We share our first impressions of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson, discussing how much this 4th-generation compact SUV has evolved, and if it is a worthy competitor to the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Also, Hyundai has unveiled its all-new compact pickup-truck this week, the 2022 Santa Cruz, and we discuss where this tiny truck fits within the pickup segment, and which demographic Hyundai is targeting. This week's topics also include whether retreading tires is a greener choice than purchasing new ones; which key features to consider when purchasing a vehicle for a hot climate; and how often cars get damaged at the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center.
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SHOW NOTES
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00:00 – Introduction
00:34 – Sorry, Not Sorry: Lack of useful innovation in pickup-trucks.
07:07 – 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Preview
11:52 – 2022 Hyundai Tucson First Impressions
20:18 – Question #1: Is retreading tires a greener choice than purchasing new ones?
22:36 – Question #2: Is the new two tone paint job trend a case of corporate espionage between car manufactures?
23:26 – Question #3: Which key features are a must for vehicles in hot climates?
26:45 – Question #4: Has anyone ever crashed or damaged a car CR bought for the auto test program?
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First Drive: Redesigned 2022 Hyundai Tucson Edges Upscale and Offers a Hybrid That Shines
2019 Hyundai Tucson Quick Drive
Preview: Small 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Pickup Is Ready for Mild Adventures
Guide to Car Safety
Coronavirus Resource Hub
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Gabe doesn’t get pick ups. A tonneau cover is an obvious must. You just store everything in there so you have everything everywhere you go. Plus a pickup just looks bold.
Great chat. Timestamp mixed up for Santa Cruz and Tuscon. Thank you
Regarding the question about hot climate, as a former Phoenix resident I would add that remote start is also a must as it allows to precool the vehicle or keep it running while you are groceries shopping. Besides a strong AC, a light color and cooled seats, dark tinted windows help tremendously.
looking for a manual truck
I think Gladiator is the only one.
Great show guys I enjoyed it. Thanks for good info.
When it comes to the high-priced classic trucks, the short beds sell for more and have higher demand. Same goes for the 10+ year old used truck market. So I don’t get the short bed hate y’all have.
I like the looks! (Ford Ranger owner here)
The new Tucson looks very interesting – can’t wait to see the PHEV version.
It’s good to see the Tucson get some love. The last generation was lost in the buzz over the Kona.
Your Hyundai Tucson and Hyundai Santa Cruz titles in the show notes are reversed and not in the order you talk about them in the video.
Real buttons good. Capacitive bad
Some people in cities drive trucks but people in rural communities and suburbs are the ones buying trucks. I think it’s more of a status thing. I’d also consider the Avalanche, Ridgeline and even the new Hyundai are Sport Utility Truck (SUT). I also personally believe the “big 3” didn’t really about truck innovation. People were buying them left and right. Why would you make big changes? Most the big innovations have really been in recent years. The American automakers got lazy.
I’m looking forward to your impressions on the new Acura MDX… I’m unlikely to buy a Hyundai any time soon…
Drink every time someone says “back in the day”! Haha seriously thought I’ve been in Arizona for 20 years… you will want a light colored vehicle and a light interior is nice but more important is shaded parking like Gabe said. Also I will never drive another car here without vented seats… the air in the cabin will cool quickly even on the hottest days but your body is plastered to a seat that will stay over 100 degrees for probably a half hour or more if it’s not vented. Don’t necessarily pass up AWD though, there is a lot of snow and beautiful country up in the northern areas of the state, so if that’s something you’ll ever explore that will come in handy.
Anyone remember that GMC Envoy XUV?
It’ll be interesting to see how the SantaCruz compares to the new Ford Maverick.
If you can’t fit a 4×8′ piece of drywall or plywood in “the bed” then you own a gentlemen farmers truck.
I’d like Gabe to buy me a new car…any car!
As long as full size pickups remain such a reliable profit center for the big three, I wouldn’t hold my breath for any significant innovations in the segment.
Regarding keeping a car cool in the sun, I keep my moonroof partially tilted open, as heat rises. I’ve never seen any data on this, however heat does rise!
I wonder if CR has ever tested this?