How to Change Your 2022 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L's Oil — DIY Guide
How to Change Your 2022 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L's Oil — DIY Guide
Here's what I do every time I service the 2022 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L — and it's one of the most straightforward modern oil changes in the compact SUV segment. The Tucson's Smartstream G2.5 GDi engine uses a cartridge filter in a top-mounted housing, which is cleaner to work with than a spin-on. Hyundai dealers charge $140–$180; DIY cost runs about $40–$55. The key spec to get right: this engine calls for 0W-30, not 0W-20.
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| Item | OEM / Spec | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Oil filter | Hyundai 26320-2S000 | Cartridge element, top-mount housing |
| Drain plug washer | Hyundai 21513-23001 | Aluminum crush washer |
| Motor oil | 0W-30 full synthetic | API SP / ILSAC GF-6A, Hyundai spec |
| Capacity | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) with filter | Smartstream G2.5 GDi |
| Drain plug torque | 26 lb-ft (35 Nm) | 17mm hex |
Additional tools: 17mm socket, oil filter wrench (27mm), drain pan, funnel, torque wrench.
Oil note: The 2022 Tucson 2.5L specifies 0W-30 — this is correct, not a typo. Hyundai shifted some models to 0W-30 for fuel economy and low-temperature performance. Using 5W-30 or 0W-20 is not harmful in warm climates, but 0W-30 is the OEM spec. Mobil 1 0W-30, Castrol Edge 0W-30, and Hyundai Genuine 0W-30 all meet spec.
Filter note: The 26320-2S000 cartridge is shared with the 2022 Kia Sportage 2.5L and several Kia/Hyundai GDi models.
DIY vs. Shop Cost
| Item | DIY Cost | Shop Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 0W-30 full synthetic (6 qt) | $28–$40 | — |
| Hyundai 26320-2S000 filter | $8–$14 | — |
| Drain plug washer | $1–$2 | — |
| Total parts | ~$37–$56 | — |
| Labor | $0 | $100–$125 |
| Total | ~$37–$56 | $140–$181 |
Step-by-Step Oil Change
1. Warm the Engine
Run the Tucson for 5 minutes. The 5.3-qt capacity takes about 8 minutes to fully drain when warm.
2. Raise the Vehicle
The 2022 Tucson's undertray has a removable lower access panel. Use ramps or a floor jack with stands.
3. Remove the Filter Housing First
Use a 27mm filter wrench to loosen the housing cap from the top of the engine counterclockwise. Pull the cap with the old 26320-2S000 element out. Install the new O-ring from the filter kit on the housing before moving on.
4. Drain the Oil
Position the drain pan under the 17mm drain plug. Loosen and remove. The 5.3-qt drain takes 7–8 minutes. Remove the old aluminum crush washer.
5. Reinstall the Drain Plug
Thread in a new 21513-23001 aluminum washer. Hand-thread the drain plug, then torque to 26 lb-ft (35 Nm).
6. Complete the Filter Installation
Insert the new 26320-2S000 filter element into the housing. Reinstall the cap and torque to 18 lb-ft (25 Nm).
7. Add Oil
Add 5.0 quarts of 0W-30 synthetic. Start the engine, idle 90 seconds, shut off, wait 5 minutes. Check the dipstick and top up. Final capacity with filter is 5.3 quarts.
8. Check for Leaks
Check the filter housing cap and drain plug. Reinstall the undertray panel.
9. Reset the Maintenance Light
On the 2022 Tucson: press and hold OK on the steering wheel cluster → Maintenance → Oil Life → Reset.
2022 Tucson 2.5L Smartstream Ownership Notes
- Atkinson cycle operation: The Smartstream G2.5 can run in Atkinson cycle mode. Check oil level and color at 5,000-mile intervals regardless of the OLM reading.
- Direct injection carbon buildup: At 60,000+ miles, a port cleaning or fuel system cleaner treatment is worth doing.
- Dry timing chain at startup: The Smartstream uses a hydraulic tensioner that can take 1–2 seconds to prime at cold startup. Avoid high-revving immediately after cold start.
For related Hyundai oil change guides, see the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV service guide and the 2023 Hyundai Palisade 3.8L oil change guide.
Want step-by-step guides for every repair on your Hyundai? OwnerDrop has 28+ guides starting at $29.99/mo — see all plans at /pricing.
Written by OwnerDrop Team
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