First test of the Hyundai Tucson 2021: groundbreaking Sign up for our newsletter ;-)!

These are our feelings after getting to know the new generation of the Hyundai Tucson, a model that breaks the mold thanks, among other things, to a revolutionary design, the incorporation of new technologies and a range of engines in which there is something for everyone the likes.

Our assessment: 8.0

Design: The Hyundai of the Future

To talk about the design of the new Tucson is to talk about the Sensuous Sportiness concept that debuted in the new i30. In this case, a new element called Parametric Dynamics enters the scene, which is nothing more than the shape that the new grille takes with those "parametric jewels" or geometric figures among which the led daytime running lights and that also stand out on the side and on the rear bumper. Just below these, at the ends of the bumper, are the main optics that incorporate full LED technology from the second finish (Maxx).

The available wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches and at the rear we also find curious elements such as, for example, that the wiper is hidden under the upper spoiler and that the brand's insignia is embedded in the very rear window to leave the gate cleaner. There is no doubt that the work of the designers is tremendous and, as such, does not allow a single reproach in regards to the qualities and adjustments of the parts that make up the entire body.

In terms of dimensions, the new Tucson is 20 mm longer (4,500 mm), 15 mm wider (1,865 mm) and 5 mm higher (1,650 mm.) In addition, the wheelbase increases by 10 mm ( 2,680 mm), which has an impact, as we will see later, in that the space for the rear occupants improves slightly.

There are nine body colors that can be teamed with a Phantom Black or Dark Knight roof. They are the following:

Interior: cleanliness and quality

In the interior we find the very good quality that Hyundai has already accustomed us to in its latest products and also denotes a very sculpted design work. Proof of this is the cleanness that the dashboard seeks with that horizontality that only breaks the center console and in which the so-called "indirect ventilation" is the protagonist, made up of a series of aeration outlets that adapt to the lines of the dashboard.

The new two-spoke steering wheel has a very pleasant touch and thickness of the rim and is in tune with the comfort also offered by the leather seats that are equipped as standard in the Style finish. The driving position is high and provides very good visibility. In addition, with the electric seat and steering column adjustments it is very easy to quickly adapt to the ideal posture. There are three upholsteries available depending on the finish: black, beige (both in a mix of fabric and leather) and bluish teal (optional on the highest finish).

Regarding the technological deployment, the representatives are two 10.25-inch screens that serve as instrumentation and infotainment system. The latter is tactile, like absolutely all the buttons on the center console, and has connectivity through Android Auto and Apple Car Play, updated BlueLink system and integrated navigation. The first image changes depending on the driving mode chosen (you can see the different views in the photo gallery) and, speaking of a certain customization, it should be noted that the ambient light can be configured with up to 64 different tones.

Space for driver and front passenger is good. Both have several storage spaces such as the one between the gear selector and the air conditioning controls, where two mobile phones can be charged at the same time with a USB cable. The habitability in the rear seats is also correct, especially in the two sides. In fact, due to this increase in wheelbase and a slight reconfiguration of the bench seats, passengers have up to 26mm more for their legs.

Lastly, the volume of the trunk can vary between 620 and 1,799 liters according to the user's convenience.

Engine: a very complete range

The list of powertrains for the new Tucson has something for everyone. Diesel, gasoline, diesel mild hybrid, gasoline mild hybrid, and conventional hybrid options will be available at launch. To these will be added next spring a plug-in hybrid version with a Zero Emissions label, so, ruling out an improbable and illogical 100% electric variant, the fourth-generation Tucson covers all the current and consistent technologies on the market for all kinds of needs. Of customers.

The gasoline engine of the new Tucson is a four-cylinder 1.6 TGDi turbo that is available in two power levels: 150 and 180 HP. The less powerful can be purchased with or without microhybridization, while the 180 CV is always associated with a 48 V electrical network. The latter, in turn, can be chosen in a manual or automatic version and with front or all-wheel drive. The 150 CV Mild-Hybrid also allows you to engage a manual or automatic transmission, but it will always send power to the front axle. On the contrary, the gasoline without microhybridization can be front or total, but in both cases a manual box will always be attached.

The diesel engine is a four-cylinder 1.6 CRDI that without microhybridization delivers 115 CV (manual and front) and with it declares 136 CV. The latter can be purchased with a manual transmission (in this case, front-wheel drive) or with an automatic gearbox (front or total.)

