AutoTrader SCORE
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STYLING9/10
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Safety9/10
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PRACTICALITY10/10
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USER-FRIENDLINESS10/10
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FEATURES9/10
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POWER8/10
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COMFORT10/10
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DRIVING FEEL8/10
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FUEL ECONOMY9/10
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VALUE9/10
The 2024 Hyundai Tucson competes in a crowded segment of compact crossovers.
With so many rivals, the Tucson stands apart thanks to a long list of standard equipment at an affordable price. Add in the available hybrid powertrain, and it’s quite the compelling package.
Styling: 9/10
The Tucson’s chiseled sheet metal and crisp lines give it a very muscular and modern look. The only styling feature that falls into the love-it-or-leave-it category is the triangular lighting array that flows into the grille. Inside, the Tucson looks and feels upscale, and the N Line trim tested here looks sharp with its contrast stitching.
Safety: 9/10
Some of the most advanced safety features are included across the Tucson lineup. Even the cheapest (non-hybrid) trim, the Preferred, comes with forward collision warning and avoidance, lane keep assist, automatic high-beam control, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rear occupant alert, and more.
Features: 9/10
Hyundai has long been known for delivering feature-rich vehicles, and the 2024 Tucson is no exception. Even the entry-level Preferred trim comes with LED headlights, heated mirrors, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections, embedded navigation, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, and more.
Creature comforts like a panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, upgraded upholstery, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat are part of a package on the base trim, and are standard across the rest of the lineup. The top Ultimate trim gets leather upholstery.
User-Friendliness: 10/10
All switches and buttons are logically organized and easy to use. The push-button gear selector takes a bit of getting used to, but the lack of a traditional selector means there’s less clutter on the centre console.
The touchscreen is intuitive and easy to navigate, and Apple CarPlay works as it should. Hyundai has opted to replace all the physical knobs and buttons you would normally use to adjust the climate control system with a touch panel. While it makes for a very clean and modern look, it can’t be used with gloves on.
Practicality: 10/10
This crossover is ideal for a variety of applications, from long road trips to weekly visits to the grocery store and everything in between. The cargo area is generous, and the Tucson Hybrid is rated to tow 907 kg (2,000 lb) with trailer brakes or 748 kg (1,650 lb) without. Gas-only models can tow as much as 1,588 kg (3,500 lb).
Comfort: 10/10
The seats are firm and supportive, and rear-seat passengers are spoiled with reclining backrests that can be set to three different positions. They also get more legroom than they’ll know what to do with, and there’s plenty of headroom all around. The heated front seats and heated steering wheel (standard) are a delight on cold winter days, the dual-zone climate control system (also standard) works flawlessly, and the cabin is surprisingly quiet and refined.
Power: 8/10
The entry-level Preferred trim comes with a naturally-aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder engine that produces 187-hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, and is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Tucson is also offered with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, or a conventional hybrid like this tester’s. Both use a 1.6L turbocharged engine, plus an electric motor. This means the hybrid makes 226 hp, while the PHEV makes 261 hp. Both produce 258 lb-ft of torque, which kicks in at a mere 1,500 rpm, and makes for a much more rewarding and exciting driving experience. Both come with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Driving Feel: 8/10
The Tucson offers a solid driving feel, with minimal body roll, and an even and predictable power delivery curve. The hybrid model is quick off the mark, and offers enough passing power for manoeuvres on city streets, as well as on the highway. All-wheel drive is standard across the lineup.
Fuel Economy: 9/10
Fuel economy is one of the Tucson’s stronger points. According to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the gas-only version is rated for 9.3 L/100 km combined, while the hybrid sees that number to drop to 6.4. The PHEV is good for 6.7 L/100 km, according to NRCan, but then it boasts a bonus of 53 km of emissions-free range.
A week-long test of the hybrid turned in a combined consumption rate of 7.6 L/100 km.
Value: 9/10
You get a lot for your money with the 2024 Tucson. Even the entry-level Preferred comes packed with a comprehensive list of safety features, numerous creature comforts, and all-wheel drive for $34,199 before freight and tax. The N Line Hybrid tested here has an MSRP of $40,599, while the Luxury Hybrid is priced the same. The Ultimate Hybrid rings in at $43,999, while the PHEV powertrain can be added to that range-topping trim for $5,500 more.
The only other crossovers this size to offer gas, hybrid, and PHEV powertrains include the Toyota RAV4 and the Tucson’s corporate cousin, the Kia Sportage. The former is priced between $33,150 and $55,990 before freight and tax, while the Sportage goes for anywhere from $30,245 to $50,095.
The Verdict
Well priced and a pleasure to drive, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson ticks all the boxes. Modern and stylish, it comes equipped with a long list of features and amenities. The interior is comfortable, quiet, and you’d be hard-pressed to find rear seats that offer this much legroom. If you want a fun-to-drive package coupled with improved fuel economy, you’ll definitely want to take a closer look at the hybrid versions. The extra power output is well worth the price premium, while the savings at the pump are sure to add up over time.
| Engine Displacement | 1.6L |
|---|---|
| Engine Cylinders | Turbo I4 |
| Peak Horsepower | 226 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1,500–4,500 rpm |
| Fuel Economy | 6.3 / 6.6 / 6.4 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb |
| Cargo Space | 1,097 / 2,108 L seats up/down |
| Model Tested | 2024 Hyundai Tucson N Line Hybrid |
| Base Price | $40,599 |
| A/C Tax | $100 |
| Destination Fee | $1,950 |
| Price as Tested | $42,649 |
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Optional Equipment
None
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