Hyundai Tucson has returned for the 2019 model year with the finest SUV ideals ever in the practical SUV segment, incorporating superb mix of interior refinement, ride comfort, astonishing reliability, fuel economy and advanced safety features.
Recently remodeled with gorgeous niceties, the Tucson is Hyundai’s icing on the cake, and could prompt a gawk among competitive SUV marques.
Notable contenders in the practical SUV market slice are the Honda CRV, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Tiguan, Jeep Cherokee and Chevrolet Equinox.
Hyundai however claims its new Tucson offers more equipment for your money with attractive trim levels, each delivering unprecedented apparatus for their respective points.
The SE trim level for instance, (the only available model in Nigeria) is equipped with 164hp (Horsepower), 2.0-liter four cylinder engine with a front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Tucson’s swanky dimension also offers additional three inches length; 1.1-inch width and 1.2-inch-longer-wheelbase to reaffirm the vehicle’s practicality.
The result, of course, is a spacious and refined interior; passenger-friendly cabin especially for the rear occupants and a 60/40 split rear seat, providing ample thigh support and plenty of legroom even for a six-footer up front.
Tucson’s cargo area has also been widened for easier loading and offloading with added bonus on the floor (that can be lowered by two inches) to accommodate more shipment.
Renowned test drivers who acknowledged these transformations said that the Tucson is a driver’s delight with appreciable reputation for everyday commuting.
They applauded the vehicle’s front wheel drive that reaches 60mph (97km) in 7.9 seconds, which is quick for cars in this class.
Couple with these significant improvements is Tucson’s steering and suspension, providing a robust suspension component, upgraded dampers and new hydraulic-type bump stops.
Drivers of the new Tucson would, no doubt, appreciate Hyundai’s Flex Steer System available on the model for the first time and a remarkably distinctive Standard Drive Mode Select System that alters steering effort, transmission shift programming and throttle response in variance with the three settings – Normal, Eco and Sport.
These driving modes allow the driver to vary the level of steering support and feedback to best suit the environment – a feature only typical on luxury cars, but Tucson has become the only vehicle in the practical SUV segment to offer it.
When the all-wheel drive is engaged, an Active Control System not only sends power reward while turning, but applies the inside rear brakes to reduce the vehicle’s tendency to push wide through turns.
Other additions include a bi-function projection type headlight and LED positioning lamps for improved visibility along with LED rear lamps and newly designed 7.0J x 18” Alloy wheels and a full-size spare tyre.
The Tucson’s interior also benefited from a number of enhancements, conveniently seating five with an attractive cabin and spacious seating rows.
The front seats, for instance, are supple and offer generous support for longer trips. There’s also ample head and legroom at the rear for two adults to fit comfortably.
Fabric upholstery is standard while leather, heated, and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, which are also available are optional.
It is hard to fault the Tucson’s cabin from a functional standpoint. The interior is well-insulated and remains quiet on the highway.
There are however ample storage bins up front, and the center armrest bin and smartphone holder are usefully large.
Hyundai continues to design and place its controls very well. The five-inch touchscreen audio interface and layout for instance is refreshingly attractive, with easily pressed virtual buttons, sharing space with song data from the radio or media player.
What’s more, the vehicle’s fluidic design opens up a world of possibilities with an optional panoramic sunroof that extends from the front seats to the back and a rear spoiler with brake lights-built-in, puts a finishing touch on the fluidic sculpture design that is uniquely Hyundai.
There is also a standard rearview camera on all trims with rear cross-traffic alerts that makes navigation a snap thus removing guesswork out of backing into a tight spot.
The Tucson, no doubt, offers exceptional ride comfort and delivers a compelling package among midsize SUV segment.
USNews, a foremost American news magazine has acknowledged the sagacity of the Tucson when it voted the vehicle as “Best Compact SUV for the money” and “Best Compact SUV for families” respectively.
