The end of December brings another Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle for me to test. This time the Hyundai Tucson large SUV.
The post-Christmas slump is a period filled with chores and involves much driving, a Cabbie to relatives needing to get to the airport, taking rubbish to the tip because the bins are full and yet again cramming the car full of shopping ready for New Year's eve. So I was delighted to have the Tucson PHEV from Hyundai with its large capacity and great functionality.
The Hyundai Tucson PHEV is a stylish-looking vehicle in a field of plain-looking SUVs currently on the market. Good looks are not its only attraction when comparing it to competition.
The Tucson PHEV is in a packed market of SUVs with opposition coming from all manufacturers but notably the Honda CR-V,https://www.honda.ca/en/crv/trims/?trim=touring_10773
the Toyota RAV4, https://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/vehicles/rav4-prime/overview
and the Volkswagen Tiguan https://www.vw.ca/en/models/new-vehicles.html
To take on these three SUVs and all the others, Hyundai is making the Tucson PHEV very appealing, filling it with many safety features, driving aids and infotainment. Before I get to these, let's talk about the power supply, performance, handling and practicality.
An electric motor supports a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine fitted in the Hyundai Tucson PHEV, providing a useable power supply and adequate performance for a large SUV. The power train produces 261 hp going to the all-wheel drive system; not shoddy, but the vehicle weighs quite a lot, so acceleration is not rapid, but then you don't buy a large SUV to drag race at the lights. The battery gives you around 33 miles of electric use, which will occur when driving below 40 mph. It can charge to full in approximately two hours from a level two charging station, thanks to the 7.2 kW charger onboard. You get around 80 mpg on combined use which is much needed with fuel prices as high as they are.
The ride is ok, and all inside will feel comfortable on all but the harshest surfaces, but even on unpaved trails, the Tucson PHEV soaks up large ruts. The car handles confidently, with crisp steering and not too much body lean in tight corners. You always feel in control and safe, the primary factor when choosing a family car.
The Hyundai Tucson PHEV has a well-designed interior with quality materials and luxury features. You get a digital gauge display, a push-button shifter, and a touch-sensitive control panel for the climate-control system and infotainment. An 8.8-inch touchscreen is in the dashboard, providing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; a larger 10.3-inch screen with built-in navigation can be purchased when ordering. The vehicle has Hyundai SmartSense safety features, so you get a range of camera, radar and motion detection technologies. Other safety systems you get are Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Upgraded options are Adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist rear cross detection and Parking warning front and rear.
You can choose how to drive the Tucson PHEV with Drive Mode Select. Select the driving style that suits you by Tapping different modes to find your preferred engine, transmission and steering control settings. For relaxed driving, engage NORMAL. ECO means you have optimal fuel efficiency. SPORT provides more responsive driving, and SMART automatically adjusts between all available modes based on driver input.
The Hyundai Tucson PHEV has a range of comfort features, including three-zone climate control, Multi-Air Mode, front and rear heated seats, and ventilated front seats. The rear seats can be folded at the press of a button or remotely for added convenience, giving an ample carrying cargo space of 1,799 litres, increasing from 620 litres (seats up). You won't have any issues putting your old Christmas tree in the rear or filling it up with goods from the Sales.
Tucson's Terrain Mode feature uses Hyundai's signature HTRAC four-wheel drive technology giving you agile handling and better torque application depending on wheel grip and vehicle speed. You also have three additional terrain modes to cope with whatever Britain can throw at you, be this Snow, Sand or Mud, allowing you to get your Sleigh out in all weathers and on all surfaces. The neighbours will love you when they need to get somewhere when it snows.
Cash price £33,370.00
The limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers ten years or 100,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles