It’s easy to dismiss or classify the Hyundai Tucson as the alternative to more popular models like the Rav4 and CR-V. That would be a mistake nowadays given how much the Tucson has ‘glowed up’ since the introduction of the current generation in 2022.
I’ve heard decent but not exciting things about the current generation, up until I got a chance to borrow the latest version. It gets a subtle facelift and the addition of hybrid power.
These small differences have transformed the Hyundai Tucson from a middling to an absolutely great vehicle.
2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
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Lookswise this facelifted model (launched in 2024) ushers in a sharper and more aggressive overall look, that’s not to say the Tuscon looked bad before, in fact, I always felt that the current generation Hyundai lineup is probably the most stylish looking in the whole industry.
The Tuscon embodies that with a plethora of interesting design elements and angles, there are barely any flat surfaces on the body and the design is very much individualistic, nothing else will ever be mistaken for a Tucson except the actual vehicle itself.
Interior
As much as the Korean automaker has nailed its exterior designs, I personally think the interior work is the highlight. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid interior at first glance may seem normal or even boring, but looking closer you’ll notice how intuitive and ergonomic the layout is.
Mind you it also features many interesting design elements like a not completely round steering wheel bottom, a ‘floating’ center armrest/console that houses some controls for the vehicle’s drive modes, the wireless charging pad, and the cupholders, all conveniently placed an arm’s length away.
Of course, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid completes the modern car features checklist like a sizable display panel for the instrument cluster and infotainment screen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, dual climate control system, and a huge panoramic sunroof.
The most impressive thing though is the interior space, there is so much space inside the Tucson, the 2nd-row headroom and legroom are plentiful without compromising the cargo space, and I was able to fit my golf bag with space to spare which usually isn’t the case.
Engine and Safety
The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter Smartstream gasoline engine paired with a battery electric motor hybrid making a very healthy 235 Ps and 367 Nm of torque. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic unit, interestingly not the 8-speed found in the diesel variant.
Safety is always a priority for Hyundai, as such the Tucson delivers safe driving with Smartsense system complete with adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and many many more.
Driving Impressions
This is where I fell for the Tucson hybrid, having had it during the peak holiday period of mid to late December to early January, I was able to test it thoroughly both in the hustle and bustle, plus a one-day out-of-town jaunt.
In the city I appreciated how light it felt to drive even if I knew this was a heavy Crossover, the powertrain didn’t show a hint of strain or complaint at all even at steep inclines it was able to stay in EV mode. I also have to commend the powertrain for being one of the smoothest hybrid systems out there, I would barely notice when the gasoline engine would switch while driving, there were no shudders or sudden noises ensuring a very smooth transition.
The power of 235 PS is more than enough to hustle the Tucson hybrid, and the use of a normal 6-speed automatic as opposed to the rather lifeless CVTs was a very good move on Hyundai’s part, making the driving experience feel better and more natural, especially during overtaking and faster-paced driving.
Handling was a pleasant surprise as well, it felt composed even during some hard cornering and quick acceleration, the ride though takes the cake as one of the most comfortable in the market today, It has a reassuring firmness without being uncomfortable.
Lastly, the hybrid system has to be one of the most frugal and efficient in the market today, I was able to drive a total of 407 km mixed between city and highway and an average of 5.6 l/100 km (which is about 17.8 km/l), that is for me incredible given the holiday traffic rush I subjected the vehicle to multiple times, in that whole almost 2 week period of being driven daily, the car was returned to the brand with more than half a tank left to go.
Points for improvement
My only real issue with the Tucson hybrid is the engine sound, when it would turn on and during acceleration, it sounded crass and slightly unrefined, surprising given the overall smoothness of the drive.
Price and verdict
At PHP 2,290,000USD 38,884INR 3,309,737EUR 37,442CNY 283,960 the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is priced competitively against the older Rav4 and the more expensive CR-V RS, and in all honesty I would say better than both at the moment.
I have written in the past 2 years how Hyundai has seemingly shaken off its old image of providing cheaper alternatives and has come forward with great products that are not only as good as but even class-leading in many respects. The Tucson is an example of that: a great overall package, a classy, modern, efficient, and practical crossover.
