Hitting the Road with Hyundai Tucson: The Popular Mid-size SUV Now Offers a New Hybrid Option
Redesigned Mid-Size Hyundai Tucson Sports a Fresh Hybrid Version
Byronic mate Patrick Broich, right here in Kronberg im Taunus
The Hyundai Tucson, a mid-size SUV, is the one that you might spot the most cruising around. ntv.de is here to find out why, taking a spin in the new plug-in hybrid model with front-wheel drive.
Ain't no other Hyundai that you see more in the streets—not the electric Ioniq models, nor the i20 or i30, and definitely not the flashy Kona. It's the Tucson, whose name might give even a native speaker a run for their money. So what's so special about the Tucson? Maybe it's the highly demanded combo of comfort, space, and a price that won't break the bank. You can cop one for as low as 35,740 euros, and you won't find it cheap at all. That gets you a 160-horsepower gas engine, a stick shift, plus a bunch of nifty features like plenty of display, LED headlights, navigation, parking sensors, and a rearview camera. And the look? It's just the right mix of sophistication and a European touch.
ntv.de didn't get lucky this time to test the bottom-tier model, as Hyundai got something new brewing: The 252-horsepower hybrid can now be paired with a front-drive. This makes the top-tier model a lot cheaper than before, ringing in at just 44,690 euros. The price drop comes with a slight decrease in trim level, but the big question is whether the front-drive setup is still a sound move for its considerable power.
Front-Wheel-Drive PHEV: Good if You're Going Easy on the Gas
It depends on how hard you like to floor it. The truth is that the front tires have to work overtime when 367 Newton meters of system torque hits 'em. Surprisingly, the front-drive model is said to blast to highway speed 0.2 seconds quicker than its all-wheel counterpart (7.9 seconds), despite shedding over 60 kilograms.
Traction can be a bit snug in high-powered situations. And it's not just about peeling out at traffic lights. Even a confident low-speed pass can feel a bit hairy in the steering wheel. To be fair, though, the drive handles well in everyday use. Smooth gear shifts and no major power interruptions are the outcome, as long as you don't push it too far.
Hybrid Tech and Class-leading Space
Comfort-wise. The Tucson boasts comfy seats and an optional adaptive suspension with a nice plush touch, making it a swell option for those long drives. It's also not short on entertainment tech. Those in need of space will find the Tucson hooked up with ample passenger and cargo space. Fold the rear seats flat, and you've got 1721 liters of cargo room. Even with them upright, there's still nearly 600 liters to spare. The only downside with the gas engine comes with towing capacity, which may not be enough for big horse trailers.
Apart from its stylish and appealing design, the Tucson's popularity might also be due to its wide range of feature-packed powertrain options. From various hybrid gas engines (both mild and full hybrids) to the good old diesel, there's something for everyone's budget and lifestyle. The plug-in hybrid is particularly attractive for those seeking a more budget-friendly ride with company car tax benefits.
- Hyundai Models
- SUVs
- Hybrid Cars
Fun Facts:- The Tucson often outperforms Japanese competitors like Toyota and Honda, making it a popular choice in various markets[3].- The model's reputation for reliability, quality, and affordability has played a significant role in its success[2].- The Tucson is offered in multiple versions, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, catering to various consumer needs and budgets[3].- The brand's strategic naming and marketing efforts have contributed to the model's popularity and success[5].
- The Hyundai Tucson, a mid-size SUV, is a popular choice for transportation, outperforming many competitors like Toyota and Honda in various markets.
- Tucson's reputation for reliability, quality, and affordability has played a significant role in its success and popularity in the automotive industry.
- The Tucson offers a range of powertrain options, providing something for every budget and lifestyle, including various hybrid gas engines, diesel, and even electric-vehicles.
- The hybrid technology, combined with the class-leading space and practicality, makes the Tucson an attractive option for those seeking a more budget-friendly ride with company car tax benefits.
- Interestingly, the front-wheel-drive PHEV model of the Tucson can be paired with a front-drive, making it a lot cheaper than before, at 44,690 euros, while offering a slightly quicker acceleration to highway speed, despite shedding over 60 kilograms.
- The Tucson boasts comfortable seats, an optional adaptive suspension, and ample passenger and cargo space, making it a great choice for long drives and everyday use, especially considering its wide range of features like display, navigation, and parking sensors.
- Whether you're eyeing a Hyundai i20, i30, Kona, or the flashy Kona, the Tucson remains the one you see most on the streets, providing a highly demanded combo of comfort, space, and a price that won't break the bank, with a starting price of 35,740 euros.
