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2021 Hyundai Tucson Review

New styling is sharp and eye-catching
Interior quality and ergonomics are excellent
Cabin insulation and refinement are exceptional

Lower grades miss out on some inclusions that should be standard
2.0-litre NA petrol engine won't be the pick
Prices have crept up across the range

There’s no doubt as to the importance of the medium SUV segment in the motoring landscape in Australia. Dominated by RAV4 and CX-5, the new 2022 Hyundai Tucson enters the fray with three model grades, three engines, three gearboxes, and either FWD or AWD.
Strangely though, there’s no PHEV or hybrid variant available, despite the popularity of the hybrid drivetrain underneath the skin of the segment-leading RAV4.
While Hyundai is undoubtedly looking forward as a brand with all manner of future technology in development, it does seem strange that one of the most important segments in Australia will see it not offer a hybrid of any kind. Even more so given the popularity of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which has resonated strongly with buyers.

Our pricing and specification guide details the full breakdown, and at launch we drive the entry-grade Hyundai Tucson (that’s the full model name) in all three trim lines – Tucson, Tucson Elite and Tucson Highlander.

The most affordable Tucson is the eponymous base model we tested at launch, which starts from $34,500 before on-road costs.
Later, a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine will join the range, along with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel, but for now, it’s the 2.0-litre, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, with six-speed automatic and FWD.
Outputs of 115kW and 192Nm are adequate rather than impressive, and the engine has to work to extract its best performance. The ADR fuel claim for the combined cycle is 8.1L/100km. On test at launch, with a hefty amount of easy country cruising and highway running in the mix, we used an indicated 8.9L/100km. A solid highway run without any hard work, saw that number drop to 8.2L/100km.

At launch, we sampled base Tucson, mid-grade Elite, and range-topping Highlander. While the Highlander – as expected – delivered on the premium standard inclusion strategy we have come to expect from Hyundai, the entry grade certainly doesn’t feel like a ‘cheap’ SUV. There are some omissions – halogen headlights instead of LEDs, for example – but even the entry-grade Tucson feels like decent value for money.
The 2.0-litre engine is also available with both Elite and Highlander trim grades starting from $39,000 and $46,000 respectively, both before on-road costs.
The standard inclusions list caters to all the usual suspects, with the range-topper gaining 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and tail-lights, dark chrome trim, silver highlights, an electric tailgate and panoramic sunroof.
Inside the cabin, the Highlander gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, ambient LED mood lighting, heated and ventilated from seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, driver’s memory seat, electric front passenger seat, and an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system.

The 10.25-inch central touchscreen – which comes from Elite up – is also a winner, and makes the case for the mid-grade Tucson compelling. At launch we tested Apple CarPlay and it worked reliably once connected, while the system itself was quick to respond and easy to navigate.
The digital driver’s display in the Highlander is a premium addition, you might still be accustomed to seeing in much more expensive vehicles.
There’s plenty of space in the cabin, which is vital in this segment for the family buyer. Put a six-footer in the front seat and there’s ample room in the second row for another six-footer without being cramped. The seats are comfortable, the visibility across the four main seats excellent, and the cabin has a bright, airy feel to it. We tackled a solid three-hour run out of Sydney each way for our launch drive, and the cabin is a good place to be.

The boot space is also useful, 539 litres expanding out to 1860 litres with the second row folded flat.
There is no doubt medium SUVs are the hot ticket for Australian family buyers in 2021 (outside dual-cabs of course) and the Tucson’s cabin ambience and comfort ensure it’s at the top of the pile in that sense
The most obvious area where the Tucson misses out – aside from forward-thinking drivetrains – are some of the smaller specification inclusions.
Read More https://www.caradvice.com.au/950240/2...



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