Hyundai Tucson 2021: review, opinion, range analysis and prices

The fourth generation of the Hyundai Tucson is here. A model that was launched on the market in 2004, with the second generation in 2009 and the third in 2015, and that has totalled more than 7 million units sold worldwide. Of these, almost 150,000 correspond to the Spanish market, where the Tucson has also been a sales success.

And although the outgoing model still had life left in it, especially since the new 48-volt electrified variants were introduced, the new Tucson keeps all the attributes of the previous model and even enhances them, with a completely new platform that supports hybrid versions and a striking design. We have already had a first hands-on encounter. Overall, we find it one of the best SUVs in its category.

Among its main virtues, it improves even further everything related to comfort, has more technological equipment both in terms of connectivity and driver-assistance systems, ranks among the best in finish and build quality, and offers a range of engines with options for every need. Moreover, the price remains very competitive.

Exterior and interior design of the new Hyundai Tucson

We will not say much here; the best thing is for you to look at the images and the video that accompany the article. We should mention, though, that this is a car measuring 4.50 metres long, 1.87 metres wide and 1.65 metres high. These proportions, give or take a centimetre, are very similar to those of the previous generation. The wheelbase also grows by one centimetre, to reach 2.68 metres.

For the exterior design, which Hyundai calls “parametric” design, a multitude of edges and angles are used, repeating motifs inspired by a jewel found in the grille. The “parametric hidden lights” stand out here: the sensation is curious, because it seems as if the Tucson had no lighting units as such. Personally, I think such a striking design may lose its appeal much sooner over time. But the bet is made, and the new Tucson has presence and character. The rear is much more appealing to me, with an almost sporty air. You can choose between nine body colours, all of them available in two-tone versions, combining a contrasting colour roof.

Inside, Hyundai applies what it calls the “Interspace” design, with a symmetrical dashboard in which the centre console takes on a special prominence, with its 10.25-inch multimedia screen. Except in the basic trim versions, the instrument cluster is also digital and 10.25 inches, changing its display mode depending on the programme selected in the drive mode system. The centre console between the seats in the automatic versions eliminates the gear lever in favour of buttons, which frees up space. For climate control, the system called “Diffuse” is used, with indirect air vents. The ambient lighting system lets you choose from more than 64 colours.

Beyond the design, we find a cabin that continues to stand out for passenger space, which keeps the Tucson as one of the best SUVs in its class for travelling. Luggage space comes with it, ranging from just under 600 litres to almost 620 litres depending on the engine, so the hybrid system or the AdBlue tank in the diesels is taken into account. In any case, the boot capacity is above the average of its rivals.

We would also highlight the leap in quality. The Tucson now follows perfectly the path of the cars we would take as the reference in this price category, one in which premium brands are left out: the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Mazda CX-5.

Here you can see the Tucson in action and our first impressions of the new Tucson summarised in a video.

https://youtu.be/adzX-EXihac

Engine range of the Hyundai Tucson: petrol, diesel, hybrid and mild hybrid

Hyundai offers up to six mechanical options to choose from in the new Tucson. And there is something for every taste and need: two conventional versions with petrol or diesel engines and a C label; three MHEV mild-hybrid variants of 48 volts with an ECO label, two of them petrol and one diesel; and a HEV full hybrid. These are the engines and power outputs, as well as the transmission options. The versions identified as 48V are the Mild Hybrids, with an ECO label.

Petrol range:
• 1.6 T-GDI 150 CV: 6-speed manual, 4×2 or 4×4
• 1.6 T-GDI 150 CV 48V: 6-speed iMT manual, 7-speed DCT, 4×2
• 1.6 T-GDI 180 CV 48V: 6-speed iMT manual 4×2; 7-speed DCT, 4×4

Diesel range:
• 1.6 CRDi 115 CV: 6-speed manual, 4×2
• 1.6 CRDi 136 CV 48V: 6-speed iMT manual 4×2, 7-speed DCT, 4×2 or 4×4

HEV: non-plug-in hybrid
• 1.6 T-GDI HEV 230 CV: 6-speed automatic, 4×2 or 4×4

PHEV: plug-in hybrid
• 1.6 T-GDI PHEV 260 CV: 6-speed automatic, 4×4

In the 48V MHEV versions, the manual gearbox is the “intelligent” iMT from Hyundai,. It is characterised by a mechanism that automatically decouples the engine from the transmission to benefit consumption when the car is coasting, by lifting off the accelerator. The automatic option in the MHEVs uses the 7-speed dual-clutch DCT gearbox, while in the Tucson Hybrid and the Tucson plug-in Hybrid it is a 6-speed automatic with torque converter. The latter will arrive in mid-2021.

Except for the two non-hybridised versions, all the MHEVs and the full-hybrid Tucson can be fitted with front-wheel drive or the Hyundai HTRAC all-wheel drive system, with the Terrain Mode selector, which allows you to choose between the off-road modes called Mud, Sand or Snow.

Equipment: more and better

As with the latest models presented by Hyundai, the Tucson also receives the Bluelink multimedia system, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offers an internet connection for real-time online services (traffic, parking, petrol stations and prices…) and the car can be connected to the mobile phone via the corresponding app.

Other novelties not present in the previous Tucson are the centre airbag between the front seats, remote parking that lets you control the car’s forward and reverse movement from outside to park in tight spaces, and adaptive cruise control that takes into account traffic signs and the satnav route. Emergency braking now also acts at intersections, and the rear cross-traffic alert not only warns that a car is approaching, but is also able to act on the brakes.

