Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: Fuss-free economy

What is it?

Hyundai has thrown the switch to power up the Tucson, while dimming it down, stopping at hybrid systems as opposed going for full electric vehicle status.

In keeping with this are refreshed styling, plus an array of new and upgraded technology.

The popular medium SUV, in its fourth generation, has retained the 2.0 MPi petrol and 1.6 T-GTi turbo-petrol powertrains, with a choice of two or all-wheel drive.

What’s it cost?

Three trims are now on offer with an optional N Line package available across the range.

On test vehicle was the Tucson Elite Hybrid N Line front-wheel drive, selling for $48,600, plus on-road costs.

Tucson has plenty of pull, boasting a 1900kg tow capacity, plus a first-in-class panoramic curved 12.3-inch infotainment/driver display backed by wireless Apple CarPlay, Bluelink, connected car services and over-the-air remote software updates.

Hyundai has added a more dynamic look to the SUV with new bumpers and lighting, plus a refined cabin with steering column shift-by-wire drive selection and floating centre console with boosted wireless charging pad.

The SmartSense safety system now has Highway Driving Assist, while a new head-up display presents important driving and navigation information.

The front has inherited some style with a more aggressive grille, which conversely incorporates ‘hidden’ daytime running lights.

LED headlights find a place in a robust bumper moulding underscored by a silver skid plate.

The picture is completed by a new bumper and LED tail lights, an integrated ‘H’ emblem in the rear glass and model-specific, newly designed 18 or 19-inch wheels, depending on model.

The test vehicle carried the optional N Line pack consisting of exclusive 19-inch wheels, grille, front bumper and slid plate, plus N Line badging.

The rear sports a new rear bumper, skid plate and twin exhaust outlets.

A 12.3-inch touchscreen, introducing Hyundai’s next generation user interface, is standard across the 2025 Tucson range and comes up with four times the computing power and 15 times the graphical processing power of the previous system.

A host of functions is led by wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, AM/FM/DAB radio, Hyundai Bluelink, Bluetooth multi-connection, USB-C input, quick control (swipe down) menu and over-the-air updates.

Elite and Premium variants add Bluelink satnav with turn-by-turn directions, live traffic updates, voice control, SMS playback and split screen function. 

Bluelink is free for the first five years and includes automatic collision notification, emergency call access, remote control climate and vehicle functions, among other things.

A similar-size configurable digital instrument cluster takes on a classic look with needle-style gauges.

Hybrid versions can be customised to display a power gauge or tachometer, depending on the drive mode.

Tucson Hybrid carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on 2021 testing.

The vehicle body features high-strength, lightweight construction to maximise torsional rigidity.

Active safety comes with Hyundai’s SmartSense suite, which includes forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, blind spot collision avoidance, safe exit warning, driver attention warning, high beam assist and smart cruise control.

A surround 360-degree view of the car and rear-view monitor, plus distance warning, are a great help when parking.

The new hybrids are covered by Hyundai’s five-year unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and eight-year 160,000km high-voltage battery warranty, as well as Hyundai’s Lifetime Service Plan, Premium Roadside Support and satellite navigation updates.

What’s it go like?

The MY25 cabin has been given the once-over and is designed to appeal especially to the active family.

Focus are a steering column mounted drive-by-wire shift selector and floating centre console.

Elite and Premium variants feature classy leather appointed seats for up to five, while the N Line pack goes further with black leather and suede, red stitching, plus exclusive N Line seat and steering wheel emblems.

General storage includes large door pockets and a deep lidded console box.

Cargo space runs from 582 litres to 1903 litres depending on the seats in use.

The spare wheel is a space saver variety.

A height and speed adjustable tailgate is operable via a button on the key fob or by simply standing at the back of the vehicle with the key.

Our Tucson Elite N-Line test vehicle was powered by a turbo 1.6-litre four cylinder petrol/electric hybrid system, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission, that drives the front wheels.

The petrol motor puts out 132kW of power and 264Nm of torque, while the electric motor contributes a further 47.7kW, making a combined maximum of 172kW.

The latter made use of a lithium-ion polymer battery of 1.49kWh and 270 volts.

Quick, yet quiet is the best way to describe the Tucson hybrid’s behaviour.

The turbo dials up the power, while the electric motor plays its part in smooth going, as does the six-speed auto transmission.

Road noise on course road surfaces is the only intrusion into the cabin.

The suspension coped with generally few complaints, while the brakes had their sharp side if rushed into action.

Gear selector is a twist-shift to the right of the steering column which takes some getting used to, but clears the way for an uncluttered centre-console controls such as drive modes.

These include Eco and Sport, of which the latter added sharpness all round to the drive.

Smart mode switched the car between Eco and Sport to ostensibly maximise economy and performance, if that’s possible.

Hyundai claims combined urban/highway fuel consumption of 5.3L/100km.

The test vehicle came up with 4.6L on the motorway but averaged up to 9.0L/100km during a week’s running around town.

What we like?

• More dynamic look
• New head-up display
• Hyundai’s next generation user interface
• Bluelink free for the first five years
• Five-star ANCAP safety rating

What we don’t like?

• Space-saver spare wheel
• Road noise intrudes on course road surfaces
• Brakes on the sharp side if rushed into action
• Twist-shift to gear shift takes some getting used to

The bottom line?

It’s anybody’s guess whether buyers will take the hybrid route to Tucson electric vehicles.

It’s a veritable traffic jam in this segment.

 

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