Off-Road Testing the 2022 Hyundai Tucson's HTRAC AWD

After the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid with HTRAC All-Wheel Drive failed to live up to our expectations in off-road conditions, we decided to give the Tucson a second chance. In this video we test every drive mode (US model has unique drive modes) as we revisit the rock trail to see if the Tucson HTRAC system can be redeemed.
#hyundai #offroad #newcar
CONTENTS
00:00 - Introduction
02:13 - Level Surface Off-Road Test
07:01 - Incline Surface Off-Road Test
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[@thomasdundon4093]

As a software guy (not auto industry) I can easily imagine that the added complication on how to balance the electric and gas motors in these situations might have not been debugged. I'd be interested to know if there was a software upgrade after your Tucson Hybrid review that addressed the problems you found. Kudos for responding to reader comments and following up with a 2nd review.

[@lrrowley]

Thank you so much for making this video! We've had the 2022 Tuscon for a couple months and I wanted to see how the different drive modes and the htrac worked. You really put it through its paces!

[@consultlowe]

Did you get the gas or hybrid? I think I'm ready to buy a Tucson but everyone says make sure the price for the hybrid is justified.

[@yanni2112]

pickin ours up in 2 weeks

[@Wild1995]

You deserve your own show on a TV channel. Congrats on the 200k subscribers

[@rg6532]

Out of all the review videos, I found this Hyundai Tuscon video so informative. I am purchasing the Hybrid version and I know it did not perform as the ICE version. Thank you for this information. I am a fan of your channel and will continue to watch your channel.

[@user-gu7gd4xf4n]

I'm pretty impressed with how you present your reviews. I've watched a few reviews over last few weeks. And your very informative. Nice job...

[@jonathanxdoe]

It was nice of you to redo the test. You got a subscriber for the extra miles. I wonder what's the Hyundai's take in this... I'm waiting for the phev and your video made me skeptical

[@AndreySaf]

In the same boat here, I do think that PHEV will bring more power plus snow mode plus lock should help climb most trails I am planning on going. It is not a Bronco for sure.

[@James-il3tq]

Only things in PHEV that's likely to improve offroading is its weight. Otherwise I'd expect eco tires and similar off-road performance as hybrid model.

[@jonathanxdoe]

@@AndreySaf The problem is that in the previous video it was completely frozen. I'll discuss the issue with a dealer, but I doubt they have any answer...

[@RiasatAbir]

@@jonathanxdoe they won't have any answer for sure.

[@Talerigm]

I think their AWD designed for snow/rain mostly, not for offroad. And if you're going to do a lot of trails like that - you definitely need reconsider your choice. I am also waiting for phev and I think it'll do fine, since I need AWD only for bad weather conditions and hills

[@gracea2809]

Thank you so much for redoing this test. I do hope they update that software for the hybrid to perform like this, atleast just for the snowy and muddy situation not so much for offroading. That'll atleast give me some relief during tricky weather situations.

[@lightrevolutionsdotcom9415]

2 things: ... 1) after the provoking conversations in the comments to your Hybrid Tucson off-road review, you showed humility & poise in not taking offense but in simply meeting the challenge. That deserves personal cudos. 2) quite the traction test, with only two wheels on the ground! Most of us would steer to avoid such if possible, but doing it does give insight into a potential black ice situation or snow etc. Good job! And you did say this non-hybrid did "just fine" on this actually difficult test. Washboard would indeed be an interesting dynamic to add for suspension insights. What an amazing property you guys are developing for tests! Thank you!

