Well-known name in the SUV segment (first generation dates back to 2004), the Hyundai Tucson it already has three generations (the second was sold here as ix35) and with about 390 thousand units sold in Europe — it is one of the best sellers of the South Korean brand.
However, to maintain the success that the model has known in the Old Continent (and to ensure that it remains current in a segment where vitality and rapid renewal are a constant), Hyundai did with the Tucson what Kia did with the Sportage, that is, applied some aesthetic touches to it and offered it the new 1.6 CRDi.
Aesthetically, the Tucson has changed little compared to the model launched in 2015, receiving redesigned grille, headlights and bumpers. The end result, although discreet, in my opinion turned out to be successful, with Tucson maintaining a current look in a segment where competition is not lacking.
Inside the Hyundai Tucson
Inside the Tucson the changes were much less discreet, with the South Korean SUV having a new dashboard where ergonomics are at the fore. Unfortunately, the infotainment system, despite being easy to use, has an outdated graphics (far away, for example, from the one used in the Skoda Karoq).
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As for build quality, the interior is robust, offering a mix of soft materials at the top of the dashboard and hard materials at the bottom. Speaking of plastics, it's still hard to understand why the plastic used in the Tucson's interior buttons appears to be of lower quality than those of the Kia Sportage.
As for space, as you would expect in a model with families as its target audience, the Tucson proves to be more than capable of comfortably transporting four people and their luggage with 513 liters of luggage compartment capacity revealing itself quite acceptable (the Renault Kadjar, for example, only offers 472 litres).
There's enough space in the back for two adults to travel in comfort.
At the wheel of the Hyundai Tucson
Once seated at the wheel of the Tucson, good ergonomics are obvious, with all the controls appearing where we normally expect to find them. Note also the fact that the sun visors have an extension that allows them to stay longer and that is an asset when traveling at sunset.
The front seats are comfortable and finding a good driving position is an easy task.
Already in progress, Tucson surprises on the positive. Endowed with a very direct and even communicative steering (far from what the Qashqai offers), the South Korean SUV turns out to be even fun to drive on a more winding road with suspension proving to be more than capable of sustaining the movements of the bodywork.
We here at the newsroom have already called it the Biermann effect, the head of Hyundai's N division, whose influence is felt far beyond the N models. if precise and obedient, instilling enormous confidence in a more “attack” driving, even in this case, a family SUV.
Still, it's not all rosy on a dynamic level, with the feel of the brake proving somewhat spongy. As for comfort, despite being in a good plan, it is somewhat hampered by the large wheels.
The 1.6 CRDi, here in the 116 hp version, proves to be pleasant to use, being smooth and progressive. Even so, at lower revs the engine reveals some “lack of lungs” at lower revs, forcing you to resort to the gearbox more often.
Finally, if in city driving, consumption is around 7.5 l/100 km, on road it drops to close to 6 l/100 km, revealing the preferred use for the South Korean SUV, long journeys at moderate paces. .
Is the car right for me?
Well built, well equipped and with surprisingly engaging (and even fun) dynamics, the Tucson remains about four years after its launch as an option to consider among SUVs.
Endowed with an engine that is helpful and economical, the South Korean model makes homogeneity its main weapon, being the ideal model if you are looking for a comfortable, well-equipped, discreet SUV that allows you to “take some fun” from driving after you drop the kids off at school.