Named after a prime city right in the heart of Arizona in the US, Hyundai Tucson (TU-son) is a compact crossover SUV with a powerful engine in contrast to its size. Sleek yet rugged, Hyundai Philippines' Tucson design is a fusion of innovation and premium comfort. With its high-speed stability and highly-optimized body structure, it brings innovative engineering resulting in an aerodynamic design. In the local market, the Hyundai Tucson is available in either 2.0-liter gasoline or 2.0-liter diesel engine options, with the latter having a 4WD variant. All variants come with 6-speed automatic transmission (8-speed automatic transmission for the new face-lifted model). The gasoline variant can deliver up to 155 hp and 192 Nm of torque, while the diesel variant can churn out 183 hp and 416 Nm of torque. That's a lot of pull you could use when you needed it most.
Launch
The fourth-generation Hyundai Tucson was launched in the Philippines on August 17, 2022. It was made available in two variants each being powered by two different kinds of 2.0-liter motors. The first is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter gasoline motor, while the other is a 2.0-liter turbodiesel. The Korean automaker also slimmed down the drivetrain choices making both available variants at launch front-wheel-drive. On July 18, 2024, Hyundai Motor Philippines launched the Tucson Hybrid alongside the Santa Fe Hybrid. The Tucson Hybrid is powered by a 1.6 T-GDI engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, combining the power of a turbocharged gasoline engine with the efficiency of an electric motor. This variant of the Tucson came with a launch price of P2,290,000.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The Hyundai Tucson is powered by either a 2.0-liter gasoline engine or a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine. The diesel-fed powerplant produces 182hp and 402 Nm of torque and is attached to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The gasoline-powered engine, on the other hand, makes 152hp and 192 Nm of torque and is attached to a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual. Suspension for the crossover comes in the form of MacPherson Struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear.
Meanwhile, a turbocharged gasoline hybrid engine is available for the Tucson Hybrid. This variant's powertrain consists of a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a hybrid system. Power is delivered to the wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The Tucson Hybrid's powertrain generates 226 hp and 350 Nm of torque.
The Hyundai Tucson has a great engine and transmission combination. These two work well to deliver you the power when you need it. The handling of the vehicle itself is ok. There are moments when the vehicle encounters bouts of understeer during tight and fast turns. Body roll is present but tolerable. Torque steer, especially for the diesel variant, can be a bit pronounced at full throttle. The Tucson has great visibility giving it great maneuverability when it comes to tight city crawls. Just make sure to sit higher than normal in order to maximize the view. The door panels are a bit too high for a low driving position.
Technology Features
For infotainment, the Hyundai Tucson comes standard with an 8-inch infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Sound is sent through a 6-speaker sound system. Aside from this the Hyundai crossover also has a 10-inch LCD instrument cluster, a wireless charger, and automatic temperature control for both of its available variants.
Exterior
The Hyundai Tucson comes with LED headlights that feature a static bending light design. It also comes with Autolight controls, LED daytime running lights, and an LED position lamp as well. It also spots heated and power-folding side mirrors, a rear foglamp, roof rails, LED rear combination lamps, and a rear spoiler that comes integrated with a high-mount stop lamp.
Interior
The Hyundai Tucson comes with a beige and black interior color scheme. Beige dominates the upper half of the interior while black takes the lower half. For seating material, the crossover only comes in a fabric option. The GLS diesel variant comes with an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support. The second row comes in a 60/40 split-folding format with a center armrest that comes with cup holders.
Safety
For safety, the Hyundai Tucson comes with dual airbags one for the driver and the front passenger. Other key features for the range-topping GLS variant are Smart key with a push to start system, engine immobilizer, and a rearview camera with dynamic lines. Rear parking assist is standard for the entire vehicle lineup.
In 2019, we were underwhelmed with the last edition of the crossover, but now the 2023 Hyundai Tucson GLS Premium is leaps and bounds better than its predecessor. With its 2.0-liter diesel engine, eight-speed automatic, and its tight chassis, this thing was a hoot to drive and a remarkable round-town runabout as well as a highway mile muncher. Find out why we like it so much on this episode of Behind The Wheel.
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Everything is great (NVH, suspension, speed, handling, road presence, styling, etc.) EXCEPT: (1) Constant moisture outside the windshield when driving at night (need to cover the vents under the winshield with towel to prevent it); (2) fuel economy of around 6 km/l. with a relatively small fuel tank will constrain you to frequently visit the gas station; & (3) you will start to realize that this is expensive at P1,570,000 considering the lack of ADAS as compared to the recently launched Toyota Yaris Cross with HEV variant at similar price, though this Tucson for me appears to have better interior feel, much more space which I very much value, and I suspect has a much better driving comfort.
Am very satisfied with my Hyundai Tucson, it makes me feel safe, easy driving and best driving comfort. I look forwars to a new Tucson model if it comes out, will definitely buy one.