[@sleelakrishnan]

Had a great off road experience with you 💟☮️

[@sarrum7696]

Been a fan of this channel for a long time now. So I feel I can put my request in. - I’d love to see you review the RAM Rebel. 😃

[@denism2171]

I'd been looking for such a review! Thank you! I have a 2019 Santa Fe mid-spec model with the 8sp auto and 2.2CRDI diesel with "highway" spec tyres. As a result of your review I took said machine to a national park with extensive unpaved roads here in Sth Eastern Queensland (Australia). Dropped the air pressure from 37psi to 22 psi and got to work on some steep sandy/loose gravel/rock strewn tracks. I was surprised at how far the vehicle was able to go before "discretion became the better part of valour" :-) .I surprised some 4wd enthusiasts who'd never seen a "soft roader" in that part of the Nat. Park. I was thinking about the "aggressiveness" of the power distribution/traction control (compared to your quoted Subaru experience) and have come to the conclusion that part of the reason the engagement is more gradual might well be to reduce the shock loading on the (skinny) axle shafts which can lead to them shearing. Otherwise, very happy. Thanks again.

[@qphase49]

Already bought the 2.5 GDI and love it.

[@pnwtim503]

While I am excited to see the course, I hope you continue to do part of the review on these back roads like you did in the second half of this video. The change in scenery as well as real world scenarios is what I like best in your reviews.

[@drivingsports]

Our new hill is actually directly in between two different legs of the Washington back roads discovery route - opening even more “out there” driving options. Also, worth nothing I have heard that the road we use in the second half of this video is in an area that is scheduled to be logged - possibly soon. So at some point we’re not going to have access anyhow. At least to that specific road.

[@bartcanuck734]

Great video. I am so curious about their HTRAC system as seriously considering the Santa Cruz when it comes out.

[@thiagotanure2212]

Nice videos! You got a subscriber!!! Congrats on your work!

[@marvelyaelfunata9412]

Can't wait for the new track , on your hill 🔥💯

[@ronaldpellettier3473]

I bought the 2022 Santa Cruz with the 2.5 turbo. Same drive system with more available power. Thank you for your review on the system, it was very informative. As I have just bought the truck, Winter is coming up in “wonderful” Ohio, so I’ll be able to try it out soon, unfortunately.!!!!

[@devendra1666]

Congratulations on 200k 🎉🎉🎉💐💐💐❤️

[@robbergstrom943]

Love the new off-road course!

[@miroabdalian2114]

Thank you for the great videos. I am still waiting for Nissan Armada or Infinity QX80 off-road testing video.

[@subielife4life]

Actually the ground clearance on this ain’t that bad, over 8 inches is actually pretty good compared to the competition, Subaru is the champ when it comes to ground clearance with its 8.7 inches on all its vehicles minus the sedans and the brz…..on another note I really do love the taillight design on this Hyundai Tucson

[@pocobueno1]

Are the rear turn signal indicator lights up high or down on the bumper?

[@MegaGeorge1948]

@@pocobueno1 down on the rear bumper.

[@BlackJeepConvertible]

outlander sport is 8.5 and jeep compass trailhawk is 8.7

[@db1566]

The headlight grill is ugly AF

[@fragu123]

…ground clearance is not even 7 inches, just to correct your false statement… 8,7 inches for the Outback / Forester is correct though…

[@eganfo]

I’d still get the hybrid. Personally I wouldn’t be taking it on any extreme courses such as your test. Just up a mountain pass or snowy city streets. I appreciate the improved gas mileage and other perks (a/c use while idling at a ferry terminal) you get with the hybrid. Great review as always. Thanks for a second chance review on this car.

[@glennharvey1472]

Can you please expand on AC use while idling on the hybrid?

[@sdspecto]

@@glennharvey1472 I am guessing he means if you're on a ferry you can't idle with the gas engine (it's not allowed). Perhaps you can idle and only use electric power so there is no smog, therefore it's permitted.

[@glennharvey1472]

@@sdspecto Ah ok thanks!

[@James-il3tq]

If you do weekend adventures change the tires and offroading performance will be VASTLY better. I'd recommend Falken Wildpeak AT trail (made for compact SUVs) 👍

[@RiasatAbir]

This is not even any extreme course. It's mild softroading. My civic sedan would made this too I think.

