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 185 hp and 402 Nm of torque. That's a lot of pull you could use when you needed it most.
Launch
The third-generation Hyundai Tucson was launched on April 28, 2015. It comes with four variants and two engine options and three transmission options. The Korean crossover is only available in a front-wheel-drive configuration.
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.
Driving Performance
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 can come with either a 3.8-inch floating type audio display or a 7-inch floating type audio display. Both head units come with Bluetooth, USB, and Aux-in capabilities. Sound is sent through a 6-speaker system. Climate controls come in the form of manual controls. The top variant shares in the same controls but gets the addition of rear air vents.
Exterior
The Hyundai Tucson comes with projector-type headlamps with halogen bulbs. The Korean crossover also features heated backlite glass. Its door handles are color-keyed with the exception of the top variant where it comes in chrome. It also comes with an outside rearview mirror that comes with electric adjustability. The top-of-the-line variant gets front fog lamps, roof rails, and mudguards.
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.
Pros & Cons
What you might like about the Hyundai Tucson is that the vehicle has an impressive fuel economy. It has features seamless smartphone integration. The engine also delivers linear power delivery.
What you might not like about the Korean crossover is that the cabin materials need improvement. The lighting system of the vehicle is also dated and its handling needs some more fine-tuning.
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The 2019 Hyundai Tucson compact crossover is a formidable choice if you're looking for an alternative to the sprawling population of midsize SUVs in the Philippines. Caco goes behind the wheel of one, and here's his full review.
