Hot Stuff: Hyundai Tucson - The Mid-Size SUV That Rules 'em All, Now with a Kickin' Hybrid
Redesigned Hyundai Tucson Offers Mid-size SUV Drive with Hybrid Option
By Pat, Rollin' in Kronberg im Taunus
Hey there, folks! Let's check out what makes the Hyundai Tucson the most swaggering mid-size SUV on the road. We're takin' a gander at the new plug-in hybrid bad boy, reelin' in some front-wheel drive action.
Which Hyundai model rules the roost, my friend? 'Ain't the electric Ioniq models, nor the i20, i30, or even the snazzy Kona. Nah, it's the more humble Tucson, whose name even the coolest dudes out there might find tricky to spit out. So, what's the Tucson got that leaves other Hyundais in the dust? Perhaps it's the allure of comfort, space, and a price that won't lighten your wallet too much. The Tucson's a versatile 4.52-meter long ride that sits pretty somewhere between the upper limit of compact and mid-size classes, and it starts at just 35,740 euros. Bang for your buck, you ask? You bet. Lots of digital dash, LED headlights, navigation, parking sensors, and backup cam are standard, and the design's classy with a relaxed European vibe.
Sadly, this time around, ntv.de didn't hit the jackpot with the entry-level variation. But let's face it, Hyundai's got somethin' new to shout about: The 252-horsepower hybrid can now team up with front-wheel drive, and that makes the top dog significantly cheaper. While you'll need to cough up a minimum of 49,800 euros for the all-wheel-drive Tucson, the front-wheel-drive version starts at a more reasonable 44,690 euros. Though the lower price tag's due in part to the trimmer "Select" gear, the real question remains: Does the front-wheel-drive model keep up with the power hog?
Front-Wheel Drive PHEV - A Nimble, yet Tug-of-War Genie
It's all in the throttle. The deal is, the front tires carry quite a load when 367 Newton-meters of system torque gets dumped on 'em. Surprisingly, the front-wheel-drive model with hybrid power under its hood is said to hit highway speed 0.2 seconds quicker than its four-wheel-drive counterpart, reports Hyundai. Guess what? It's 'cause the newbie's a tad more than 60 kilograms lighter.
When both engines are bilin' and bargain hungrin', traction can dwindle. Still, it's not like you're constantly flyin' off the line from a green light. Even a smooth overtakin' maneuver at a snail's pace can give ya a good shake in the steering wheel. To be fair, the drivetrain functions like a charm in everyday life. Sweet acceleration and no harsh tuggin' interruptions are the result if you don't get overzealous.
The six-speed automatic keeps things shiftin' smoothly - no dual-clutch nightmare here to create choppy transitions now and then. But if you're hopin' to go hybrid, aim to ride solely on the electric vibe. Better yet, juice up the battery with energy you've regenerated. While the battery's not massive (13.8 kWh), it can be fully charged in under two hours with a capable charger nearby. The electric range clocks in at a respectable 70 kilometers, and since the electric unit boasts 98 horsepower and 304 Newton-meters, the pick-up ain't weak, even when both motors are in play. The max speed of 186 km/h requires the gasoline engine to join the party.
The Tucson - Comfort and Utility King
Comfort. The digs inside the Tucson are comfy and supportive, and an optional adaptive suspension with superb damper properties makes this SUV a long-road warrior. As for infotainment, prep yourself to be entertained.
Space. The Tucson's a crowd-pleaser in the cargo department,too. Fold the rear seats, and the cargo volume swells to a cavernous 1721 liters. Even with the seat back upright, there's nearly 600 liters of room to pack your gear. Sadly, the gasoline engine maintains a slight advantage with towing capacity - 1.2 tons ain't ideal for moving large horse trailers, but it'll get the job done.
In addition to its pleasant ride, modern tech, and stylish good looks, the Tucson's appeal may lie in its wide array of well-equipped powertrain options. Whether you want a diesel, a hybrid gasoline engine (both mild and full), or the on-trend plug-in hybrid, Hyundai's got you covered. And thanks to the lower tax burden with the hybrid (0.5 percent rule), company car drivers have a reason to grin, too.
Sources:- ntv.de- U.S. News & World Report: https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/hyundai/tucson/2025/hybrid/best-hybrid-suvs- Hyundai Europe: https://www.hyundai.com/uk/en/home/suvs/tucson
- Motor vehicles and light commercial vehicles in the transportation industry are increasingly focusing on electric-vehicles, with Hyundai playing a significant role.
- Interestingly, the Hyundai Tucson, a mid-size SUV, emerges as the standout model from Hyundai's lineup, offering characteristics that cater to various lifestyles.
- The Hyundai Tucson, in particular, boasts a hybrid powertrain, which can now be paired with front-wheel drive, resulting in lower prices and increased affordability.
- Finance-conscious consumers will appreciate the price range of the Hyundai Tucson, which starts at 35,740 euros, making it a good investment in the automotive technology of electric-vehicles.
- The front-wheel drive PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle) version of the Tucson is nimble and offers impressive performance, hitting highway speeds faster than its all-wheel drive counterpart.
- Despite some minor issues with traction during high-power situations, the front-wheel drive Tucson performs admirably in everyday driving conditions, offering smooth acceleration and no harsh interruptions.
- The Hyundai Tucson leverages its comfort, utility, modern tech, and stylish good looks to appeal to a wide range of consumers, offering various powertrain options, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, further strengthening its position in the automotive industry.