[@pyroslev]

I have this in a non-hybrid. I love it. I'm tossing a cabin on some very undeveloped property we own. Unless I'm towing the trailer in with a full load over mud or rain, she'll handle everything. Not an offroader but she's a damn sight better for the buck than I expected.

[@carriedemarchi4967]

Thanks for the video. Glad I went with the SEL. Not ready for a hybrid and clearly the performance lags.

[@ceferlizaur]

very informative test👍

[@mikeskiman5570]

My 22 sel awd works great ..on all trails so far .and got some huff ..when gas is pressed . Nice style , for small ..

[@Stone1108]

With no underside skid pan protection my Hyundai ain’t going on this level of off road track. Great review of the 4x4 capability, thanks. Nice to see my car has my back in certain conditions though. 👏

[@geohabitat]

I do buy SEL AWD i like the new design. thank u for sharing this video now we know how good the TUCSON AWD perform or reaction for that kind of roads. 👍😊👍

[@ajayshah6315]

Can you please retest Hybrid? There are so many people who would like to know if all Hybrids are like that Or was it that particular car had issues. We all will really appreciate it

[@noonenoesbutme]

This video convinced me to get a Tuson and lift it into an off-roader with trail tires

[@keithmasonsr8389]

I got the Hyundai Tucson Sel 2022 and I love it and I love watching the video let's me know that I made a great purchase

[@vincentpiccirelli9148]

Thank you for testing this version. I just bought this version BC I was not able to get the Hybrid. Im thinking I may attach a tow hitch and get a small camper. Do you have any recommendations on aftermarket Hitches?

[@christianrobinson7060]

I got the 2020 Tucson and was hoping you had a video on it haha also live in Washington

[@chrisking4208]

How much difference would the 17" wheels on the lower end packages change the results/ability? I have a SEL base with those wheels, and the tires seem more "able" than the 19." I know from past experience that the right tires can dramatically improve off road performance!

[@jeremystout412]

I’m curious how the Cherokee with Active Drive I compares. I know the TrailHawk would do it with ease, but I’m just curious about the entry-level 4x4 system. I have a ‘21 with Active Drive I and the 2.0T, but I’m curious how it would do on these courses.

[@ayushnegi]

8:56 to 9:00 in the video you can see the left side tire sliping the whole car to the right side, avoiding the rock that you are trying to climb on. Same thing happens in all the drive mode.

[@isaacsellers700able]

Already bought the 22 Tucson SEL ICE/Non-EV in also Intense Blue and only FWD. If I could go back, I'd got the hybrid AWD due to more combined power, AWD, low end Turbo torque due to the 1.6T portion, and increased MPG. Besides that, I'm getting between 30-42MPG daily due to taking back roads with very little traffic and about 3-4 stops.

[@tallll70]

maybe with the electric motor assist when you go steep uphill the electric motor is under extreme load drawing high current which trips some safety measures

[@truthandjustice6838]

We got the 2.0 diesel Htrac in South Africa and it is great. Excellent fuel consumption too.

[@Stone1108]

With no underside skid pan protection my Hyundai ain’t going on this level of off road track. Great review of the 4x4 capability, thanks. 👏

[@ronmitchell859]

Yes, maybe hybrid was the problem with that model on this same test. This straight 2.5 did quite as well as one could expect, I think, for a vehicle that's an SUV rather than a Jeep or Bronco or such.

[@kwood613]

I've been thinking about buying the hybrid. Any way to find out if that test was anomaly or if Hyundai has fixed that programing? I need it to not cut out like that on bush roads

[@DADVICETV]

I think you are right - they may have assumed the hybrid won’t go off-roading.

[@James-il3tq]

Difference could also be tires since most hybrids put super eco tires on which are worst off road. Changed my RAV4 hybrid XSE tires for Wildpeak AT trail rides and couldn't believe how much better it drives on gravel/off-road. Handling is worse than as expected but also much more comfortable over potholes/ruts.

