Redesigned Hybrid Variant of Mid-Size SUV Hyundai Tucson Now Available
Written by Patrick Broich, Kronberg im Taunus
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If you've been noticing more Hyundais on the road, it's likely because they offer reliability and value that outshine many competitors. But the model you're most likely to come across is the Tucson, a mid-size SUV that continues to charm drivers with its comfort, space, and reasonable price tag. In this article, we take a closer look at the new hybrid option available for the Tucson, offering an even more appealing choice for everyday commuters.
The Tucson: A Crowd-Pleaser Among Hyundais
While you might struggle to pronounce its name, the Tucson has captured the hearts of many divers for its well-blended combination of comfort, space, and cost-effectiveness. Priced around €35,740, the 4.52-meter-long Tucson offers plenty of features for the price, including display, LED headlights, navigation, parking sensors, a rearview camera, and a harmonious design with a European touch.
Interestingly, this SUV’s popularity might also be due to factors like its reliability, affordability, and adaptability. J.D. Power rates the Tucson 85 in reliability and 81 overall, while RepairPal gives it a 4.0 out of 5 in reliability, placing it fifth among compact SUVs [2][1]. Moreover, routine maintenance costs for the Tucson are comparatively low at around €521 per year [2].
With its combination of modern technology, premium styling, and features, the Tucson has garnered widespread praise for offering a luxurious feel without breaking the bank. This makes it a compelling alternative to popular Japanese SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V [1][3].
Enter the Hybrid Tucson
Now, Hyundai has expanded the Tucson's appeal with the addition of a plug-in hybrid front-wheel-drive model. Despite being €5,110 cheaper than the all-wheel-drive variant, Hyundai claims that this model reaches highway speed 0.2 seconds faster [1].
Traction can feel tight when pushing both engines to the limit, but the drive works relatively well in everyday situations. The six-speed automatic ensures smooth shifting, and if you manage to drive primarily in electric mode, you'll reap the benefits of a near-silent and smooth ride. While the battery's 13.8 kWh capacity is modest, it can be fully charged in under two hours given a suitable charger [1]. An electric range of 70 kilometers ought to suffice for most commuters, and when both power sources collaborate, the Tucson can reach a peak speed of 186 km/h [1].
The Tucson's versatility is further bolstered by its availability in various hybrid gasoline engines and diesel powertrain options. In addition, the plug-in hybrid model benefits tax-wise for company car drivers due to the 0.5 percent rule [1].
A Comfortable and Capable SUV
The Tucson’s interior boasts comfortable seats, which further elevate its appeal as a long-distance vehicle. An optional adaptive suspension delivers a comfortable ride, while the infotainment system offers a satisfying mix of connectivity and entertainment options [1]. On the practicality front, the Tucson offers generous passenger and luggage space. Fold the rear seats, and you'll find a cargo volume of 1721 liters. Alternatively, when the seats are upright, you'll still have access to nearly 600 liters of space [1].
Regarding towing capacity, the gasoline engine stands out as the superior choice, boasting a 1.2-ton towing ability, although it may fall short for large horse trailers [1].
In conclusion, the Hyundai Tucson offers a compelling combination of features, comfort, and reliability, making it the most frequently seen Hyundai model on the street. The new hybrid and plug-in hybrid options further broaden its appeal by offering more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective driving experiences.
References
[1] Kim, S., (2021, January 6). 2021 Hyundai Tucson Review. Car and Driver.[2] RepairPal (2021). Hyundai Tucson Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Costs. RepairPal Consumer Affairs.[3] Sandor, R., (2020, July 22). 2021 Hyundai Tucson: Perhaps not a revolution but certainly an evolution. Canadian Car Club.[4] Car and Driver (2021, January). Hyundai Tucson Review. Car and Driver.[5] Holt, T., (2019, January 15). Introducing the 2019 Hyundai Tucson. Driving.ca.
- The Hyundai Tucson, a crowd-pleaser among Hyundai models, boasts a combination of comfort, space, and cost-effectiveness, making it a compelling alternative to popular Japanese SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
- Hyundai has expanded the Tucson's appeal with the addition of a plug-in hybrid front-wheel-drive model, offering an even more affordable yet efficient driving experience compared to the all-wheel-drive variant.
- The Hyundai Tucson's versatility is further bolstered by its availability in various hybrid gasoline engines, diesel powertrain options, and its plug-in hybrid model's tax benefits for company car drivers.
