The worldwide upheaval brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has tended to warp our notion of time over the past couple years, so that you is perhaps shocked to be taught the present Hyundai Tucson has already been round since April 2021.
And but each time I see one on the highway it nonetheless appears recent to me and totally up to date. However right here’s the factor, I nonetheless can’t make my thoughts about Tucson’s edgy design up in opposition to the smoother, extra refined traces of arch rival and shut cousin, the Kia Sportage.
Whereas most vehicles are designed with one or two character traces that have a tendency to present form to the facet profile, I depend six particular person traces and creases on the Tucson. It’s loads for the attention to soak up and a vastly completely different method to the Sportage which boasts a extra interesting look to me.
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However, I do just like the entrance and rear-end therapies on the Tucson, particularly the grille and its hidden daytime operating lights, in addition to the full-width LED gentle bar on the rear that joins to the 2 units of snake-fang tail gentle assemblies. The Kia Sportage has an analogous strip, but it surely doesn’t gentle up.
Actually, I’ve by no means been so undecided about two same-segment automobiles which share a lot beneath, but look so fully completely different within the metallic. My overarching opinion appears to vary every week, which is why I’ve climbed again into the Hyundai earlier than doing the identical with the Kia in an try to get extra readability.
Both method, the present and fourth-generation Tucson is much extra revolutionary than evolutionary in design over its predecessor, providing the very newest in lively security and tech, together with sufficient house and practicality to rival most massive SUVs, not to mention the medium section.
It must shine too given the mid-size SUV section continues to commerce locations with utes as the one best section within the nation boasting at least 22 fashions beneath 19 separate manufacturers of these priced beneath $60,000
Taking a look at November’s yr so far gross sales figures, the famous person within the section stays Toyota RAV4 (32,652 items), adopted by Mazda CX-5 (25,425), Mitsubishi Outlander (17,494 items) and Kia Sportage (17,341 items), with the Hyundai sitting nicely outdoors a podium end with 16,227 gross sales recorded for the yr up to now.
Hyundai has a correct combat on its arms particularly on the top quality, with pricing for the Tucson Highlander 2.0D AWD examined right here – neck and neck with the equal Sportage, and fewer than a thousand bucks separating the highest four-selling fashions listed above.
How a lot does the Hyundai Tucson Highlander 2.0D AWD price?
Since launching in April 2021, Hyundai has elevated the checklist value of the Tucson vary by $400, taking the Highlander 2.0D AWD examined right here to $52,400 plus on-road prices.
Subsequent rung down is similar Highlander trim, however with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine as a substitute of the diesel, and priced from $50,400 excluding on-roads. Consumers can even go for the naturally-aspirated front-wheel drive Highlander with a 2.0-litre petrol engine from $46,400 plus on-roads.
Thoughts, in the event you’re extra frugal along with your cash and don’t thoughts ditching among the luxurious options, you may get right into a Hyundai Tucson for as little as $34,900 plus on-roads, which packs the identical NA 2.0-litre engine with front-wheel drive.
Vary-topping rivals embody the Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD Hybrid ($52,700), Mazda CX-5 D35 Akera AWD ($53,880) and Kia Sportage GT-Line Diesel AWD ($52,370).
2023 Hyundai Tucson pricing
- Hyundai Tucson 2.Zero FWD: $34,900
- Hyundai Tucson Elite 2.Zero FWD: $39,400
- Hyundai Tucson Elite 1.6T AWD: $43,400
- Hyundai Tucson Elite 2.0D AWD: $45,400
- Hyundai Tucson Highlander 2.Zero FWD: $46,400
- Hyundai Tucson Highlander 1.6T AWD: $50,400
- Hyundai Tucson Highlander 2.0D AWD: $52,400
Costs exclude on-road prices
What’s the Hyundai Tucson Highlander 2.0D AWD like on the within?
Our Tucson Highlander tester got here with the non-compulsory brown leather-appointed seats choice which instantly lifts the general atmosphere within the cabin (it’s also possible to get Gray), and for a negligible price.
On the very least, it appears and feels semi-premium, whereas others may describe it as straight-up luxurious given the seat heating and cooling capabilities alone which means the leather-based is perforated from high to backside.
These seats are thickly cushioned, too, on each seat and seatback with distinction piping and stitching besides, together with ornamental metal-look inserts which body the headrests.
You’ve additionally obtained the added comfort of the driving force or rear-seat passenger with the ability to electrically transfer the seat and seatback ahead or aft for simple entry or elevated rear legroom – so long as you bear in mind they’re truly there.
Like the outside, the cockpit is a completely digital tackle cabin design. One which ditches all method of knobs and dials in favour of touchscreens and haptic buttons, aside from these on the steering wheel and drive choose panel.
