Road test review of 2021 Hyundai Tucson finds familiar family feel
Despite a modern makeover, there’s a familiar family feel to the popular Hyundai Tucson Elite SUV
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Consider some of the great rivalries. Chris Evert versus Martina Navratilova. Joe Frazier versus Muhammad Ali. Australia versus England in the Ashes.
Within the automotive section, there’s some serious competition building.
Last month, SUVs accounted for more than half of all vehicles sold. The biggest slice of that sales pie went to the medium segment, dominated by Toyota’s RAV4.
Production delays have dogged the RAV, and there is a battle royale occurring to be on the popularity podium. Mazda’s CX-5, the Mitsubishi Outlander and Hyundai’s Tucson are locked in a skirmish for second place.
The new Tucson arrived during April this year, heralding head-turning looks along with an array of standard infotainment features that have pushed prices toward the $40,000 mark.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
GRANT: This is what Hyundai calls “Sensuous Sportiness” design. That sounds a little like a pole dancing session in the gym to me. Are you feeling the love?
KEL: It looks awesome. I know some people don’t like things looking edgy but it appears fast standing still.
GRANT: Bigger than previous Tucsons, it’s a departure from the three preceding rudimentary generations, with a ‘z’ character line in the rear doors, pumped-up wheel arches, patterned rear bumper and the front end which integrates the lights and grille.
KEL: Having seen the television ads, Hyundai has been pushing the futuristic appeal. In a crowded market, it now sets itself apart from the pack in my view. So how much?
GRANT: Drive-away for the base model non-turbo petrol model is about $38,380, although we’re in the Elite which adds about $4600 to the bottom line. There’s a range-topping Highlander variant with all the fruit for just over $50k.
KEL: That sounds like a sizeable jump compared to previous models.
GRANT: Manual versions in the previous generation made the starting price look more appealing. The get-in price increase is about $2300, but not forgetting that there are smaller models now on the market – Hyundai stablemates like the Venue and Kona which all have to fit into a pricing structure.
KEL: This looks more expensive than Tucsons of old.
THE LIVING SPACE
GRANT: The Elite is the middle ground within a three-tiered range, and gets a cool 10.25-inch touchscreen (up from eight in the base model) with smartphone integration apps, leather trim, heated front seats, dual-zone aircon, push-button start and power adjustable driver’s seat.
KEL: Nothing feels cheap or nasty, with some nice finishes across the dash and doors. It has modern appeal but not space-aged.
GRANT: The driver has an analog tacho and speedo with a central digital display, but the Highlander variants get the fancy full frameless LCD instrument cluster.
KEL: There are minimal buttons, although given the marketing spiel and external lines I was expecting a few surprises.
GRANT: Cabin design remains sensible and easily navigated. There’s quick access to aircon controls on the centre stack along with two USB ports with a good storage area beneath for phones.
KEL: The seats are comfy too, and the centre cupholders are good for a takeaway coffee or larger bottle.
THE COMMUTE
GRANT: Some buyers are put off by turbo models, so naturally aspirated engines remain popular.
KEL: Getting away from the lights was reasonable but it’s no firecracker.
GRANT: More shove is available from the 1.6-litre turbo, which has all-wheel drive and a dual-clutch automatic for those chasing more power (a diesel is also available). I found the front-wheel drive 2.0-litre non-turbo combination reasonable, but it got noisy once pushed higher into the rev range.
KEL: Pushing up some hills it kicked down gears and sounded coarse. Yet overall it was easy to drive, light in the steering and rode nicely.
THE SHOPPING
GRANT: Front and rear parking sensors, along with a system which warns of oncoming traffic while reversing, it provides extra confidence in tight urban surrounds. It’s about 2.5 turns of the steering wheel lock-to-lock so it’s simple to manoeuvre.
KEL: The Tucson is a great size for family activities and parking is easy. Boot space is good, the weekly groceries provided no challenge.
GRANT: Dropping the rear seats is easy via the levers mounted above the wheel arches in the boot.
KEL: One issue, though – it’s missing the power tailgate function. I’ve become accustomed to that feature.
GRANT: Unfortunately it’s only available on the range-topper. One thing it does have that trumps most rivals is a full-size alloy spare. These days you typically get a space-saver restricted to 80km/h or repair goop.
THE SUNDAY RUN
KEL: The smooth ride and ease of driving probably won’t inspire long, winding rural sojourns.
GRANT: It’s an SUV not a grand tourer. But you’re right, it’s designed as a useful member of the family rather than invoking driving passion. Most Hyundai models gain special Australian tuning, but it hasn’t occurred with the Tucson.
THE FAMILY
KEL: Impressive leg, shoulder and head room is available in the back. Road trips would be within the remit given the boot space.
GRANT: Four suitcases could be handled with ease. This engine runs on standard unleaded and we averaged 8.6 litres for every 100km – which is only slightly higher than the official figure from Hyundai, but relatively thrifty for a non-turbo model.
KEL: What’s the ongoing maintenance and warranty cover?
GRANT: Five years is the warranty period, which is pretty much industry standard nowadays. Servicing is required annually or every 15,000km. A prepaid maintenance plan for five years/75,000km is $1595.
KEL: Safety seems good, with radar cruise control and the function which can steer the car automatically in between the lines.
GRANT: There is also a safe exit warning which tells you of oncoming traffic when you’re about to open the door.
THE VERDICT
KEL: Good looks and modern cabin, there is plenty to like about the Tucson. Personally I’d like some more punch in the performance so I’d look to invest some more coin and opt for the turbocharged engine.
GRANT: The new Tucson boasts impressive family all-rounder capability. While this variant looks like the future, it still drives like yesterday.
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