Overview

Ever since the Hyundai Tucson first arrived in 2004, it’s been a solid, dependable range of hybrid SUVs that offers excellent value for money. However, the fourth generation adds a striking front end with distinctive LED running lights and a raft of tech on board that’s designed to make it a compact SUV that you desire as much as need.

Diesel has been pushed aside in favour of a range of petrol or hybrid models this time around. If you want the best economy, then you have three flavours of hybrid to choose from: mild 48-volt, full self-charging hybrid or plug-in. Add in Hyundai’s typical five-year warranty, and the Tucson SUV is a model that now appeals to the heart as well as the head.

It needs to offer such all-round ability to be competitive in the compact family SUV sector. We’ve picked the Peugeot 3008, Volkswagen Tiguan and Ford Kuga here as chief rivals, but really any number of other cars can slot in there. Other Volkswagen Group models include the SEAT Ateca and Skoda Karoq, or even the Audi Q3 – that’s how upmarket the Tucson feels – while the Citroen C5 Aircross and Vauxhall Grandland are closely related to the 3008.

The Tucson interior features a low-set dashboard that is dominated by two large screens – one for infotainment, the other for instrumentation. Both are fully customisable and connected, with live parking and traffic information available as part of the new sat-nav setup. Chrome highlights across the cabin smarten things up, and there’s a touch-sensitive climate control panel.

Despite the striking looks you’ll find the Hyundai Tucson utterly conventional to drive. That’s no bad thing, because it’s comfortable, and automatic models especially excel in ease-of-use. As for the engine range, it’s extensive but exclusively petrol-powered, which is relatively unusual for a mid-sized crossover. The entry-level engine is as basic as they come, but all other versions get at least mild hybrid assistance, while some models have the option of four-wheel drive.

Click through the next few pages to read everything you need to know about the Hyundai Tucson, including its practicality, how much it costs to run, what it’s like to drive – and whether we recommend buying one.