Hyundai offers four trim levels for the new Tucson. The Klass comes as standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, rear camera, manual climate control, four electric windows, electrically folding door mirrors, an 8-inch multimedia screen with Bluetooth and the Hyundai Smart Sense assistance package.

The Maxx trim adds chrome mouldings and grille, LED headlights, a 10.25-inch multimedia screen, roof bars, automatic climate control, wireless smartphone charger, rear parking sensor and rain sensor.

The Tecno versions, which will be among the most sought-after, add 18-inch wheels (19 on the Hybrid), keyless entry, KRELL premium audio system, electric tailgate, heated front and rear seats, intersection assistant, two-tone bodywork and motorway driving assistant with adaptive cruise control (automatic versions).

Finally, the Tucson Style is the most luxurious and complete. Here all versions have 19-inch wheels, electronic suspension, leather upholstery, ventilated seats with electric adjustment, three-zone climate control, panoramic roof, heated steering wheel, remote parking assistant (Hybrid version), blind-spot collision assistant and 360-degree monitor.

Prices of the 2021 Hyundai Tucson: with discount

Hyundai offers a promotional campaign on the list prices of the new Tucson that takes off 1,500 euros on the petrol versions, and 2,000 euros on the diesel and hybrid.

This means the Tucson 1.6 TGDi 150 CV Klass starts from 25,900 euros, and the 1.6 CRDi is available from 17,000 euros. With 48-volt hybridisation, the Tucson TGDi 150 CV, now with Maxx trim, starts from 30,200 euros, and the 1.6 CRDi 136 CV is priced from 33,050 euros. As for the Tucson hybrid, it is available from 32,950 euros, also with Maxx trim.

An additional 1,600 euros can be deducted from these prices by financing through the brand, and a further 1,500 euros with the Hyundai Renove scrappage plan, by handing in a car for scrapping.

Behind the wheel of the new Hyundai Tucson

As soon as we sat at the controls of the Tucson, the initial feeling is that everything is going to be a little more complex until we get used to the controls, even though the buttons have been simplified in favour of the screens. Or perhaps precisely because of this. But you quickly get the hang of it; everything is more intuitive than it seems at first.

The visual quality is confirmed as soon as you start touching and exploring, visibility is very good, the seats are very comfortable… We set off and confirm that, depending on the function, we still prefer physical buttons to touchscreens. The Tucson offers buttons for some main functions outside the screen; but to all intents and purposes they are touch-sensitive, not capacitive. Even so, the screen offers very good resolution, and navigating the menus is quick and intuitive. Below the central screen there is a second touch surface from which the climate control is operated and some functions of the multimedia system can be accessed.

The digital instrumentation changes colours and the way some information is presented depending on the drive mode, but it does not approach the personalisation possibilities of the virtual cockpit of Audi or the MBUX of Mercedes. Even so, it has a system I liked a lot, the Blind View Monitor. When an indicator is activated, the dial on the corresponding side of the instrumentation becomes a screen that shows images captured by a high-resolution camera on the outside, to check for the possible presence of a vehicle in the blind spot.

The feel behind the wheel of the Tucson will depend largely on the suspension option chosen. There is a more comfortable setting and another, firmer tune that improves precision in sporty driving but is not uncomfortable at all, and you can ask for the damping to be variable-stiffness.

In any case, the balance between stability and comfort is very well achieved, with a suspension that filters bumps very well, and the acoustic insulation also stands out. Because of this, on country roads or motorways it is a very comfortable car for travelling. And in town or urban areas it is easy to manoeuvre; it feels smaller than it really is.

Petrol, diesel… or hybrid

We have not tried all the engines available at launch, but enough to recommend thinking very carefully about how you will use the car before deciding to buy. For example, the 1.6 TGDi 150 CV is an entry-level option in the range that offers an acceptable level of dynamism, and one you might consider if the lowest possible price is your main purchasing argument.

I have my doubts about the 1.6 CRDi 115 CV until I can drive it. That is why, among the diesels, it is very advisable to look at the 1.6 CRDi 136 CV, all of them with 48-volt hybridisation. On the 1.6 TGDi, with the same trim, this system costs around 1,500 euros more; but it is worth it, if only for having the DGT’s ECO label. What I am less sure of is whether the 1.6 TGDi 180 CV is worth it in terms of performance. Although Hyundai leaves little room for doubt when choosing: the most powerful version is only offered with the top Style trim, which raises the price considerably.

For high annual mileage, with lots of motorway travel, the 1.6 CRDi 136 CV remains the option offering the best cost per kilometre, unlike the 1.6 TGDi, which uses little fuel only if you drive slowly, although it is clearly smoother and more refined. You will soon recover the 1,500 euros extra that the diesel costs through its lower consumption.

But Hyundai has pulled out all the stops with the new Tucson hybrid, pricing it practically the same as the diesel and therefore just over 1,500 euros more than the 150 CV petrol MHEV, while offering much more technology.

A temptation… which is justified when you look at the figures and when you drive them. Because both carry the ECO label, the diesel being a mild hybrid. But the Tucson hybrid, with almost 100 CV more and a more powerful electric motor that not only adds to the engine but can also move the car on its own at low speed, outclasses the diesel in performance, refinement and enjoyment of use. Just note the acceleration figure to get an idea: almost 3.5 seconds quicker is a whole world apart.

Image gallery of the 2021 Hyundai Tucson

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverHyundai Tucson27 versions · from 35,525 €