In a transfer that’s turning into more and more in style with carmakers as of late, there’s additionally no conventional shifter. Not even a small toggle swap like Porsche makes use of. As an alternative, a couple of metal-look gear choose buttons (P, R, N and D), which frees up extra space for storing for the likes of sunglass instances, telephones and keys, and many others.
Each the driving force’s show and central touchscreen supply crystal-clear graphics and color replica, although at 10.25-inches, they’re virtually appear small in what’s a cavernous inside house. Even the Kia Sportage will get bigger 12.3-inch shows.
However right here’s the difficulty. Name it piano black or gloss black, both method, there’s an terrible lot of it up entrance in Tucson’s cockpit, and after just a few days, it’s already coated in smudgy, oily finger marks.
Not ideally suited and very like black vehicles – they give the impression of being good after a wash – and horrible a couple of hours later.
Aside from the annoyance of not having a bodily quantity knob, the Tucson additionally lacks wi-fi Apple CarPlay (it does get wi-fi charging), and I’m discovering the wired model a bit buggy, even after attempting a few completely different Apple-brand cables.
That’s USB-A, not the quicker, better-fitting USB-C variations. Nonetheless, there are many them – two up entrance and two out again for rear-seat passengers.
Again seat passengers additionally get well-contoured and comfortably-cushioned seats, in addition to a centre armrest with two cupholders and a stack of leg and elbow room.
Boot house behind the second row quantities to 539L, which is simply wanting the associated Sportage (543L), however trumps the CX-5 (442L). The RAV4 is the clear winner within the class with as much as 580L out there again there.
Conveniently, you’ll be able to merely pull levers within the boot that routinely fold the rear seats – virtually flat.
It’s additionally necessary to notice, each Tucson and Sportage get a full-size spare wheel hidden beneath the boot flooring.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Because the vary topper the Tucson Highlander CRDi will get a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel 4 with 137kW of energy at 4000rpm and a sturdy 416Nm of torque from 2000rpm-2750rpm. It’s paired with an eight-speed automated transmission sending drive to all 4 wheels on demand.
Alternatively, patrons can save various thousand by selecting the 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol 4 outputting 132kW at 5500rpm and 265Nm between 1500rpm and 4500rpm via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
As a less expensive choice into Tucson Highlander possession, there’s additionally a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine that makes 115kW and 192Nm driving the entrance wheels completely via a six-speed auto transmission.
Whereas the diesel model instructions a two-grand premium over its 1.6T petrol sibling, there’s not the distinction in gasoline consumption as you may need anticipated. The extra frugal diesel brings a 6.3L/100km mixed consumption declare, the turbo petrol makes use of 7.6L/100km by comparability.
Nonetheless, on take a look at round city, our Highlander CRDi returned a median of 9.4L/100km, as a result of begin/cease driving model that higher fits the petrol motor.
Importantly, it shortly settled right into a extra economical state of consumption by dropping to 7.3L/100km throughout longer motorway stints of round 100 kilometres or so at a median velocity of 90km/h.
The Highlander diesel additionally incorporates Hyundai’s Multi-Terrain Mode completely. It provides Snow, Mud and Sand settings for the all-wheel-drive system. Nonetheless, each engine sorts include a collection of selectable drive modes that features Good, Eco, Regular and Sport choices.
How does the Hyundai Tucson Highlander 2.0D AWD drive?
First off, the driving place is great, inserting the driving force deeper into the cockpit that a few of its high-riding rivals, but nonetheless boasting good all-round imaginative and prescient.
We additionally like the very fact drivers can flip off ‘lane-keeping help’ just by holding down a button on the steering wheel for a couple of seconds.
However whereas the turbo-diesel is perhaps the choose of the crop, it’s not probably the most refined powertrain – particularly beneath load – no matter whether or not you accelerating on the flat or climbing a hill. It’s that nasty gravelly noise both method.
To be honest although, I can’t truly consider a single four-pot oiler that manages to efficiently masks its inherent unrefined nature all that nicely – not one.
The tractor-like rattle within the Tucson solely begins to subside when the smooth-shifting, eight-speed auto kicks up a gear, and the rpms drop nicely under 2000rpm.
That’s when there’s little or no load on the engine; by you then’re all however cruising, and solely then might you name it quiet and befitting of the semi-premium class of automobile the Highlander is.
When you’re in control on the motorway although, the Tucson takes on a completely completely different character – nearly purring alongside at 100km/h with out a lot as a touch of the oiler that lurk beneath.
Drivers have the selection of switching between varied drive modes together with Sport, however don’t hassle, it simply holds onto the gears longer (and sends extra torque to the rear), thereby accentuating the mechanical racket. Finest to only depart it in Regular or Good full-time.
Not like the Sportage which will get an area suspension tune, the Tucson does with a worldwide tune; and for probably the most half it will get the trip/dealing with stability virtually proper. If something, it skews barely sporty when it comes to general trip compliance.
