{"id":638,"date":"2022-10-23T05:17:45","date_gmt":"2022-10-23T05:17:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/automobilenewsonline.com\/hyundai-tucson-review-auto-express\/"},"modified":"2022-10-23T05:17:45","modified_gmt":"2022-10-23T05:17:45","slug":"hyundai-tucson-review-auto-express","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/automobilenewsonline.com\/hyundai-tucson-review-auto-express\/","title":{"rendered":"Hyundai Tucson review | Auto Express"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Hyundai has decided that now is the right time to move the Tucson into serious premium territory. Is it a good call by the Korean manufacturer? Well, with a much improved interior, striking looks and plenty of useful on-board tech, it\u2019s clear that the Tucson means business.<\/p>\n
Efficiency-boosting hybrid powertrains are to be found throughout the range, while levels of standard equipment are high. Yes, you\u2019ll find the Tucson a little more expensive to buy, but we think it offers sufficient quality to justify its positioning, and we\u2019ve\u00a0made it our 2022 Mid-size SUV of the Year<\/a>.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s cut straight to the chase – the previous Tucson model 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Hyundai\u2019s fourth-generation mid-size SUV<\/a> is a slightly different proposition, keen to establish itself as a premium offering for families<\/a> that value style and refinement, as well as the more prosaic qualities of overall load space and day-to-day functionality.<\/p>\n Competition is fierce in this market sector and many of the Tucson\u2019s rivals have established USPs that help them stand out from the pack. The Volkswagen Tiguan<\/a> has an unmistakable air of quality and a solid reputation, while the Ford Kuga<\/a> is highly rated and brings a sense of driving fun to family SUV<\/a> life. The Skoda Karoq<\/a> and SEAT Ateca<\/a> offer different blends of the tried and trusted Volkswagen<\/a> Group formula, with Peugeot\u2019s 3008<\/a> delivering a classy cabin and typical Gallic charm.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Also worth a mention in the myriad choices are the Japanese trio of the Mazda CX-5<\/a>, Toyota RAV4<\/a> and Honda CR-V<\/a>, followed by yet further options in the form of the evergreen Nissan Qashqai<\/a>, Kia Sportage<\/a>, Renault Kadjar<\/a> and Vauxhall Grandland<\/a>.<\/p>\n That\u2019s all just for starters, as the Tucson also has designs on buyers looking at the premium end of the market. It would appear to be in with a chance too, as when we pitched the Tucson against the more luxurious Lexus NX<\/a> in a head-to-head test, the Korean SUV walked away with the crown. So, be in no doubt that Hyundai has a clear focus for not only taking on the best of the mainstream, but also nipping at the heels of the more upmarket brands like Audi<\/a> and BMW<\/a>.<\/p>\n With prices starting from around \u00a329,000, buying into the Tucson range is more expensive when compared to the Tiguan<\/a> and Kuga<\/a>, although Hyundai<\/a> doesn\u2019t really offer a typical entry-level trim, so you\u2019ll be well catered for in terms of equipment even with the \u2018base\u2019 car.<\/p>\n The range lineup is pretty straightforward, starting with SE Connect, N Line and N Line S, then Premium and top-of-the range Ultimate specifications. Standard kit includes dual-zone air-con, cruise control, a rear camera, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with sat-nav and Android Auto<\/a> and Apple CarPlay<\/a> connectivity.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The N Line models feature sporty tweaks both outside and inside, and is Hyundai\u2019s riposte to cars like the VW Tiguan R-Line. You get 19-inch alloys, more aggressive bumpers and twin tailpipes, as well as 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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 227bhp total output. The engine options are rounded off with a 261bhp four-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid<\/a> version.\u00a0<\/p>\n The full- and plug-in hybrid cars<\/a> are available with a six-speed auto transmission, while the 148bhp and 178bhp mild-hybrid variants<\/a> employ a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. The lower-powered version is also available with Hyundai\u2019s six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (IMT) which uses clever electronics to assist with changing gear, rather than operating a conventional clutch pedal.<\/p>\n For an alternative review of the Hyundai Tucson, visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk…<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\nAbout the Hyundai Tucson<\/h2>\n
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Car group tests<\/h5>\n
Long-term tests<\/h5>\n
Road tests<\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n