Hyundai’s design renaissance is in full swing, and the Tucson is a prime example. It was already one of the boldest-looking family SUVs around, and the facelift keeps that edge sharp while refining what matters inside.
The first-generation model from 2004 was quirky and functional, while the next two generations played it safe, blending in rather than standing out.
But now that Hyundai has figured out the basics (handling, build quality, reliability) it is leaning into boldness again.
With competitors like the Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan, the Tucson is in a hotly contested segment. Fierce rivals, but Hyundai is ready to bring the fight to them.
Hyundai Is Now… Cool?
If the striking Parametric Hidden Lights caught your attention back in 2020, rest assured they are still here, along with minor tweaks to the bumpers, lighting, and grille.
It feels strange to say, but Hyundai has been on a roll lately. Once a brand known primarily for value, it has transformed into a styling powerhouse, pushing bold designs with surprising confidence.
Hyundai has clearly put effort into making the Tucson feel premium, and it shows.
This Is Jam-Packed With Features
Inside, the Tucson continues to impress, with plenty of storage, cubby holes, and passenger-friendly features.
Up on the flight deck, climate controls are integrated into a dedicated haptic touch panel.
The dual 12.3-inch screens across the dash are cleanly integrated, providing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless phone charging.
Everything you might need on a journey is included, including heated and ventilated seats. Your passenger princess even gets a little shelf to put their items, while you two can comfortably lounge in the N Line’s plush front seats.
Rear passengers have not been forgotten, with the N Line offering tri-zone climate control and integrated sun blinds.
A particularly thoughtful feature is the “sleep mode,” which separates front and rear audio, allowing parents to enjoy their music while children doze off. Two USB-C plugs in the back also ensure that no one’s device runs out of battery on long trips.
The rear seats split 40/20/40, allowing for flexible cargo arrangements. Boot space is also sizeable at 620 litres with the seats up and 1,799 litres with them folded.
Effortless To Drive
If there are two words to sum up the Tucson’s driving experience, it would be extremely competent. That might sound like faint praise, but it is a big step up from the Hyundai we knew ten years ago.
Everything is smooth and intuitive. The drive selector now sits behind the steering wheel in the bottom right, and drive modes can be toggled via the centre console.
The Tucson is sharp enough, nimble enough, and happy to respond to enthusiastic driving, but it is far more at home cruising in comfort. The steering has a surprising amount of weight, though there is some inertia in the response. It is not razor-sharp, but it does make for a controlled, predictable drive.
On highways, rocking the accelerator with a heavy foot doesn’t phase the Tucson’s engine one bit, with the hybrid system transitioning between modes smoothly.
It feels planted and stable, while on twistier roads or roundabouts, its deliberate, solid movement reminds you that this is a sturdy SUV, not a sports car.
For those interested in off-road capability, Hyundai includes Mud, Sand, and Snow Terrain Modes, but realistically, most Tucson owners will never use them.
And The Safety Tech Is Done Right
Hyundai deserves credit for its driver assistance systems, which are less intrusive than most rivals and easier to disable when needed.
One of the best features is the blind spot camera, which replaces either the speedometer or rev counter with a high-resolution camera feed whenever you flick the indicator.
It is a brilliant safety addition, particularly in cities where motorcycles tend to appear out of nowhere.
A Confident Leap Forward
If you love the way the Tucson looks, you will not be disappointed. It drives well, is loaded with clever features, and feels properly premium inside.
Hyundai has continued its streak of designing well-rounded, well-equipped SUVs that offer excellent value without feeling cheap.
This fourth-generation model shows just how far Hyundai has come. The first Tucson was quirky but unrefined. The next two generations were practical but forgettable.
It’s a bold, confident SUV that refuses to blend into the crowd. And that’s what makes it so great.
Technical Specifications
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder 16-value DOHC
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
Power: 158 kW (212 bhp)
Torque: 267 Nm
Gearbox: 6-Speed (A) Dual Clutch
0-100km/h: 8.5 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 186 km/h
Fuel Capacity: 52 litres
Fuel Consumption: 15.2 km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$244,999 (N Line) with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Hyundai Singapore
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
Test drive the Tucson AWD here: https://hyundai.com.sg/test-drive/
Read the full article here: https://www.autoapp.sg/hyundai-tucson-hybrid-n-line-review/