The proving floor has been my native Northern Seashores, the place damaged highway and tacky pothole repairs stay the norm. Most of those barely register contained in the cabin, particularly damaged highway and smaller bumps.
It’s no nook carver but it surely’s definitely sound within the bends, with just a few light roll on turn-in and good weight stability general. It’s not the form of factor that desires to be hurried via a roundabout, however there’s good composure and a willingness to vary route shortly, if vital.
Aside from engine response, which could be a bit laggy, all the opposite mechanical controls are usually linear – specifically brakes and steering. There’s no actual suggestions from the latter, however the weighting is a minimum of constant from via a flip.
The brakes don’t really feel massively highly effective or initially grabby like some, however pressing stopping requires a correct boot full, although pedal really feel is true.
No shock it’s the diesel which might haul the larger trailer masses, with a towing capability of 1900kg, and a towball obtain weight of 100kg.
What do you get?
Tucson Highlander highlights:
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Wired Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
- Blind Spot View Monitor
- Bose premium sound system
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights and tail lights
- Darkish chrome grille with hidden DRLs
- Powered entrance seats with driver reminiscence
- Heated entrance & rear seats
- Ventilated entrance seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- 360° surround-view cameras
- Keyless entry/begin with distant begin characteristic
- Leather-based upholstery
- Ambient lighting
- Passenger seat walk-in gadget
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Rear privateness glass
- Panoramic sunroof
- LED headlights and taillights
- LED cabin lights
- Distant park help
- Powered tailgate
Choices
Choices for the Tucson Highlander are few and much between however embody premium paint ($595), alternative of Gray or Brown leather-based upholstery ($295), and N Line Possibility Pack ($1000).
N Line Possibility Pack provides:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster (Tucson, Elite)
- Sports activities seats
- LED headlights, tail lights (Tucson, Elite)
- Leather-based and suede upholstery
- N Line steering wheel
- Black inside with black headliner
- Steel pedals
Is the Hyundai Tucson Highlander 2.0D AWD protected?
The Tucson line-up will get a five-star ANCAP security score issued for all variations from its Could 2021 debut.
Grownup and little one occupant safety was 86 and 87 per cent respectively, whereas susceptible highway person was 66 per cent and security help scored 70 per cent.
Normal security options embody:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Lane Following Help
- Lane hold help
- Blind-spot help
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Clever velocity restrict help
- Reversing digicam
- Rear parking sensors
- Main car departure alert
- Secure exit warning
- Tyre strain monitoring
- 7 airbags incl. front-centre airbag
The flagship Highlander grade provides commonplace options resembling LED headlights and tail lights, Blind Spot View Monitor (a nifty digicam/display-based in-dash blind-spot monitor system) and formally provides reverse AEB, although it can autonomously brake if it senses a possible rear-cross visitors collision.
The blind-spot detection system may even adjoining automobiles, whereas a Rear Occupant Alert Superior system screens the second row after the engine has shut down and the doorways are locked, triggering an audible warning if motion is detected. This can be a nice doubtlessly life-saving characteristic.
How a lot does the Hyundai Tucson Highlander 2.0D AWD price to run?
The Tucson vary is roofed by Hyundai’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
Not like the 1.6T which requires servicing each 12 months or 10,000kms, the two.0-litre diesel and petrol variations stretch their service intervals out to 15,000km which is extra in keeping with opponents.
Hyundai presents service packages costing $957 (three years/30,000km), $1276 (4 years/40,000km) and $1595 (5 years/50,000km) upfront, the latter understanding to $319 per yr.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Hyundai Tucson Highlander 2.0D AWD
Even at $52,000 the Tucson Highlander represents good worth for cash, due to the in depth checklist of luxurious options and spacious cabin.
However that’s just about the identical for anybody of its top-four rivals too. Ultimately it comes all the way down to design, house, practicality, engineering and tech – and the Tucson is robust throughout the board.
For an additional thousand bucks, I’d add the N Line Pack for the leather-based and suede trim alone, to not point out eight different goodies that include it. And whilst you’re at it tick the field for Brown leather-based too, it actually does carry the premium-ness inside.
Thoughts, I’d nonetheless love a extra refined diesel even when that meant paying additional for an inline-six, however aside from that, there’s little to complain about at this stage within the Tucson vary.
However, I stay on the fence on the subject of Tucson styling versus Sportage. I switched again once more solely this morning, after eyeing off the entrance three-quarter view of the Hyundai – it stands out.
MORE: Everything Hyundai Tucson
Execs
- Loaded to the hilt with fancy options
- Pushes the design envelope
- A great deal of house
Cons
- The diesel is perhaps the choose but it surely’s noisy round city
- The styling will not be everybody’s cup of tea
- No bodily switchgear for HVAC and audio
High Line Specs
- Energy: 137kW
- Gas Kind: Diesel
- Financial system: 6.3L/100km
- CO2 Emissions: 163g/km
- ANCAP Security Ranking: 5
