Tucson plug-in hybrid is Hyundai's long-range roamer

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- These days, getting a second look at a motor vehicle model is more important -- and helpful -- than ever.

Take the 2022 Hyundai Tucson.

Yes, I enjoyed my time in the 2022 Tucson Limited Hybrid AWD, and my Oct. 21, 2021 blog post/review reflected that.

Attractive, sleek exterior look. Universally praised interior, stylish and surprisingly roomy for a compact crossover sport-utility vehicle.  Generous standard features and priced below equivalent SUVs offered by competitors.

And yeah, that hybrid powertrain felt pretty good at 37 miles per gallon in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

But a week in a 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD plug-in hybrid felt REALLY good with a gas-electric fuel rating equivalent of 80 miles per gallon.  Gas prices being as volatile as they are, the PHEV Tucson is a noteworthy option at Hyundai car lots.

The plug-in has a 1.6-liter turbo-4 base, and the gas-electric hybrid powertrain generates a max 261 horsepower.  The plug-in battery is more robust than the standard hybrid battery.

What the PHEV Tucson gave me was feisty performance and quick response. All-electric range is generally pegged at 33 miles, and with a high-speed charger, the PHEV Tucson can be restored to 100 percent in less than two hours.

Impressive?  Very.

Everything else on the PHEV is what you'd expect, with a wealth of features -- including rain-sensing wipers and smart cruise control -- not necessarily expected in the compact SUV segment.

You do pay a price for the plug-in technology.  The tester came in at $44,370, but the long-term fuel savings quickly balances the economic scales.

Overall, the Tucson competes very well in the ridiculously competitive compact SUV category.  And with the PHEV option, shoppers have a bonus in their favor.