital Trends

The front seats are at least a nice place. They are comfortable for a vehicle in this price range, although we prefer the more supportive chairs in the Nissan Kicks. Hyundai also has nothing to do with Nissan's optional Bose audio system, which has speakers in the front headrests.

However, the interior and overall design of the venue look more sophisticated than that of the Nissan, and both the kicks and venue look more inviting than the Toyota C-HR, which appears to be outdated in comparison.

technology

Hyundai has saved on interior space, but not on technology. The affordable venue is equipped with numerous technical functions as standard.

The standard infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota offers the same screen in the C-HR and adds Android Auto in addition to Apple CarPlay for the 2020 model year.

Nissan requires you to upgrade the basic equipment of the Kicks S to the SV to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The largest touchscreen available is only 7 inches tall. Venue models equipped with navigation also receive real-time traffic information at no extra charge.

This is where Hyundai's strategy comes in to play the venue off against used cars. You are not guaranteed to find these connectivity features on every older vehicle.

The venue is an entry-level model, but it offers a lot of technology.

As with other Hyundai models, the infotainment system is simple but functional. The graphics on the screen are not complex, but are easy to read at a glance. Keyboard shortcuts for menus make it easier to use the system while driving.

Hyundai also offers several places, including a shelf on the passenger side of the dashboard, which looks like a good place to rest a phone. At least until you accelerate or brake hard and the phone flies.

The event location is equipped as standard with an autonomous emergency braking system, a lane departure warning system and an attention monitor for the driver. The SEL trim in the middle area offers monitoring of the blind spot and a warning of rear traffic.

As with infotainment technology, used cars with these features may not be available at the same price, so Hyundai's argument is correct. However, the event's new car competitors offer technologies similar to the standard equipment – as well as functions that the event location does not offer. The Toyota C-HR has adaptive cruise control, while the Nissan Kicks has autonomous reverse braking.

Stephen Edelstein / Digital Trends

The driver's aids at the venue are mixed. The lane departure warning system was too sensitive, since every slight deviation from a straight line was a possible off-road excursion. It was also confused by highway exits. The lane departure warning system is not only shy, but also pulls aggressively on the steering wheel to bring the venue back into line.

I was impressed with the ability to monitor the blind spot to see cars far behind the line of sight, but the loud warning sound sounded like a bad television special. Instead of being helpful, it was a joke.

Experience behind the wheel

According to Hyundai, the venue was designed for young city dwellers, and my test drive began and ended in downtown Miami, with sections of the highway in between. Here Hyundai's Penny Pinching began to show itself.

The venue is only available with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. If that doesn't sound enough to you, you're right. It's easy to assume that driving in the city is just about sitting in traffic, but that's not really the case. Maneuvers that would have been routine in most other cars became nerve-wracking.

This may be due in part to the transfer of the event location. Base SE models get a six-speed manual, but my two test cars (a SEL and a denim) had the optional continuously variable transmission (CVT), which Hyundai calls the IVT (for "intelligent variable transmission").

The manual would at least have given more control and helped keep the engine in its power range. The problem could also be poor coordination. Nissan's kicks also use a CVT and offer similar performance to the venue (122 hp and 114 lb-ft). But the kicks don't feel nearly as sluggish as the venue.

This little Hyundai was comfortable and quiet, but not fun.

Auto people like to say that driving a slow car fast is more fun than driving a fast car slowly, but the venue is the exception to this rule. This little Hyundai was comfortable and quiet, but not fun. It is small but not agile. The driving experience was so understated that we didn't mind being in Florida, a state notorious for its lack of good roads.

In order to keep the price of the venue low, Hyundai did not use all-wheel drive. The additional traction of the all-wheel drive is one of the reasons for choosing a crossover instead of a conventional car. However, the all-wheel drive would have increased $ 2,000 in manufacturing costs (which would have driven up the base price) and 200lbs in curb weight (which would have had an impact on fuel consumption), Derek Joyce, PR manager for Hyundai crossovers, told Digital Trends.

The venue is only front-wheel drive. Fortunately for Hyundai, it's the Nissan Kicks and the Toyota C-HR. The venue does have a "snow mode" for traction control that changes throttle response and CVT behavior for more grip, but I couldn't test that in sunny Florida.

Fuel consumption and security

The 2020 Hyundai Venue is rated at 32 mpg combined (30 mpg city, 34 mpg highway) with the CVT and 30 mpg combined (27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway) with the six-speed manual. This places the venue below the Nissan Kicks, which achieves a total of 33 mpg, and above the Toyota C-HR, which achieves a total of 29 mpg (both vehicles are only available with CVT).

2020 Hyundai Venue first rideStephen Edelstein / Digital Trends

The venue is a new model, so it is difficult to predict future reliability. Overall, Hyundai has a reputation for reliability and offers one of the longest guarantees in the business. The Korean automaker's 10-year drivetrain warranty of 100,000 miles and the 5-year drivetrain warranty of 60,000 miles far exceed Nissan and Toyota.

The venue is new, so crash test assessments by the Road Safety Insurance Institute (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are not yet available.

How DT would configure this car

My ideal 2020 Hyundai Venue is a denim model. The denim has optional technical functions such as monitoring the blind spot, warning of cross traffic at the rear and navigation from the SEL trim level, giving it a portion of style. The two-tone blue and white exterior and the blue interior of the denim make the venue feel special. At $ 23,045, the denim is a big step up from the base Venue SE starting price of $ 18,345 and still a good value.

Conclusion

The 2020 Hyundai Venue is a solid car, but whether it's the right car for you depends on your priorities. If you are looking for a real crossover with more interior space than a normal car and all-wheel drive, look elsewhere. The venue is more like a high hatchback than a real crossover.

This also applies to the Nissan Kicks and the Toyota C-HR, the two logical rivals of the venue. The Nissan and Toyota also have no four-wheel drive and are similar in size to the Hyundai. We were impressed by the quality of the material and the general sophistication of the venue, but it's not a clear victory. The kicks don't have a standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but more interior space and a bolder motor. The C-HR has a higher base price, but is equipped with an adaptive cruise control as standard, which is not available at the event location at any price.

What about the used cars that Hyundai said were the real rivals of the venue? Priorities are also important here. The venue offers the latest technology and a new car guarantee, but at the expense of the interior and acceleration. Hyundai offers more technology and security for the money, but it is possible to bring more cars to the used market.

Should you get one?

Yes. The 2020 Hyundai Venue may not be a true crossover, but it is a good car.

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