Road test | Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: having a sense of formula

The hybrid has become almost unavoidable for contenders in the compact SUV category. All the most popular models offer it, applying almost undifferentiated technical formulas to lessen the appetite of their four-cylinders. Well in the saddle on electrification, Hyundai still offers its popular Tucson with such a mechanics. However, does he make the weight in the face of the Japanese tenors, what are the Honda Cr-V and Toyota Rav4?

Sound design

The compact SUV segment is so populated and codified that the differentiation exercise is almost lost in advance. However, this does not prevent this Tucson from trying his luck with a resolutely Hyundai drawing, which some could judge “herbalness”. Tabbling on dimensions almost identical to its rivals at 4.6 m long – of which 2.8 m are occupied by the wheelbase – and 1.7 m high, it stands out first by this large grille, redesigned for 2025. Eight diodes are encrusted, for daylight. It is necessary to overflow from it, on the sides, to see the main headlights cut out from the shield. Aside, the orientation is more consensual, with a typical profile of general public SUVs, but the eye can also be lost in the many features dictating the curves of wheel arches.

On board

This refreshment is much more notable inside. A large block is now placed on the dashboard uniting two 12.3 -inch screens, one for instrumentation, the other for touch control of the multimedia system. The rendering is resolutely horizontal, which purifies the development and ensures open and partitioned storage on the passenger side. The remodeling central console releases the bottom to place objects by positioning the gear selector on the steering column and going up the cup holders, a clever configuration. Moreover, let us underline the exemplary attention to ergonomics and welcoming places everywhere. This hybrid version is not penalized on the chest side with a voluminous space of 1097 L, but the bench files do not fall back perfectly flat.

Under the hood

In contrast to hybrid rivals, the hybrid Tucson adopts over -downside and conventional transmission. A 1.6 l turbocharged four-cylinder thus has a 64 hp electric motor for the hybrid shutter. The climbing account at 231 hp and 258 LB-Pi when they operate in unison. The set is seconded by a six -speed automatic transmission and a full cog. This mechanical combination undeniably makes the most refined propellant group in its category. The couple available very early gives him a good flexibility, but there is a slight lack of progressiveness at times. The efficiency is not as completed as for the CR-V and the RAV4, which consume 400 ml respectively and 700 ml less per 100 km than the 6.7 l/100 km on average of the hybrid Tucson.

Behind the steering wheel

With its force legs at the front and its multi -bass configuration at the rear, the suspense elements of the hybrid Tucson have everything that is usual for its segment. Boiled to a rigid platform, they promote a released configuration supported by tires on fleshy sides. It thus absorbs the constellation of Nids-de-Poule which are formed in the road these days, while ensuring a safe and predictable behavior. The steering is rather lively for a compact SUV and impeccably frames the CAP outfit, without offering great sensory finesse. Braking is easily modular, despite its regenerative function. Thanks to its good soundproofing, the kilometers accumulate in comfort, but the seats deserve better quality padding.

Embedded technologies

Accompanying the various improvements made to the passenger compartment, Hyundai has integrated its latest generation multimedia system. The construction of the menus is exemplary and the speed of execution is among the best systems of the moment, whatever the price range. It also benefits from physical keys to access various functions more quickly. Apple Carplay mooring is also very stable and well integrated. The positioning of the charging block, however, makes the phone likely to make an impressive flight hung forward when you have to brake in emergency maneuver. The commands of the heating/air conditioning system intuitively mix the physical keys with digital with multifunction knobs that recall the Land Rover approach. The bose audio channel of the tried model also offers a somewhat generic rendering.

The verdict

The Hyundai Tucson closed the year 2024 in second place in the manufacturer's sales record in the country, barely a few hundred units behind the Kona. It is therefore an essential product for Hyundai's competitiveness on Canadian soil, something that is perceptible in detail attention in the update of its cabin. The hybrid version is very relevant, but does not offer the fuel economy affected by certain rivals, especially on the highway, and does not have a very competitive price range, which limits its attraction to buyers more concerned with the financial aspect. The Korean brand would benefit from offering it in cheaper livery, or even think of making it the mechanics of standard. His refinement and efficiency would make him proud service and allow a very competent compact SUV to stand out even on the chessboard.