Buying a used car right now feels like a minefield. You're constantly weighing reliability against tech, and price against that "new car" smell that lingers for about three weeks. When the 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL hit the market, it wasn't just another crossover. It was a complete radical departure from the boring, soap-bar styling of the previous generation. Hyundai went bold. Like, "origami-folded metal and hidden headlights" bold.
But here is the thing.
Most people looking at a 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL are trying to figure out if they should save the money and skip the Limited trim or if the SEL is too "basic" to be comfortable. Honestly, after spending a lot of time looking at owner reports and technical bulletins, the SEL is a weirdly specific beast. It sits right in the middle of the lineup, but depending on which "packages" the original owner ticked off, you could be looking at two completely different vehicles.
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL and the Power Equation
Let’s talk about what's under the hood because this is where the nuance lives. Every gas-only 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It pumps out 187 horsepower.
Is it fast? No.
If you are trying to merge onto a fast-moving interstate with a full load of groceries and three kids in the back, you are going to hear that engine work. It’s buzzy. It’s an Atkinson-cycle engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is great for efficiency but sometimes feels like it’s searching for the right gear when you’re in a hurry. You get about 26 mpg combined with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), or 29 mpg if you stick to Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).
If you want speed, you actually have to look at the Hybrid version of the SEL. That one uses a 1.6-liter turbo and an electric motor to give you 226 horsepower. It feels punchier. It’s quieter. But if you are looking at the standard gas model, just know that you’re buying a cruiser, not a corner-carver.
What You Actually Get Inside
Inside the cabin, the SEL is where things get interesting. Hyundai decided to ditch most physical buttons in favor of touch-sensitive panels, which, to be blunt, can be a pain if you’re trying to adjust the volume while wearing gloves.
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The seats are cloth by default. But a lot of 2022 models sitting on dealer lots right now have the Convenience Package. If you find one with that, you’re getting a sunroof, a power liftgate, and wireless charging. It basically turns the SEL into a "Limited-lite."
The legroom is genuinely massive. Hyundai stretched the wheelbase for this generation, and it shows. You can fit a 6-foot adult behind another 6-foot adult without anyone's knees hitting a seatback. That’s rare for this class. Even the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V feel a bit tighter in the back compared to the Tucson's airy rear quarters.
Real World Problems: The Stuff Nobody Tells You
Nothing is perfect. The 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL has had a few growing pains.
For starters, there was a significant recall regarding the ABS module that could potentially cause an engine compartment fire. If you are looking at a VIN today, you absolutely must check if the "HECU" recall (Recall 251) has been performed. It’s a simple fix for a dealer, but it’s non-negotiable for safety.
Then there's the infotainment.
The SEL comes with an 8-inch screen. Ironically, this "smaller" screen is actually better than the 10.25-inch screen in the higher trims for one specific reason: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wait, what?
Yeah, it’s a weird quirk of 2022 Hyundais. The fancy big screen requires a cord. The "basic" SEL screen lets you leave your phone in your pocket. It’s one of those bizarre industry flips where the cheaper trim has the more convenient tech feature.
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- Check for transmission shudder at low speeds.
- Verify the backup camera clarity; some owners reported "foggy" lenses.
- Look at the door seals. A few early production models had wind whistle issues.
- Test the heater. There were some reports of the blend door actuator sticking, which means you get cold air when you want hot.
Comparing the SEL to the Competition
Why would you pick this over a CX-5 or a Rogue?
The Mazda CX-5 feels more expensive inside. It uses real leather and wood. But it’s cramped. The Tucson SEL feels like a spaceship by comparison. It’s wider, the windows are bigger, and the cargo space is 38.7 cubic feet. That is a lot of room for strollers or camping gear.
The Nissan Rogue has those "Zero Gravity" seats which are undeniably comfy, but the Tucson's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (if you're the original owner or buying Certified Pre-Owned) is a massive safety net that Nissan just doesn't match.
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL is for the person who wants the boldest looking car in the parking lot without paying the $40,000 price tag that luxury brands demand. It’s a statement piece that also happens to be very good at being a boring family car.
The Mystery of the Hidden Headlights
You've probably noticed the grille. When the car is off, it looks like one big piece of dark chrome. When you turn it on, the outer edges of the grille glow. These are the Parametric Hidden Lights.
It’s a cool trick.
It also means that if you get into a minor fender bender, the repair bill for that front end is going to be higher than a traditional car. There is a lot of tech packed into that plastic "face."
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Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership
If you're buying a used 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL today, you're likely seeing prices anywhere from $22,000 to $27,000 depending on mileage.
Hyundai's GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engines can be prone to carbon buildup over long periods. To keep an SEL running smooth, don't skip the fuel system cleaners and make sure you're using high-quality synthetic oil. These aren't the "set it and forget it" engines of the 1990s. They need a bit of love.
Also, pay attention to the tires. The stock tires on the 2022 models weren't known for being particularly quiet. If the car you're looking at still has the original rubber and it's over 30,000 miles, factor the cost of a new set of Michelins or Continentals into your offer. It will transform the ride quality.
Is it the right choice?
Look, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL isn't a sports car. It’s not a luxury limo.
It is a highly competent, slightly futuristic, incredibly spacious crossover that handles the "boring" parts of life with a bit of style. If you can find one with the Convenience Package and a clean service history, it's arguably the best value in the 2022 lineup. You get the safety tech—blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist—without the "Limited" price tag.
Actionable Steps for Buyers
- Check the VIN for Recall 251. Do not drive the car off the lot until you confirm the ABS fuse/module issue has been addressed.
- Prioritize the Convenience Package. It adds the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and the power sunroof. Without it, the SEL interior feels a bit "rental car."
- Test the Wireless CarPlay. Make sure your specific phone connects quickly. Some early software versions were buggy, but a firmware update usually clears it up.
- Listen for the "VGE" (Variable Geometry Exhaust) rattle. A small number of 2022 Tucsons had a rattle in the exhaust heat shield that can be annoying but is an easy fix.
- Verify Warranty Transfer. If buying from a non-Hyundai dealer, remember the 10-year warranty usually drops to 5-years/60,000 miles for the second owner unless it's a "Certified Pre-Owned" (CPO) unit.
The Tucson is a solid bet, but like any piece of tech-heavy machinery, the details matter more than the badge. Take it for a long test drive, get it up to highway speeds, and see if that 2.5-liter engine's hum is something you can live with. Most people find it’s a fair trade for the style and space you get in return.