The all-new 4th generation Hyundai Tucson compact crossover is a real head-turner now. It is produced in two wheelbase length versions using the shared N3 platform with the larger and even more attractive all-new 5th generation Santa Fe. For our market, we thankfully get the longer wheelbase but do not get the optional HTRAC all-wheel-drive system, which is a pity as the revised 2.0-liter turbodiesel mated to the trick 8-speed gearbox could have optimized its abilities even further.
The new Hyundai Tucson’s wheelbase is actually only 10mm shorter than the outgoing Santa Fe. It feels particularly more spacious inside especially when compared to its direct competition: the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV 4, and Volkswagen Tharu. If you are not up to paying more for electrification and more luxuries, the Hyundai Tucson GLS+ would be the very best 5-seater in the segment.
The more expensive Honda CR-V has a slightly longer body than the Tucson but the extra real estate went to the slightly larger rear trunk which can be configured to accommodate two small children in a 7-passenger setup found in the VX and V variants (cargo space is limited to 150 liters with the third row upright, growing to 581 liters when folded and 1064 liters with both rows folded flat). We love the Honda CR-V RS e:HEV and reckon it is the very best in its class but it also costs a whopping PhP 750,000.00 more than this current top-spec Tucson GLS+.
The Tucson’s current attractive combination of the trick front signature lighting, black chrome grille, and overall modern design is very refreshing and unique. Hyundai Philippines offers the new Tucson in a nice selection of exterior/interior combinations; White Cream with Black Interior, Shimmering Silver with Black Interior, Amazon Gray with Gray Interior (our test unit priced at PhP 1,840,000.00), Crimson Red with Black Interior, Phantom Black with Black Interior, and Deep Sea with Black Interior. There will be an update fairly soon that elevates the interior even further and resembles the interior found in the new 2nd-generation North American Kona that unifies the screens into a singular bezel and changes the steering wheel. It looks great but thankfully does not take away the joy found in the current interior.
The now familiar Supervision 10.25-inch instrument digital display combined with the 8-inch touchscreen for infotainment (with both Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto connectivity) are supported by reasonably good sounding 6-speakers and a standard wireless smartphone charger. But I wish the 8-speaker Bose system found in other markets was offered at this price point. The Tucson GLS+ makes 184 bhp @ 4000 rpm / 307 lb-ft @ 2000-2750 rpm from its potent 2.0-liter turbodiesel mated to a shift-by-wire 8-speed automatic gearbox with steering wheel paddleshifts. Maximum load capacity is 1,903 liters with the second row folded and 540 liters with the seats fixed. Its dimensions are L x W x H: 4630 mm x 1865 mm x 1665 mm with a 2,755 mm wheelbase. Overall fuel economy is 6.1 L/100 kms., it accelerates from 0-100 km/h in a brisk 9.1 seconds with a top speed of 210 km/h. The intricate 19-inch alloys are wrapped with 235/55R19 101H Nexen Roadian GTX tires.
The 2024 Hyundai Tucson 2.0D GLS+ costs PhP 270,000.00 more than the GLS gasoline model and it is worth every cent more. It is the sweetest spot in the segment with the most powerful engine offered in its class without electrification. It is at its finest iteration rewarding its driver and passengers with a very effortless, versatile, and comfortable tall wagon experience.