The 2024 Hyundai Tucson has gracefully stepped into the Australian market, bringing with it a fresh blend of style, practicality, and performance. As the successor to the popular Tucson line, this compact SUV aims to captivate both city dwellers and adventure seekers alike. Let’s dive into the details and explore what makes the 2024 Tucson stand out.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Striking Design: The Tucson’s bold exterior design turns heads on the road. Its sharp lines, cascading grille, and sleek LED headlights create an unmistakable presence.
• Spacious Interior: Step inside, and you’ll find a roomy cabin with ample legroom and headspace. The rear seats comfortably accommodate adults, making family road trips a breeze.
• Advanced Safety Features: Hyundai doesn’t compromise on safety. The Tucson boasts features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
• Smooth Ride: Whether navigating city streets or tackling off-road trails, the Tucson’s suspension provides a comfortable and composed ride.
• Hybrid Option: The hybrid variant offers impressive fuel efficiency, making it an eco-conscious choice.

Cons

• Limited Engine Options: While the hybrid powertrain is excellent, some buyers may miss having more engine choices.
• Infotainment Learning Curve: The touchscreen infotainment system takes a bit of getting used to, but once mastered, it’s intuitive.

How Much Does it Cost?

The beauty of the Tucson is that it offers options without breaking the bank. The starting price for the base model, the Tucson FWD, comes in at a very attractive $35,650 (before on-road costs). Prices climb as you step up through the trims, with the top-of-the-line Elite 1.6L AWD reaching $44,650.

Features and Benefits

Interior Comfort and Technology

• The Tucson’s interior boasts premium materials, including soft-touch surfaces and leather-appointed seats.
• An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (upgradeable to 10.25 inches) keeps you connected with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety

• Hyundai’s SmartSense suite includes forward collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver attention warning.
• A 360-degree camera system aids parking and maneuvering.

Performance

• The standard 2.0L engine delivers a respectable 115kW of power.
• Opt for the hybrid variant (2.0L diesel) for a combined output of 137kW and impressive fuel economy.

A Blend of Style, Practicality, and Performance

Running Costs: Keeping it Friendly on the Wallet

The Tucson is a fuel-efficient option, especially with the base 2.0L petrol engine that sips fuel at a claimed 8.1L/100km. Even the diesel offers decent fuel economy for its power. Factor in Hyundai’s renowned reliability, and you’re looking at a car that won’t break the bank at the pump or in the repair shop.

Standing Out from the Crowd: How Does it Compare?

The mid-size SUV segment is a competitive one, but the Tucson holds its own. Compared to rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, the Tucson offers a more daring design and a potentially more feature-rich experience, especially at the lower trim levels.

While cargo space might be a tad smaller than some competitors, the Tucson makes up for it with a comfortable ride, a smooth-shifting transmission, and a well-rounded driving experience.

Conclusion

A Tucson for Every Aussie?

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson is a compelling option for anyone seeking a stylish, feature-packed, and fuel-efficient SUV. It offers excellent value for money, with a variety of trims and engine options catering to different needs and budgets.

Sure, there might be a competitor with a touch more cargo space or a slightly more responsive base engine, but the Tucson makes up for it with its bold design, impressive safety features, and comfortable ride.

Rating: 8.5/10

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson might not be the absolute top dog in every category, but it offers a well-rounded package that’s tough to beat for the price. If you’re looking for an SUV that’s as stylish as it is practical, the Tucson is definitely worth a test drive.