[@jillthompson6110]

I'm in the market for an SUV, and I know for fact 99.9999% of the time that I will be driving, it will be driven on the flat surface road. Heck, I don't even need an AWD which maybe needed maybe once or twice a year, if even that.

[@dearbulls]

@@James-il3tq tire is the most important thing, I'd say it matters even more than the awd system.

[@rogeruzun]

I wonder if there was an issue with the specific test Hybrid unit rather than all the HTRAC Hybrid Tucsons. I would think the Santa Fe Hybrid would perform more or less the same. I am strongly considering the PHEV Tucson or Santa Fe, and its hard to get cars these days. You have to put deposits down in advance. I would hate to make a mistake I do light off-roading all the time.

[@Westdreaddriver]

I have the GDI version with all terrain tires and it’s a awesome off-road suv

[@eliasamador9708]

I put 245/65r17 all terrain tires on my awd and it only made a 1 mpg diff but the extra traction and wet handling is so much better. Also made it about 1/4 to 1/2 higher. there's clay roads where I live and when it rains it's soup...awesome traction and sand too. Still seeing 30-33 mpg going 70mph

[@WildHorsesOfCourse]

Hybrid or standard?

[@fpaThEoNe]

Would love to see those.

[@carlosloyola4585]

Hey Ryan I have this exact suv. I just ordered a Truxxx 2" lift kit. I will be adding 17" wheels with 245/70R17 AT tires. Do you think that will make your challenge course look like a breeze? 🤔

[@frankmaceri5705]

I want the Hybrid for the savings in fuel and environmental impact. i want to understand the drive system better, it may be the set up that makes the difference. I really like the warrantee on this car. what I would like to know is the availability of parts for it, when it needs repairs. would I be stuck going to Hyundai or would there probably be knock offs. I currently drive a jeep liberty and I rarely get stuck for more then a few, it always get me out. TY for the review.

[@marcohayauxdutilly4889]

I love your videos

[@westcoast708]

good review ..

[@raquelromain4336]

Thanks!

[@CSIG1001]

Do you think the PHEV will run into the same issues as the hybrid?

[@James-il3tq]

Love your reviews and thank you for putting a display up which drive mode you're in! If it's possible to mention and/or show which tires are on your test vehicles that would be a huge help. Tires make such a difference offroading regardless which AWD system it has.

[@ibuiltmineo1oo]

Does the factory do software updates on these sometimes? Simar to how our phones update?

[@anki1219]

Can you do a snow / icy road test with 2022 santa fe calligraphy model?

[@hmichaelday3401]

Great job explaining the drive modes. I would chose the non Hybrid.

[@Rockrewls]

Did much better and didn't cut power like the hybrid video, thanks for entertaining our speculation, it almost seems the hybrid was flawed.

[@westmerchantus]

Can you do Hyundai Palisade Snow test again or off-road. Last time you vehicle shut down again and again. Don’t understand if that’s capable enough to take down those tracks.

[@sammyjammy6647]

You should revisit the rav4 regular hybrid To see how it compares to Hyundai’s hybrid

[@nandamandir7880]

Which is better for off-roading in your opinion, CX-5 or Tuscon?

[@DaddyDan77]

Because of Ryan's off road tests I can't wait to see him run the Santa Cruz and the Maverick through their paces.

[@drivingsports]

We are so eager for those.

[@chrisnah8423]

Soil have a kia hybrid and sometimes it stutters just pulling away from a stop sign. I think the software is trying to figure out if it wants to use the hybrid system, the gas motor or both. It's not often just enough to be annoying

[@ltg8382]

My European plug in hybrid has SNOW - MUD - SAND in 4WD mode.

[@RiasatAbir]

May be try another hybrid again?

[@bj_pnw]

i love for you to get a buick envision to test

[@sumitburman9997]

It’s light are very poor, plz suggest what to get it done ??

