by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Hyundai Tucson is finally getting into the electric game, and it’s creating quite the buzz in the auto world with its new hybrid model. It’s unclear if the 2022 model has enough going for it to beat out the ever-popular Honda CR-V, but the all-new hybrid version will doubtless win it some much-needed consumer love. So, what else does the 2022 Tucson have to offer, and how does it compare to the 2021 Tucson model?

What’s so great about the 2022 Hyundai Tucson?

Hybrid lovers who want the best of both worlds will be thrilled to learn that the new Tucson is now on the lineup. It’s a big step forward for Hyundai, which has come a long way over the years. 

Hyundai has focused on adding more tech to the Tucson, with features such as half-mirror type daytime running lamps, which are only visible when illuminated. While many drivers don’t need lights during the day, others are only too happy with any additional features which will help them drive.

The most noticeable changes are located in the interior, and the Hyundai Media Center created a visual picture when it stated, “The broad ridge of the dashboard blends consistently with the doors, wrapping around front occupants like a geologic gorge, while a vertically oriented, fully integrated center fascia descends to the console like a waterfall. Twin silver garnish lines streaming from the center fascia to the rear doors harmonize neatly layered surface materials in complementary, neutral tones. Ambient mood lighting is adjustable to 64 colors in ten levels of brightness.”

Can the 2022 Tucson top what the 2021 has to offer?

According to the Hyundai Media Center, the 2021 Tucson didn’t offer many changes from the 2020 model beyond a few color changes. Coliseum Gray was a new feature, while the Sage Brown color option was dropped completely. Gemstone Red became Red Crimson, and Black Noir Pearl was replaced with Ash Black. However, the 2022 model has quite a few changes in comparison to the 2021 model.

One of the most noticeable features that is different on the 2022 model, besides the available hybrid version, is the bigger size. According to the Hyundai Media Center, the 2022 model is larger and has more passenger room. 

How much does the 2022 Tucson cost?

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson has already hit showroom floors, so drivers can shop for one now. The model starts at $24,950 for the entry-level Tucson SE. This trim offers quite a bit for this price. It includes an eight-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, HD Radio, a six-speaker stereo, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The SEL has a starting price of $26,500. This trim adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, two additional USB ports, satellite radio, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start. 

The all-new N Line starts at $30,600. Additional features include the Convenience package, Bose stereo, and all of the SEL trim features, plus unique styling tweaks to the front and rear bumpers, headlight bezels, grille, wheels, rear spoiler, front seats, and pedal covers.

The Tucson Limited is the highest trim level, and it starts at $34,700. It offers all of the SEL, Convenience, and Premium features, plus a 10.25-inch touch screen, navigation, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel with shift paddles, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated rear seats, front and rear parking sensors, rear collision warning, a surround-view parking camera system, blind-spot cameras, remote-controlled parking, and a semi-autonomous driving mode.

The hybrid trims are the Blue ($29,050), SEL Convenience ($31,650), and Limited ($37,350) models. The prices for the hybrid versions might be higher, but you’ll undoubtedly get that money back as you save at the pumps.

RELATED: Insanely Cool-Looking 2022 Hyundai Tucson Can’t Mask Engine Shortcomings

The post How Is the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Different From the 2021 Tucson? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Police departments around the U.S. have had a tough time in the turbulent past few years. Politics aside, it used to be funny watching police officers play solitaire on in-car computers while driving on the road. However, are Tesla police cars and electric vehicles the answer to police department woes?

Are there Tesla police cars?

A few police departments around the country have opted to add some Tesla electric vehicles to fleets. According to Business Insider, one New York police department took delivery of a Tesla Model Y EV and received immediate backlash. The Hastings-on-Hudson Police Department was proud of the Model Y purchase and posted the new vehicle on social media.

“The Hastings PD took delivery of a brand new Tesla Model Y today! It will serves as the police car assigned to the Detective Division. This is the first Model Y that has been outfitted with lights, sirens and radio for police use – in the whole country (maybe even the world!) Keep an eye out for our new ride!”

Hastings on Hudson Police Department

The department noted officers would use the Model Y for the detective decision. Social media users did not love the idea of the $50,000 electric vehicle purchase. The usual Dodge Charger retails at around $30,000 brand new.

What police department has Tesla police cars?

The Hastings-on-Hudson Police Department thought the Tesla investment was a good step in the direction of environmental sustainability and a lower gas bill. Over five years, the Model Y could save around $8,500 in fuel savings. In addition, electric vehicles often require less maintenance than regular gasoline-powered vehicles.

Companies like Amazon and the United States Postal Service have started making the switch to electric. Companies like Rivian have started providing EVs to said companies to be more green and save on fuel.

Back in 2019, Business Insider reported that a Fremont Police Department was using Tesla police cars. However, someone forgot to charge the Tesla Model S, and the criminal got away. “I am down to six miles of battery on the Tesla, so I may lose it here in a sec,” Jesse Hartman, a Fremont Police Department officer, said.

What are the cost benefits to a Tesla EV?

More Tesla police cars are popping up around the country. The Electric Vehicle Club of Connecticut published an article recently on how the department’s Tesla saves “tens of thousands of dollars.” The group stated that the purchase premium was recouped after one year, and after four years, the savings would be enough to purchase another Tesla police car. The use of one EV saved 23.5 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

The Westport Police purchased a Tesla Model 3 to be fully customized for the department’s use. The department picked the Model 3 due to the low price. Based on the idea that electric vehicles have lower maintenance costs than regular gasoline-powered vehicles, the graph above demonstrates that. The group compared this to the costs associated with a standard Ford Explorer.

It shows the savings of the Tesla police car continued to increase as the years went on. While the cost of the Tesla stayed around the same, the cost of maintenance on a Ford Explorer continued to grow over the years. While this information might not apply to every Tesla across the board, it does offer an interesting point. Tesla police cars might take some getting used to, but the electric vehicles seem to provide benefits.

RELATED: How Many Years Will an Electric Vehicle Last?

The post Tesla Police Cars Are a Thing, but Is This the Best Idea? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.