Hyundai is a brand I greatly admire. It currently enjoys an excellent reputation for reliability, design, and technology. However, the Korean manufacturer never stops pushing boundaries, and that's what makes it strong. The Tucson is now a true benchmark in its category.
For 2024, Hyundai has streamlined the Tucson lineup by removing several versions from the offering, including the entry-level Essential model. This resulted in a significant increase in the starting price of the Korean manufacturer's SUV, going from $28,499 to $34,199. In reality, this doesn't change much for consumers since the Essential version was far less popular than others. Apart from the removal of certain versions, the Tucson has undergone only minor improvements, except for the N Line version, which swaps its gasoline engine for a hybrid one. Thus, there is now only one alteration of the Korean manufacturer's SUV that offers a gasoline engine.
Lineup and Prices
As I mentioned earlier, the Hyundai Tucson lineup has been significantly reduced for 2024. The Korean manufacturer's SUV now offers four versions. There is the Preferred model, which now serves as the entry-level version with a starting price of $34,199. Next is the N Line version at $40,599. The Luxury Hybrid version is also available at the same price. Finally, the Ultimate Hybrid version is at the top of the lineup with a starting price of $43,999. It is also the only version on which you can add the plug-in hybrid engine.
Category and Competition
The Hyundai Tucson belongs to one of the most competitive categories in the industry. Most of the vehicles in this category are among the top two best-selling vehicles from their respective brands, just to give you an idea of its significance. All in all, this means that the Hyundai Tucson faces serious competition. However, I'm not too worried because the Korean manufacturer's SUV has strong arguments in its favor.
Rivals: Chevrolet Equinox, Dodge Hornet, Ford Bronco Sport, Ford Escape, GMC Terrain, Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-50, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Toyota Rav4, Volkswagen Tiguan.
Design and Technology
I've always applauded the brand's boldness and creativity in terms of design. However, I must admit that I still don't understand the reason behind the rear lights. Okay, they give the Tucson a more distinguished and aggressive look, but what bothers me here is that the angle and shape of the two pairs of "teeth" are not identical. Anyway, it's mostly a matter of opinion, but I believe Hyundai could have done better in this regard. In fact, if I allow myself to complain here, it's because there's absolutely nothing else to criticize about the 2024 Tucson in terms of aesthetics. It offers a design that is pleasing to the eye and, most importantly, different from that of other compact SUVs on the market
That also applies to the interior of the 2024 Hyundai Tucson, which has a lot to offer. Now that the Essential version has been eliminated, the Korean manufacturer's SUV comes standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment system screen. It also offers a full range of safety technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam assistance, among others. I also really like the design of the Tucson's dashboard. Once again, Hyundai has managed to offer something both different and distinguished.
Performance
The 2024 Hyundai Tucson offers three mechanical options, starting with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine found only in the base model. This engine produces 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, which is more than sufficient for a vehicle of this size. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, now that the Essential version has been removed from the lineup, the Tucson comes standard with all-wheel drive, which also explains the price difference between this year's entry-level model and last year's.
Next, we have the hybrid powertrain, which consists of a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor for a total output of 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Its average fuel consumption is only 6.3 L/100 km in the city and 6.6 L/100 km on the highway, which is roughly equivalent to that of a subcompact car.
Finally, the plug-in hybrid powertrain sits at the top of the lineup. It shares the same foundation as the hybrid powertrain but features a larger battery with a capacity of 13.8 kWh. This allows the Tucson to store enough energy to travel up to 53 kilometers in full electric mode. The combined power output is also higher here, at 261 horsepower.
Weak Points
The availability of the plug-in hybrid version is still too limited. The removal of the entry-level version forces buyers to consider other models.
Strengths
The Hyundai Tucson is a vehicle that has proven its reliability and durability over the years. It offers excellent value for money and is well-equipped. Moreover, it never fails to turn heads with its eye-catching style.
Signature Element
There's no secret here; Hyundai took risks, and it paid off, as the Tucson is a distinguished model that gives you more for your money.
In Conclusion
Hyundai has played its cards well with the 2024 Tucson. It comes with a comprehensive standard equipment package. The more expensive versions simply offer different engines and options that go beyond necessity. Therefore, you can't really regret not choosing them. However, the Tucson remains one of the most affordable vehicles in its category, which means you get more value for your money no matter which version you choose.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
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