Full expert breakdown
Buying a new car is always an exciting journey, but it also comes with a lot of thought. You are probably thinking about your budget, how safe the car is for your family, what the monthly maintenance will be like, if it has all the latest features, and how good the company service is. These are all excellent questions, and today, we are going to dive deep into a car that aims to tick all these boxes and more – the new Hyundai Tucson. This premium SUV from Hyundai has been turning heads, and we are here to tell you everything you need to know before making your decision.
Main Highlights
Engine Specifications
The Hyundai Tucson in India offers two robust engine options, giving you a choice based on your driving style and preference:
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2.0L Nu Petrol Engine: This engine is for those who prefer a smooth, refined, and quiet driving experience.
- Max Power: 156 PS
- Peak Torque: 192 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic (torque converter)
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2.0L R Diesel Engine: If you are looking for stronger pulling power, especially for highway cruising and city overtakes, the diesel engine is a powerhouse.
- Max Power: 186 PS
- Peak Torque: 416 Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic (torque converter)
Design Overview
The new Tucson truly stands out with its bold and futuristic design philosophy, unlike anything else on the road.
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Exterior: The front fascia is dominated by Hyundai's Parametric Jewel design grille, which seamlessly integrates the LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) giving it a unique, almost chameleon-like appearance. The sharp character lines along the side, muscular wheel arches, and sleek LED tail lamps connected by a light bar at the rear complete its dynamic look. It is truly a head-turner.
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Interior: Step inside, and you are greeted by a cabin that feels premium, spacious, and extremely modern. The dashboard has a clean, uncluttered look with a dual-layer design. High-quality materials are used throughout, and the layout is ergonomically sound, putting all controls within easy reach. The panoramic sunroof adds to the airy feel, making journeys more enjoyable.
Key Features
The Tucson comes loaded with technology and comfort features to enhance your driving experience:
- 10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Hyundai Bluelink Connected Car Technology
- Panoramic Sunroof
- 360-degree Camera with Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Wireless Phone Charging
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Ventilated and Heated Front Seats
- Powered Tailgate
- Bose Premium Sound System
- Digital Instrument Cluster
What is the Ground Clearance of the Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson offers a good ground clearance of 192 mm, which is quite adequate for Indian road conditions, helping it tackle uneven surfaces and speed breakers with ease.
What is the Boot Space of the Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson boasts a generous boot space of 540 litres, which is more than sufficient for your family weekend trips or airport runs, accommodating multiple large suitcases.
What are the Dimensions of the Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is a substantial SUV, contributing to its commanding road presence and spacious interior:
- Length: 4630 mm
- Width: 1865 mm
- Height: 1665 mm
- Wheelbase: 2755 mm
Powertrain Options
As mentioned under engine specifications, the Tucson comes with two distinct powertrain options: a 2.0L Petrol with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 2.0L Diesel with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Both are FWD (Front-Wheel Drive) setups in India.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for the new Tucson, which comes packed with advanced active and passive safety systems:
- 6 Airbags as standard
- All-Wheel Disc Brakes
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
- Downhill Brake Control (DBC)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
- Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) - Hyundai SmartSense: This suite includes features like Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and more.
NCAP Rating Table
Please note that specific crash test ratings can vary by region and testing agency.
| Rating Agency | Hyundai Tucson (Latest Gen) |
|---|---|
| Bharat NCAP | Not yet tested |
| Global NCAP (for India-spec) | Not yet tested |
| Euro NCAP (Equivalent Global Model) | 5-Star Rating (based on 2021 tests) |
While the India-spec Tucson has not been tested by Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP specifically, its strong build and comprehensive safety features, including the full ADAS suite, align with the excellent safety standards observed in global markets where it has received 5-star ratings.
Rivals of Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson competes in a tough segment against other premium SUVs:
- Jeep Compass
- Citroen C5 Aircross
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Tata Harrier / Safari (higher variants)
- MG Hector Plus (higher variants)
How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)
Advantages
- Striking Design: Its bold and unique styling truly makes it stand out from the crowd.
- Premium Interiors: High-quality materials, comfortable seating, and a feature-rich cabin offer a luxurious feel.
- Feature-Packed: Loaded with segment-leading features, especially the comprehensive ADAS suite.
- Refined Engines: Both petrol and diesel engines are smooth, powerful, and offer good drivability.
Spacious Cabin: Ample legroom and headroom for five passengers, making long journeys comfortable.Hyundai's Service Network: Backed by Hyundai's extensive and reliable service network across India.
Disadvantages
- Price: Positioned at a premium price point, which might be a barrier for some buyers.
No AWD/4x4 Option: Unlike some rivals, it does not offer an All-Wheel Drive or 4x4 option in India, limiting its off-road capability.Maintenance Costs: Being a premium SUV, parts and service might be relatively higher compared to smaller SUVs.Design Polarisation: While many love its design, it is quite bold and might not appeal to everyone.
Conclusion
The new Hyundai Tucson is undoubtedly a strong contender in the premium SUV segment. It offers a unique blend of futuristic design, a feature-rich and luxurious cabin, powerful and refined engine options, and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies including ADAS. While its premium price and lack of an AWD option might be points to consider, the Tucson makes a compelling case for itself with its overall package, comfort, and Hyundai's trusted after-sales service. If you are in the market for an SUV that stands out, offers a luxurious experience, and is packed with the latest tech and safety, the Hyundai Tucson should definitely be on your test-drive list. It is a car that not only looks good but also delivers on the promise of a premium, comfortable, and safe driving experience for you and your family in India.
