2024 Hyundai Tucson range almost 50 per cent hybrid

The facelifted 2024 Hyundai Tucson has finally arrived Down Under with hybrid power aplenty, albeit at the cost of diesel.

Pricing for the upgraded mid-size SUV starts from $39,100 plus on-road costs for the entry-level Tucson 2.0L FWD – an increase of $3450 – while the headline-grabbing hybrid range opens from $45,100 plus ORCs.

At that price, the latter narrowly undercuts the Kia Sportage Hybrid (from $45,950) but is several thousands of dollars more than the best-selling Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (from $42,260).

Hybrids account for eight of the now 17 Tucson variants – see pricing below – available in Australia, spanning all three core trim levels (Tucson, Elite and Premium), each with an optional N-Line makeover and catering to both front- and all-wheel drive tastes.

With 172kW/416Nm, the 1.6-litre hybrid system essentially replaces the previously offered 2.0-litre turbo-diesel powertrain, while the rest of the Tucson powertrain family has been left untouched for the facelift, comprising a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol (115kW/192Nm) and a fruitier 1.6-litre turbo-petrol (132kW/265Nm) engine.

Those nominated outputs for the hybrid – primarily the torque figure – are significantly higher than the previously communicated 169kW/350Nm – let alone those of the related Sportage – but Hyundai Australia has assured carsales the figures are accurate.

The electrified system is predictably the most frugal system of the bunch, returning 5.3L/100km on the combined cycle regardless of its drive configuration, whereas the base 2.0L consumes 8.1L/100km and the 1.6T uses between 6.7-7.3L/100km depending on the configuration.

Every powerplant is available in front-wheel drive form, but the 1.6T and hybrid can also be had with all-wheel drive depending on the trim level.

Both the base petrol and hybrid systems are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the 1.6T retains the aging seven-speed dual-clutch auto that is slowly being phased out by the Hyundai Motor Group in favour of an eight-speed torque converter auto.

In addition to being the most powerful and efficient system on offer, the hybrid also boasts the highest braked towing capacity of the range: 1900kg versus 1650kg for the others.

Other party tricks include Baby Mode, which softens and limits acceleration, multiple e-Dynamic Drive functions that use the hybrid motor’s torque and regenerative braking powers to influence vehicle dynamics, stability and responsiveness based on driver inputs.

The all-wheel drive versions meantime enhance versatility via the well-established but now autonomous Terrain Mode, which uses artificial intelligence to recognise the road surface in real time.

Beyond the new powertrain, the 2024 Tucson’s exterior design has been sharpened up with a series of subtle changes to the grille, daytime running lights, bumpers and alloy wheels.

However, the interior has also been given an in-depth overhaul and now features Hyundai’s panoramic curved multimedia display.

The Hyundai EV and Genesis-inspired set-up sees the 12.3-inch infotainment interface and digital instrument cluster clumped together on the same plane to improve convenience and aesthetics.

Other changes include a redesigned dash and centre console, a new steering column-mounted gear selector, dedicated 6.6-inch climate control panel and new steering wheel.

The updated infotainment system brings wireless Apple CarPlay, along with Bluelink Connected Car Services and over-the-air (OTA) software updates.

Standard equipment highlights on the eponymous Tucson trim include all of the above, plus cloth upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging pad, remote start, keyless entry and start, express windows, 4.0-inch digital instrument cluster, adaptive cruise control and tyre pressure monitoring.

The Elite grade adds navigation-based adaptive cruise, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, leather upholstery, heated front seats with power adjustment for the driver, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, live traffic updates and a powered tailgate.

Building on this further is the flagship Premium, which adds ambient interior lighting, projector LED headlights, power-adjustable passenger seat, memory driver’s seat, comfort access, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a 12-inch head-up display and an eight-speaker Bose sound system.

Every grade – but not every powertrain – is available with an optional N-Line package that adds a sportier body kit, darkened grille treatment and unique 19-inch alloys, along with plenty of matching goodies for the interior like dark suede and leather upholstery, red trim bits, a black headliner, alloy pedals, sport scuff plates and an exclusive steering wheel.

The base 2.0L version also nabs the Elite’s 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

It’s also worth noting that all hybrid variants ditch the full-size spare in favour of a space-saver.

Driver aids and safety features standard across the board comprise the latest version of forward collision avoidance, blind-spot collision avoidance, driver attention warning, high beam assist, intelligent speed limit assist, lane following assist, lane keeping assist, manual speed limit assist and parking collision avoidance assist, with more features added higher up the range.

How much does the 2024 Hyundai Tucson cost?
Tucson 2.0L FWD – $39,100 (+$3450)
Tucson 1.6T FWD N-Line – $45,100 (new)
Tucson HEV FWD – $45,100 (new)
Tucson HEV FWD N-Line – $49,100 (new)
Elite 2.0L FWD – $44,100 (+$3450)
Elite 1.6T FWD – $46,100 (new)
Elite 1.6T FWD N-Line – $52,600 (new)
Elite 1.6T AWD – $48,600 (+$3950)
Elite 1.6T AWD N-Line – $51,100 (+$3950)
Elite HEV FWD – $50,100 (new)
Elite HEV FWD N-Line – $52,600 (new)
Elite HEV AWD – $52,600 (new)
Elite HEV AWD N-Line – $55,100 (new)
Premium 1.6T AWD – $55,600 (+$3950)
Premium 1.6T AWD N-Line – $57,100 (+$3950)
Premium HEV AWD – $59,600 (new)
Premium HEV AWD N-Line – $61,100 (new)
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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