The 2024 Hyundai Tucson is an excellent choice for those seeking a practical and versatile compact SUV. It boasts a spacious cargo area and offers good fuel economy, particularly with the highly recommended Tucson Hybrid. Additionally, the interior is well-designed and features user-friendly technology. The Tucson also excels in terms of safety, with top-notch equipment and crash ratings. Overall, it is a reliable and sensible choice for buyers in this segment.
However, the Tucson distinguishes itself by rejecting the notion that practical vehicles have to be boring. Hyundai designers have gone all out in creating a visually striking SUV with bold creases, unconventional contours, and intricate details. The front grille illuminates like a Vegas marquee, the wheel arches are angular, and the rear bumper features diamond shapes. It certainly makes a statement, and those who desire a different look can explore the mechanically similar Kia Sportage or other competitors like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-50.
Interior & Technology:
The Tucson’s cabin showcases a stylish and premium design, with a focus on technology. The dash-width vents and cloth trim add to the overall aesthetic appeal. Differences in trim levels result in variations in upholstery and color choices. The center stack controls also differ, with the base trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen and higher trims equipped with a standard 10.25 inch widescreen display. The larger screen enhances functionality, although it requires a wired connection for compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Hyundai’s decision to remove traditional physical controls, including the volume knob, is a drawback. Furthermore, the touch sensitive controls can be difficult to operate while driving, and the piano black trim easily accumulates fingerprints.
Passenger & Cargo Space:
Despite being labeled as a compact SUV, the Tucson offers a surprisingly spacious interior. Its dimensions closely match those of competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Kia Sportage, making it one of the largest options in its segment. The cabin provides ample room for adults, and even with a rear-facing child seat, there is plenty of space for the front occupants. The rear cargo area measures 38.7 cubic feet, falling just short of the Sportage and non-hybrid CR-V in terms of capacity. In a luggage test, the Tucson easily accommodated six standard bags, an extra duffle, and a small cooler. Only the Sportage fared better, and this can be attributed to its inclusion of a spare tire, which is absent in the Tucson Hybrid.
Performance & Fuel Economy:
The base Tucson comes with a 2.5-liter inline-four engine that produces 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. While the power output is adequate, acceleration tests have revealed that it is one of the slowest vehicles in its class, with a 0-60 mph time exceeding 9 seconds. Fuel economy estimates stand at 10.6 km/l city, 13.6 km/l highway.
For a significant improvement in both fuel efficiency and performance, the Tucson Hybrid is a highly recommended choice. Its combination of a 1.6 liter turbo engine, electric motor, and six-speed automatic transmission results in a total output of 226 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Tucson Hybrid also boasts standard all-wheel drive and achieves an impressive fuel economy rating of 38 mpg in most trim levels. The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid offers an even larger battery pack and a more powerful electric motor, providing 261 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque, and an estimated 52 Kms of all-electric range.
What it’s like to drive:
The base engine of the Tucson falls short in terms of performance, with sluggish throttle response and a tendency to downshift frequently. It can make driving in traffic frustrating as the eight-speed automatic transmission searches for the appropriate gears. On the other hand, the Tucson Hybrid, particularly the N-Line trim level, delivers a much more satisfying driving experience. It provides a quieter and smoother ride thanks to its conventional transmission and turbocharged engine.
The hybrid powertrain also enhances acceleration, making it feel more energetic both in city driving and merging onto highways. The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid offers an even more seamless driving experience due to its added electric power and all-electric range. In terms of handling, the Tucson performs adequately, with well-controlled body motions, precise steering, and a comfortable ride. While it may not be the most memorable driving experience, it is suitable for daily commuting and long trips. Buyers seeking a more engaging driving experience might consider the Toyota RAV4’s SE trim levels or the Mazda CX-50.
New features and updates:
The 2024 Hyundai Tucson introduces several new features and updates. Safety equipment enhancements include rear seat side airbags, rear outboard seatbelt pre-tensioners, seatbelt reminders for all seats, and haptic steering wheel feedback for the lane-keeping and blind-spot warning systems, all of which are now standard on the Tucson. The 10.25-inch touchscreen is now available on more trim levels, including the SEL Convenience and all hybrid models. Dual-zone climate control is also standard on all trims except for the base model. Additionally, the ambient lighting color selection has expanded from 10 to 64 options. The N-Line trim level is now exclusively powered by the hybrid powertrain, improving its overall appeal.
Crash Ratings & Safety Features:
The Tucson boasts strong safety credentials, with an array of advanced safety features and impressive crash test ratings. For 2024, Hyundai has further enhanced its safety equipment. The addition of rear seat side airbags, rear outboard seatbelt pre-tensioners, and seatbelt reminders for all seats enhances passenger protection. Furthermore, the haptic steering wheel feedback adds an extra layer of safety to the lane-keeping and blind-spot warning systems. It is worth noting that these safety features are not only available but also standard across all trims. The Tucson also offers a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a driver attention warning system.
What’s new for 2024? In terms of updates, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson focuses on safety enhancements. Rear seat side airbags, rear outboard seatbelt pre-tensioners, seatbelt reminders for all seats, and haptic steering wheel feedback are now included as standard features. The 10.25 inch touchscreen is also added to additional trim levels, offering improved functionality. Dual-zone climate control is standard on all trims except for the base model, and the ambient lighting color selection has been expanded. The N-Line trim level now exclusively comes with the hybrid powertrain, making it a more enticing option.
Overall, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson impresses with its hybrid powertrain, extensive technology features, spacious cargo area, strong safety ratings, and high-quality interior. While the base engine may disappoint, the Tucson Hybrid offers a substantial upgrade in terms of fuel efficiency and performance. The Tucson’s unique design sets it apart from its more conservative competitors, making a bold statement on the road. With its impressive array of features and enhancements for 2024, the Tucson is a reliable and attractive choice in the compact SUV segment.
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