The Tucson is Hyundai’s best-selling SUV for a reason.
Now in its 20th year of production, the compact model features a stand out design, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, gasoline and diesel 48-volt mild hybrid options, and best-in-class safety and family-oriented convenience features.
All at an affordable price.
My tester, the 2024 Limited all-wheel drive trim, was powered by the Smartstream 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Shifttronic paddle shifters. Tucson seats five adults and receives a 29 miles per gallon down the highway rating by the EPA.
The biggest change – or at least the most noticeable – is the Tucson’s cutting-edge SUV exterior design. Criss-crossing lines on the vehicle’s sides and front grille are prominent, drawing eyes without effort.
Hyundai calls them “parametric jewels”, which create a progressive appearance throughout the SUV’s design, giving it a progressive character. Thanks to state-of-the-art half-mirror lighting technology, when the daytime running lamps are switched on, the dark chrome appearance of the grille transforms into jewel-like shapes, bringing an eye-catching element to an otherwise sleek look.
The all-new Tucson delivers increased comfort and convenience for every type of driver.
Highlights include a navigation system with voice recognition, Bose premium audio system, heated and ventilated leather trimmed seats, heated steering wheel, dual automatic temperature control, smart cruise control, hands-free smart power rear liftgate, ambient lighting, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear USB ports, panoramic moonroof, surround view monitor, parking assist, and a wireless phone charger.
That’s a long list. The heated seats and steering wheel certainly were handy in the midst of our recent cold snap. I also enjoyed the convenience of the wireless phone charging, and crystal-clear playing of Jimmy Buffett’s posthumous album “Equal Strain On All Parts” that lifted my post-holiday spirits.
Tucson seems to find the sweet spot between power and gas mileage. No complaints on acceleration from a standing start, or passing speed. And fuel economy is better than most competitors, a plus when $4 per gallon gas is still the norm.
An electronic-controlled suspension offers drivers flexibility thanks to its adaptive driving technology. Drivers can select from Normal or Sport modes, depending on their driving preferences. The ECS automatically and continuously controls the vehicle’s suspension to maximize driving comfort and performance. It achieves this by taking into account driving conditions such as speed, road surfaces, cornering, stopping requirements and acceleration. By controlling the damping force on each individual wheel, ECS reduces roll, pitch and vertical motion to enhance ride and handling.
Tucson consolidates its true SUV credentials with 4×4 that enables agile handling and better torque application depending on wheel grip and vehicle speed. In addition to different drive modes, three additional terrain modes – Mud, Sand and Snow – optimize the driving performance and HTRAC settings for an enhanced driving experience on a variety of terrain.
With advanced driver-assistance systems and the most comprehensive active safety package, Tucson delivers even more peace of mind for Hyundai customers. It is also outfitted with an enhanced seven-airbag system, which features a new first row center side airbag, a feature unique to this segment.
The all-new Tucson is equipped with a range of Hyundai SmartSense safety features, including forward collision-avoidance assist, which now includes junction turning; blind spot view monitor, highway driving assist, and navigation-based smart cruise control.
Base Price: $39,345
Price As Driven: $40,005
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
