Hyundai Tucson review

The latest Hyundai Tucson means business. Its striking looks, intuitive on-board tech and premium-feeling cabin help it stand out in the overcrowded mid-size SUV class, but the Tucson is a car that appeals to the head as well as to the heart. Efficiency-boosting hybrid technology and high levels of standard equipment can be found throughout the range, while the interior is one of the roomiest in the class and the boot is large enough to rival those of estate cars.

Yes, you’ll find the Tucson a little more expensive to buy now, but we think Hyundai has managed to create a family car that’s as desirable as it is sensible. That’s why we named it our Mid-size SUV of the Year in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

About the Hyundai Tucson

Let’s cut straight to the chase – the previous Tucson was a car that primarily sold itself on practicality, modest pricing and family usability, while decent levels of kit went some way towards making up for its distinct lack of flair. 

However, this fourth generation of Hyundai’s mid-size SUV is a slightly different proposition, keen to establish itself as a premium offering for families that value style and refinement, as well as the more prosaic qualities of overall load space and day-to-day functionality.

Competition is fierce in this sector of the market and many of the Tucson’s rivals have established USPs that help them stand out from the pack. The Volkswagen Tiguan has an unmistakable air of quality and a solid reputation, while the Ford Kuga is highly rated and brings a sense of driving fun to family SUV life. The Skoda Karoq and SEAT Ateca offer different blends of the tried and trusted Volkswagen Group formula, with Peugeot’s 3008 delivering a classy cabin and typical Gallic charm.

Also worth a mention among the myriad choices are the Japanese trio of the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, followed by yet further options in the form of the evergreen Nissan Qashqai, Renault Austral, Vauxhall Grandland and the Tucson’s own sister car, the Kia Sportage.

We’ve pitted the Tucson against multiple contenders over the years, with the Hyundai walking away with the winner’s medal each time. We have no doubt that Hyundai is clearly focused on not only taking on the best of the mainstream, but also nipping at the heels of the more upmarket brands like Audi and BMW.

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With prices starting from around £30,500, the Tucson range slightly undercuts the Tiguan and Kuga. However, Hyundai doesn’t really offer a typical entry-level trim, so you’ll be well catered for in terms of equipment even with the ‘base’ car.

The trim structure is pretty straightforward, starting with SE Connect and also taking in Premium, N Line, N Line S and top-of-the range Ultimate specifications. Standard kit on every model includes dual-zone air-con, cruise control, a rear camera, and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with sat-nav and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. 

The N Line models feature sporty tweaks inside and outside, and this trim is Hyundai’s riposte to cars like the VW Tiguan R-Line. You get 19-inch alloys, more aggressive bumpers and twin tailpipes, as well as a tailgate spoiler and sports seats. Top-spec cars feature luxuries such as adaptive cruise control, an electric tailgate, a panoramic glass sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats and wireless mobile phone charging.

Power options centre around a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine in various states of tune and with varying degrees of hybrid assistance. You can have a 148bhp petrol-only model with a regular six-speed manual gearbox, or trade-up to a slightly more efficient version with 48-volt mild-hybrid tech and either 148bhp or 178bhp.

A full-hybrid model is also available, using a 1.49kWh battery and a 59bhp electric motor that works with the petrol engine to produce a total output of 227bhp. The engine options are rounded off with a 261bhp plug-in hybrid version with four-wheel drive and a pure-electric driving range of 38 miles.

The full and plug-in hybrid cars use a six-speed auto transmission, while the 148bhp and 178bhp mild-hybrid variants employ a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. The lower-powered version is also available with Hyundai’s six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (IMT), which uses clever electronics to assist with changing gear, rather than operating a conventional clutch pedal.

For an alternative review of the Hyundai Tucson, visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk...