Hyundai Tucson 2024: A Comprehensive Review of the Facelifted PHEV

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson has undergone significant updates, particularly in its design and offerings. This popular compact SUV returns with a renewed aesthetic and a host of technological advancements. In this review, we delve deep into the specifics of the Tucson PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) and examine what improvements have been made as well as areas where it still has room for growth.

Striking Design Changes

Exterior Facelift

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson showcases a mild refresh that enhances both its visual appeal and functionality. The front fascia retains its bold grille, now more sharply defined, while the lights have been seamlessly integrated into the grille, giving the vehicle a wider stance. The new angular bumper design reflects a more aggressive look, adding to its modern SUV aesthetic. At the rear, subtle modifications contribute to a sportier appearance, thereby making the Tucson stand out in the competitive compact SUV market.

Image credit: Auto Review (Used under license)

Interior Redesign

Shifting focus to the interior, the Tucson’s dashboard has taken inspiration from the design of the Hyundai Kona. A visual treat, the dual 12.3-inch screens create a continuous curved display that commands attention and enhances the futuristic feel of the cabin. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can now be accessed wirelessly, reflecting the growing need for seamless connectivity in today’s vehicles. Furthermore, crucial software updates can now be performed ‘over the air’, ensuring that owners have access to the latest features and diagnostics without the hassle of visiting a dealership.

One notable feature that has persisted from the previous model is the array of physical buttons, strategically placed beneath the central touchscreen. This familiarity aids in intuitive operation, especially when adjusting the climate control system. Additionally, the automatic gear selector has been repositioned to the steering column—a design element that blends functionality and ease of access.

Comfort and Practicality

Spacious Cabin

The Hyundai Tucson asserts itself as a comfortable all-rounder, offering ample interior space for both driver and passengers. With heating features available in 8 out of 9 variants, the Tucson is prepared for the colder months. The seating arrangements are designed to accommodate a range of body sizes comfortably, lending itself well to long journeys or daily commutes alike. The cabin’s noise insulation creates a serene ambiance, making for a more enjoyable driving experience—another feather in Hyundai’s cap.

User-Friendly Controls

In terms of user experience, the Tucson employs a mixed approach between traditional buttons and modern touchscreen interfaces. The presence of physical buttons aids quick adjustments, while the touchscreen provides access to a wide array of infotainment features. As noted, even the speed warning can be quickly muted with a simple function on the steering wheel, showcasing Hyundai’s thoughtful design choices aimed at enhancing comfort and user convenience.

Performance and Efficiency

Powertrain Insights

The Tucson PHEV is equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, merging an electric motor with a four-cylinder petrol engine. The 91 hp electric motor delivers a pleasant driving experience, often taking precedence in traffic conditions or during city driving scenarios. This hybrid powertrain rekindles the balance between performance and efficiency, especially highlighted during mixed driving experiences, which recorded a commendable average of 6.6 litres per 100 km during our tests.

Electric Capability

The 13.8 kWh battery empowers the Tucson to achieve a theoretical electric-only range of 62 kilometers. However, real-world experiences may differ, particularly in colder weather conditions where battery efficiency may wane due to cabin heating demands. This could be a deterrent for interested buyers looking for solid electric performance, as the Tucson’s PHEV model struggles to meet the growing market standard of around 120 kilometers for electric range.

While the Tucson excels in city driving, it lacks competitive fast-charging technology that is becoming the norm in the plug-in hybrid sector. Modern competitors equipped with larger batteries capable of fast charging overshadow this model, leaving the Tucson PHEV feeling somewhat outdated in this regard.

Pricing Structure

Competitive Pricing

Hyundai has positioned the Tucson PHEV competitively within the market. The entry-level price begins at £43,995, notably undercutting rivals such as the Volkswagen Tiguan PHEV, which starts at £50,990. The Tucson offers a hybrid variant that is a few hundred pounds cheaper than its plug-in counterpart due to tax advantages associated with lower CO2 emissions.

However, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against any potential drawbacks, such as added road tax costs attributed to the PHEV’s additional weight from the hybrid system. Our test vehicle, the N Line Sky, priced at £53,195, comes with deluxe features such as 19-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing both aesthetics and driving experience.

Final Thoughts on the Hyundai Tucson

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson retains its reputation as a stylish and comfortable vehicle, readily equipped for modern drivers. The facelift has brought about significant changes that enhance both aesthetics and functionality, even while some of the technological offerings seem to lag behind those of the competition.

The dual-screen dashboard elevates the Tucson’s interior, but an opportunity was missed in not expanding the battery technology to include faster charging capabilities. Nonetheless, the Tucson PHEV remains a practical choice for those willing to plug in regularly for electric driving, as it does deliver cheaper running costs and a quieter experience when running in EV mode.

In conclusion, the Tucson continues to be a commendable contender in the compact SUV landscape, though potential buyers should weigh the benefits against the limitations of its current hybrid technology and consider how it aligns with their personal driving habits and lifestyle.