What have Hyundai been up to in the last few months? The release of the 2021 Hyundai Tucson has arrived. If you are into an SUV that looks like no other, than the Tucson is a medium-size SUV that has loads going on around its exterior that will keep you captivated for hours. All sorts of curves, lines, textures and patterns are set into the new Tucson’s exterior design. It will be one of those polarising designs where you’ll either love it or hate it, however it is definitely leading the way with modernism and innovation. Hop inside the 2021 Tucson, and the interior has become classier and more comfortable. There is also plenty of new and up-to-date technology as standard inside the new Tucson.
Sitting in the driver’s seat for the first time, you’ll notice that the dash has a flatter fascia, and the appearance is squarer, doing away with the pop-up touchscreen of the outgoing model and opting for the more conventional centre dash console, where the larger new screen is positioned inside the dash. It is a very neat design; so much better than the previous model, which had what appeared to be the touchscreen balancing precariously above the dash and on top of the centre air vents. The wrap-around affect of the dash is classy and stylish.
Trim and materials used inside the 2021 Tucson models are again a big leap forward. You’ll notice that the dash has nice soft touch surfaces and the stitching around the cabin is first class. The big centre console in the dash boasts all the switchgear for the climate controls. You’ll also find the menu buttons for audio volume, satellite maps and navigation, radio and other media are located within easy reach for the driver – below the high definition infotainment touchscreen. The wider touchscreen display also provides access controls to all the on-board infotainment and comfort features. You can create voice memos, have the phone communications projected throughout the cabin, connect to your mobile phone via Bluetooth among other things. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range, so connecting to your smartphone for its own apps is a breeze.
All 2021 Hyundai Tucson models boast a digital driver’s display behind the steering wheel. It looks nice and classy; all the figures and graphics are clear and there are various modes and displays that you can adjust. You can also alter the type of information such as navigation and driving data that you might want access to while you drive. There is lots of adjustment in the steering wheel and the driver’s seats has all manner of alteration so you will find a pretty decent driving position that suits your body type.
A good size glovebox, and a big storage area under the centre console in the dash for all manner of things including wireless charging for your mobile phone, two USB points and a 12V socket are present. Two cupholders are in front of the middle armrest between the driver and front passenger, along with some big front door bins for bottles.
This is a mid-size SUV, and, as far as space goes in the back seats, the new Tucson comes with plenty of knee and head room for adults. You can get the Tucson with a glass roof, and the design is such that the glass roof doesn’t encroach much on head space for those in the rear seats. The high ride offers good visibility out of the cabin for all occupants, and top of the range models get heated seats in the back. Also, the back seats are reclining, and on the more premium models you can also get zoned climate control for back seat passengers. Two USB points are present for charging your mobile devices, so it’s a pretty well set-up modern SUV.
Some SUVs of this type tend to skimp on quality materials when it comes to the back seat passengers, but with Hyundai the quality runs right throughout the cabin. There are door bins for small bottles, which you’ll find on the rear doors, and two cup-holders are located in the rear centre armrest. Boot space is huge, and here you’ll find 620 litres available behind the rear seats; that’s class leading. Hybrid models offer 577 litres, which is still very good. No load lip makes for easy loading and the opening is square, allowing you to carry many suitcases inside the cargo area. Of course, the rear seats can be flipped forward to provide a nice flat floor for carrying even more cargo. Storage compartments under the boot floor are very handy for loose ends that need to come on your travels with you – I’m thinking a spare blanket, tow rope or insect repellent… The boot gate opens electronically, and you just need to stand behind it with the key fob for around three seconds for the lid to open up – handy!
The new-generation Hyundai Tucson comes in Base model, Elite and Highlander grades with a 115 kW/192 Nm six-speed auto 2.0-litre petrol motor or a 132 kW/265 Nm seven-speed dual-clutch 1.6-litre turbo petrol motor. There is also an eight-speed auto 137 kW/416 Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine available, which I really like. The 1.6-litre turbo and 2.0-litre diesel come with all-wheel drive, the 2.0-litre petrol is front-drive only. Mild hybrid technology gives better economy about town where you can drive on battery alone for short distances.
Around town, the new Hyundai Tucson feels comfortable but is firmer than some of its rivals, and the Tucson is easy to drive. The visibility around the car is great, making for nice, easy parking. Safety features like automatic braking, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, seven airbags including a centre airbag, blind-spot collision avoidance, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking with junction/turning assist and park assist all make the Tucson a great vehicle to drive. Five-star safety features are found on all Tucson models, and there is even active cruise control available.
The VW Tiguan, the Honda CR-V and the Peugeot 3008 should also be worth a look if you are seriously looking for a family-size, mid-size SUV in this price bracket. All three of these are excellent vehicles but they each have their own interesting take on how one of these SUVs should turn out. Need a decent family car? Buy a Tucson.
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson models include the:
For any more information on the new Hyundai Tucson or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Hyundai dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!