Hyundai Tucson Review | VIP Gateway

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This all-new fourth-generation mid-sized SUV has a smarter look than previous iterations from Hyundai and benefits from some exciting new hybrid engine models introduced into the full range. This time, you'll have a choice of five trims to choose from, standard SE Connect, Premium, sporty N Line, and high-end N Line S and Ultimate.

Overall, the new Tucson offers a fantastic range of Hybrid engine models while delivering a great option of trim levels. We’ll dive deeper into what you can expect from the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid from its exterior look to engine performance and key information like the expected running costs. On top of this, we’ll give you an honest heads-up about which trim we think represents the best specification while offering the best value for money.

So let’s get into it.

Hyundai Tucson Review

We’ll cover the different specification details of the Hyundai Tucson range starting with the table below. This review concentrates on the hybrid version but we also have petrol vehicles available for you to lease.

RRP across the range: £30,500 - £43,630

Available trim choices: 5

Engine options: 4

Fuel types available: Petrol, Hybrid

Doors: 5

MPG across the range: 201.8 - 50.4 trim dependent

Paint colour choices

  • Engine Red Solid

  • Silky Bronze Metallic (+£665)

  • Shimmering Silver Metallic (+£665)

  • Sunset Red Pearl (+665)

  • Dark Teal Metallic (+£665)

  • Serenity White (+£665)

  • Atlas White Solid (+300)

  • Dark Knight Grey Pearl (£665)

  • Amazon Grey Metallic (£665)

Your questions answered

Before we delve deeper into each aspect of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and what it has to offer, here are some of the most asked questions about the vehicle, and the most common questions related to the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. 

Hyundai Tucson

Is the Hyundai Tucson available as an electric car?

The Tucson range doesn’t include an all-electric vehicle. You can choose from mild hybrid, regular hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options. If you’re looking for a fully electric vehicle to lease, you could view all of our electric lease deals or focus on the Hyundai Kona Electric range.

Which is the best Hyundai Tucson model?

Personal choice is always going to be a factor when answering this question. However, when it comes to the most popular Tucson hybrid engine, our pick is the 1.6 T-GDi 230 Hybrid. Emissions are around 127g/km, so you get a tax bracket that’s approximately 5% lower than the 1.6 T-GDi 150 petrol model. Plus, you get around 40mpg in real-world conditions.

Is the Hyundai Tucson a reliable vehicle?

The Hyundai Tucson has been regarded as a solid and reliable vehicle since it first arrived on the market in 2004. The range also provides great value for money. This latest generation adds an impressive range of tech and striking front-end LED running lights to its reliability.

What’s the size of the infotainment system in the new Tucson?

The new Tucson has a 10.25” touchscreen infotainment system. It’s an intuitive system that’s easy to use. The loading times are fast, and the graphics are clear. Plus, you don’t get interference from finger marks in bright sunlight as you do with some vehicles. In addition, there’s a built-in sat nav and you can link your smartphone using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.


Hyundai Tucson driving

Hyundai Tucson design, technology and running costs

Like the sound of a Hyundai Tucson Hybrid to lease? You’ll want more insights to help you make a final decision. We’ve made it completely easy and will guide you through our honest review of the Tucson driving experience and the key features of this family SUV.

Performance and driving experience

Hyundai has produced the latest version of the Tucson using a brand new platform and the latest hybrid technology. As a result, you’ll get the benefit of the following features:

  • An efficient hybrid powertrain.

  • A soft ride on gently undulating roads.

  • A top speed of 117mph.

There are some less positive aspects of the driving experience such as:

  • Jarring ride when potholes and larger ridges are involved.

  • Difficulty settling on the motorway, especially on the 19” alloy wheels of the N line and Ultimate trims.

Overall, the positives outweigh the negatives, and this SUV delivers an overall fantastic performance and driving experience.

Running costs

Your initial purchase cost is higher for a Hyundai Tucson Hybrid than for the more affordable petrol version. However, choosing a competitive leasing deal on the Tucson allows you to benefit from the petrol or hybrid engine without a large increase in monthly payments.