The conventional hybrid version is based on the same 1.6 TGDI to which is added a 44.2 kW (60 CV) electric motor. The joint figure amounts to 230 CV and the six-speed automatic transmission can send them to the front end or distribute them between both, as the client wishes. Of course, it goes without saying that all electrified alternatives wear the DGT Eco environmental label on their windshield. The future PHEV will change this for Zero Emissions blue.

During the first contact we were able to drive the 230 CV hybrid version around Madrid Capital and, in terms of performance, it does not admit of reproach. Its response is quite direct and its horsepower is more than enough to move the set even loaded in any situation. In addition to the typical Eco (standard) and Sport driving modes, as it is a 4×4, the hybrid has a terrain selector to adapt the operation to the different surfaces that we can find once we leave the asphalt (mud) aside , sand and snow.)

The route began in Sanchinarro, continued along the highway to Venturada and continued through secondary schools, going through municipalities such as Guadalix, Cerceda and Becerril to end near Alpedrete. The average consumption recorded in the more than 90 km traveled was about 8 l/100 km, a figure that a priori may seem high for a hybrid. However, it must be taken into account that a good part of the journey was carried out on express roads and that for some moments we wanted to test their reactions in Sport mode. Therefore, it would be relatively easy to get an average of 7-7.5 liters doing the same route, but it would not be easy to go down from there.

Behaviour: comfort above all else

If there's one thing the Tucson pays special attention to when we get going, it's offering a very high level of comfort, at least the Tucson Style with electronically controlled suspension that we tested. In addition to being an extremely quiet car (in the case of the hybrid), it manages to wonderfully filter out the irregularities of the asphalt, whatever they may be. And we are not only referring to the broken ones that we can find in any urban area, but also to the marked unevenness of a mountainous road or even large overpasses and speed bumps. The sensation is totally pleasant in any of all these cases and, of course, it is even more so when we drive on stable ground. In this sense, it is very close to the C5 Aircross with hydraulic progressive dampers.

The shadow comes when the driver decides to activate Sport mode. In this case, it is very appreciated that the engineers wanted to offer a completely different response to what we have with normal mode, but the truth is that it makes the car feel very artificial and we are constantly jumping because it reproduces each minimal imperfection of the pavement. If we add to this that on a twisty road you also have to deal with the inertia of a car weighing more than 1,600 kg, the conclusion is that it is not worth activating the most sporty mode unless we want to be exposed to a good scare or unless we want to enjoy a much more direct mechanical response on an area that looks like a real carpet. In any case, it must be very clear that the main purpose of the Tucson is comfort and, in this regard, it is a benchmark in its class.

The steering, yes, in either of the two driving modes adapts to the needs exquisitely. In the Eco mode that is activated by default, it has a correct degree of assistance and precision, while with the Sport mode we find much more resistance without this implying obtaining unnatural feedback.

According to Hyundai, it can be coupled to a trailer to tow from 600 to 1500 kg of weight, depending on the version chosen.

Equipment: four levels

The equipment of the new Tucson is divided into four levels: Klass, Maxx, Tecno and Style. In turn, these support some additional package that we will discuss below:

The most basic already comes standard with elements such as the active lane following assistant, the adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, the warning for involuntary lane change, the rear view camera, the heated rear window, lights LED daylights, leather steering wheel and knob, 17-inch wheels, connectivity, 8-inch central screen and hill descent control.

The Maxx adds chrome grille and moldings, full led lighting, digital instrumentation, dual-zone automatic climate control, roof bars, wireless charger for smartphones, rear parking sensor, height-adjustable passenger seat, rain sensor and, as an option for the electrified, practicable sunroof.

The Tucson Tecno incorporates 18-inch wheels (19-inch on the hybrid), keyless access and starting, proximity detector, 10.25-inch central touch screen with navigation and Bluelink connectivity, Krell sound system, tailgate electric trunk, heated front and rear seats, two-tone bodywork, highway driving assistant (automatic only), Smart Cruise Control (automatic only) and paddles on the steering wheel (automatic only.)

For its part, the most equipped has 19-inch wheels, suspension with electronic management, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats with electrical adjustments and memory, trizone automatic climate control, 360º monitor, blind spot alert, panoramic sunroof practicable, heated steering wheel, remote parking assistant (only in the hybrid), blind spot collision assistant and, as an option, you can choose the Teal package with light blue upholstery.