2022 Hyundai Tucson N Line Adds Sporty Cues to Cute-Ute

The regular versions of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson haven’t even arrived on our shores yet, but we’ve already got our first look at the sportier N Line. Hyundai’s European arm showed off the N Line today, and while it’s a shorter-wheelbase version of the angular new SUV, it gives us a taste of what to expect later this year.

First, it’s important to note the Tucson N Line features no more power than the rest of the lineup, at least in Europe. That means the Tucson will hew closer to the upcoming Kona N Line than either the Elantra or Sonata N Lines, both of which feature unique engines in their respective lineups. In Europe, buyers will have a choice of five engine options, from a 1.6-liter turbodiesel, two turbo gas engines, a 1.6-liter turbo series hybrid, and a 1.6-liter turbo plug-in hybrid.

The US market will use a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated engine as its base engine when the Tucson launches this spring. Later in summer, both hybrid models should come on-stream.

Alright, with those details out of the way, what sets the N Line apart from the rest of the 2022 Tucson lineup? It keeps the general fractal-like styling of course, but gains a deeper, more aggressive front bumper design. The side intakes surrounding the foglights are also larger. A discrete N Line badge sits within the grille, and Hyundai has added more edges to the individual grille pieces for a more elaborate look. Moving around to the side shows off body-colored lower body cladding. That’s Shadow Grey by the way, a quasi-matte choice exclusive to the N Line. A contrasting black roof is available with most of the exterior color options. Look at those awesome 19-inch wheels, too! We already feel bad for whoever has to detail them.

Around back is a larger, finned rear spoiler, and a diffuser-style rear bumper. A pair of exhaust tips poke out from underneath the right side of the bumper.

Inside, the N Line features the same double-10.25-inch screen setup as the rest of the Tucson range: a cowl-less one in front of the driver, and another in the dash. The changes here are pretty subtle: there’s red contrast stitching all over the place, including the suede-covered sports seats, and an N-branded shifter. Metal pedals complete the look.