[@Westdreaddriver]

I got the gas motor not the hybrid and I love it so far

[@garymeredith2441]

Hey Ryan I like your test here on the normally-aspirated 2.5 car unfortunately I didn't see your test on the hybrid but let me tell you Ryan out here in California where we're paying $ 4.60 A gallon you two would be buying a hybrid .

[@garyjohansen8513]

I too live in California, besides the fuel costs, with the AWD we won't have to chain up when the first snowflake sticks to a road.

[@poppintags804]

lol at him “panting” going up the hill, like HE is doing the work vs the vehicle doing it 😂

[@thelavaflo]

For off roading or trail driving, I would get that. However; for daily driving, I would get the Hybrid version. I do like this design better than the Santa Fe

[@chucka6607]

Did you have the traction control off in the first video was the question not snow mode.

[@axion8788]

Would be interesting to see how Snow Mode works in .....snow.

[@kavehoskoui8292]

I wonder why Hyundai US is stiffing the US market and does not give you proper “terrain” modes as we get in Canada?! Great video, as always.

[@drivingsports]

They told me it’s a legal restriction. They are working to resolve it.

[@stevelaroc]

@@drivingsports wow that's crazzy.. I wonder why a legal issue?

[@uvinalwis1104]

Can you test the 2020 Subaru forester on this track?

[@slashrocksmysocks5]

You should try it on the terrain modes. There is a rock, sand, and I believe mud as well.

[@drivingsports]

Not on US-spec models.

[@JRs-guitars]

Just some Info to prove your point: we thought we were turning onto a dirt road in my girl's 2023 Tucson. It ended up being super thick mud. We had no intention of off roading. Lucky she has the HTRAC version or we would've gotten stuck.

[@kinglimpang8067]

Show us the awd display more often please :)

[@esquiche]

Would You try with Vitara boosterjet please?

[@anthonyjackson8857]

The more I look into this, the more I'm convinced that whatever hybrid tucson they gave you to test had issues specific to that particular tester rather than the hybrid lineup as a whole. I've seen pretty much every review I could find and I haven't seen any other hybrid tucson do what yours was doing in similar situations. Here is a video of the Tucson hybrid going up against several other crossovers in offroad testing on the same course in the same day. The Tucson actually out-performed the others. It's in spanish, but you can clearly see the other vehicles having issues getting up the hills that the Tucson hybrid is climbing with little to no drama kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6XPpo2ojMukY9U

[@Diegotanga10203]

Which all terrain tires would you recommend for this car? I live in Canada, -50 during winter. So we are planning two sets. Winter dedicated and all terrain for camping season

[@84impalaguy]

Falken Wildpeak A/T tires- they're designed for crossovers, sort of an A/T-lite tire, but everything from Subaru's to Jeep Cherokee's to Volvo XC70's use this tire to get effect. Do a bit of research if you want, but I'd highly recommend them.

[@lpiglit]

I would most definitely get this over the hybrid option. But would you get the tuscon over the TRD Rav4 is my dilemma.

[@addicz2]

He buys Rav4 and Outback

[@pe11e]

Great channel, new subscriber. Do you have an offroad course top10? What car is a better choice for the same money?

[@drivingsports]

We get that request a lot. Look for a video coming soon. .

[@pe11e]

@@drivingsports Can't wait. Have you considered doing a "tire-standard" test. I mean, using the optimal tires but the same for all vehicles?

[@Gripmagic]

A lot of this lack of capability has to do with the tires. I put falken all terrain tires on my 2020 Kona and with the center lock activated there isn't much it won't make it through on trails except for very large ruts that require a traditional 4wd vehicle.

[@bomatdaman]

I believe the Hybrid you tested had a defective drive-train based on its behavior or as you suggest, the HTRAC system is in need of reprogramming. I really wish Hyundai would let you test another re-tuned Hybrid. Good job.