For example, here is how the SE Connect model differs between both petrol and Hybrid:

SE Connect 1.6 Petrol 2WD Manual

SE Connect 1.6 Petrol Hybrid 2WD DCT

£30,500.00 on the road

£32,275.00 on the road

If you are doing a higher mileage, choosing a hybrid gives you greater efficiency as well as lower road tax and company car tax benefits as a result of reduced emissions. The table below gives you an idea of the efficiency and emissions across the Tucson hybrid models.

EconomyCO2 emissionsMild hybrid set-up with dual-clutch automatic transmission43.5 mpg144g/kmFull hybrid set-up46.5 mpg127g/kmTucson Plug-in hybrid201.8 mpg31g/km

The economy of the Tucson plug-in hybrid is as good as it gets for this vehicle but be prepared for a bigger premium to pay for the Plug-in Hybrid car. The Ultimate Plug-in Hybrid comes with a price tag starting from £43,630. A very popular option for company car drivers choosing a business contract hire option where you’ll benefit from a BIK rate of 12% compared to 36% and 30% for petrol and full-hybrid options, respectively. If you’re a personal contract hire leasing driver, the petrol engine, mild hybrid and full hybrid are all great options in relation to the tax benefits.

Interior and tech

While the exterior of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid divides the crowd, the interior doesn’t fail to impress. There’s a premium new feel and design to the making the interior a more luxurious place to be.

The tech is upgraded as well, even at the standard level where you get:

  • 10.25” infotainment system

  • Dual-zone climate control

  • Cruise control

  • Door mirrors that are also heated

  • Camera with a rear view

  • DAB audio

  • Smartphone connectivity.

Level up to Premium and you add:

  • Adaptive cruise control

  • Keyless entry

  • Front parking sensors

  • Krell audio system

  • Blind spot collision warning

The Ultimate Trim adds a glass sunroof and electric tailgate.

Space and comfort

The wheelbase on the latest version of the Hyundai Tucson isn’t much larger than previous generations, but the design used by Hyundai is very innovative so there’s plenty of head and legroom. Be aware that the raised area in the central floor makes for a less-than-comfortable ride for a back-seat passenger in the centre space.

As you’d expect from a vehicle aimed at the family market, the boot capacity is 620 litres (reduced to 558 litres in the plug-in hybrid version). For extra space, if you don’t have any rear seat passengers, folding the seats down gives you an extra 1,795 litres (reduced to 1,737 in the plug-in hybrid version).

Safety features and reliability

The standard safety kit for Tucson models ticks the box. However, for an extra safety level, it’s worth upgrading to the Premium and Ultimate trim which gets you:

  • Blind Spot Collision Warning

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist

  • Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance

As we mentioned earlier, these cars are known for their reliability. Hyundai offers full-service plans from the manufacturer with servicing intervals generally being every 10,000 miles or annually, whichever is first. When choosing a lease option, drivers can benefit from a complete maintenance package which delivers the full hassle-free driving experience with all servicing included within the contract. You’ll also get a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Hyundai Tucson Pros and Cons

ProsConsInterior quality is excellentExterior design isn’t for everyoneBoot space is impressiveFirm suspension causes comfort issuesThe infotainment system is user friendlyNot especially fun to driveRange of hybrid choicesMore expensive than previous Hyundai Tucson models

The verdict

The Hyundai Tucson is a stand-out in the mid-sized SUV market, it has the practicality and reliability necessary to make it a very good option as a family car. It’s a good run-around town SUV with great visibility and a turning circle that’s adequate.

Although the suspension could be very slightly less firm; if you’re travelling on basic roads, you won’t really feel it. The odd potholes or slight rough service. The steering is a little light for us too although this can be both positive and negative depending on the driver's unique comfort and driving style.

On the plus side, we love the space in the Tucson and the interior really looks the part. Plus, you get a new range of innovative technology, even at the standard level. After weighing up the pros and cons, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid emerges as a car that’s expertly designed for the needs of a modern family.

Like the sound of a Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and searching for lease options? View all of our Hyundai Tucson lease options

Undecided about the Tucson Hyundai Tucson and want to explore other models? Search all Special offer leasing deals to find your new car.

Want to know more about leasing? Discover our leasing guides and learn more.

Want to speak to somebody? contact us and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with all the information you need.

new Hyundai Tucson