Hyundai's Bold New Tucson
We first saw images of Hyundai’s new Tucson in August, and it was clear it was more than an evolutionary makeover. The full reveal occurred recently in NYC, and it was apparent the Korean automaker wasn’t pulling any punches.
The “Art of Steel” design philosophy is expressed in a longer, wider, and taller vehicle with sharper edges, flatter surfaces, and bolder graphics. Up front is the H-Edge lighting, with a full-width light bar; available Micro Pixel Lighting uses 25,600 LEDs to create precision beam patterns and dynamic animations. It’s also more aerodynamic, with the Cd dropping from 0.33 to 0.30. And in an automotive world that is increasingly gray, Hyundai’s added colors like Ranger Green and Red Rock Orange, in both pearl and matte finishes.
The interior is a “furnished space” with “voluminous cushioning” on the full-width IP, doors, and center console, although I find the (optional) ginormous 17” touchscreen to be rather jarring. The driving position itself is also a bit nontraditional, similar to various Peugeots and Toyota’s bZ: a small steering wheel (”Double D-Cut” with flat top and bottom) and a low-profile IP cluster further away from the driver. This means you don’t look through the steering wheel to see the gauges but rather over it. The available “Metal-Coated Heated Glass” keeps the windows clear in the winter and keeps the interior cooler in the summer. And, as Hyundai previously promised, you’ll find physical audio and climate controls (just below the aforementioned touchscreen), and it’s all powered by the new Pleos operating system.
Under the hood, you’ll find a 1.6-liter DI turbo, a 225hp hybrid, or a 288hp plug-in hybrid. The hybrid targets up to 42mpg (EPA), and the PHEV (not planned for the US, apparently) targets up to 50mi EV range. Missing from the PHEV, however, is DC fast charging, which was just added to the Toyota RAV4 PHEV.
The Tucson adds several interesting bits of new tech, too:
🔹 Smart Terrain Assist analyzes traction conditions and provides visual guidance via a green, orange, or red “stuck score”
🔹Target Speed Control acts as low-speed off-road cruise control
🔹Trailer Reverse Assist semi-automatically manages steering alignment while towing
If your tastes run off-road, there’s a new XRT Pro to take on the Ford Bronco Sport and Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. You get unique fascias, all-terrain tires, tow hooks, and an extra 30mm ground clearance. And a “sport-inspired variant” (N? N-Line?) will debut at Paris next week.
If you can get past the giant center touchscreen, the new Tucson brings bold design, efficient powertrains, consumer-relevant technology, and a wide choice of trims to suit just about anybody shopping for a compact SUV.
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