[@tonyawaldo]

I'm speculating but I think the hybrid issues were related to not having a traditional torque converter.

[@mihaiachim244]

Actually 6AT on PHEV version is a classic automatic gearbox with torque converter. 7DCT is a dual-clutch gearbox on non hybrid versions.

[@forgetfulduck]

I don't know if this has been said before. But you are remarkably similar in appearance and vocalisation to actor Brent Spiner who played Cmdr Data in Star Trek....

[@drivingsports]

Interesting, others have said that as well.

[@fmaples1]

This may be a little off topic but in addition to the hybrid failing the off-road test I'd like to add that my 2022 Tucson non hybrid gets 35 miles per gallon combined with my conservative driving habits. So not only does it perform better off-road but my MPG seems to be as good as the hybrid. Nice job on the video, thanks.

[@kaylayangx]

Do you have the FWD or AWD?

[@fmaples1]

@@kaylayangx it's the AWD but honestly most drivers will get less mpg because of my conservative driving habits and rural roads where I live. Great car, no problems, quiet and comfortable. Most of the reviews mention that the 2.5 engine is lackluster but for me I wouldn't drive any differently if it had 350 HP. It's a quality car with a premium feel. That's more than enough for me.

[@jovandjukic5923]

Do same this test with Jeep Compass 4x4....i do not like this awd system on Tucson...

[@xlaz13x]

Which part of eastern Washington? Looks to be near the blue mountains?

[@drivingsports]

Just outside Ellensburg.

[@Iwo26]

Hyundai is impressing me recently with every new car they release.

[@mark_alexander]

Please ask Hyundai for an international or Canadian model. It comes with mud and sand mode which I have found are much more aggressive and competent at wheel braking

[@robertoavalosjr.2529]

not happening, is not a rav4, its meant for city

[@RiasatAbir]

@@robertoavalosjr.2529 can handle this mild softroad with ease.

[@robertoavalosjr.2529]

@@RiasatAbir with a good impact on its exterior, for sure

[@RiasatAbir]

@@robertoavalosjr.2529 lol it will handle same as rav4.

[@robertoavalosjr.2529]

@@RiasatAbir lol no, no torque vectoring on all 4wheels, and dual wet clutch, of course not 😊

[@b00lsheet]

On the "legacy hillclimb", we can see that regardless of the mode, everytime the awd figures itself out it's because the whole front shifted right. This is heavily pronounced in the "normal" quadrant (lower right) but it's there nonetheless in other modes.

[@keithnewton8981]

Sorry in the phev there mud/snow ,Rock, sand, road. Why are you not using the different terrain settings. Why are you not using the Hill ascent and decent controls unless European tucson are very to north American where is you terrain response settings

[@oogabooga72]

Something was off with that 6 speed auto in the Hybrid

[@kathrynwitwicki2908]

Weird I have a gravel mode it my 2022 Tucson. (Also mud and snow) with the 3 eco smart and sport.

[@drivingsports]

Non-US models have those features.

[@einarb86]

its not a 4 wheel drive, its a normal 2 wheel, no differential brake in the rear?

[@aaajjworm]

good review. no hybrid for me!

[@albinflyckt7983]

OMG first comment! Looking forward to this one! 😄

[@aaronbryan5095]

All the drive modes in regular Hyundais and Kias are superfluous at best, just to make people who know almost nothing about cars feel better about the vehicle they purchased.

[@venomtailOG]

Will we ever see you do the Toyota Hilux? Many of the US SUV's aren't available here in Europe like the 4Runner. Would love to see how capable the Hilux is, kinda need something competent at offroading, carrying and towing things.

[@drivingsports]

Unfortunately we can’t get the Hilux here.

[@venomtailOG]

@@drivingsports Hope you come visit Europe on a "trip" some day then ;)

[@drivingsports]

@@venomtailOG we’re well overdue!