We recently got our hands on the refreshed Hyundai Tucson and take a closer look at some of the changes.
The latest generation of Hyundai’s mid-size SUV has been in SA for over three years. The company recently released a refreshed Hyundai Tuscon. Additionally, the company has also taken this opportunity to slim down the range as well as offer a price cut to the entry-level derivative.
Follow Double Apex on Instagram and Facebook where we share more car content.
New Range
The 2025 line-up has been reduced to three derivatives: a 2,0 Premium AT, R2.0D Executive AT and the range-leading R2.0D N Line AWD AT. The is a change from the previous, five variant line-up. Even more interesting is that the entry-level version now costs R559 900, which represents a R39 000 price cut (previously R598 900). This is good news for potential buyers, and no doubt a result from increasing competition from Chinese brands.
New Look
The refreshed Hyundai Tucson has a slightly different appearance to the predecessor. You’d have to look closely, or see the two versions side-by-side to tell the difference. The changes include a new, wider front grille with newly designed lights and bumper to match. The rear bumper, too, has been restyled, but also quite subtly. The newer appearance is slightly fresher than the outgoing version. Although, the ‘older’ version had a stand-out appearance anyway, with its bold face and crisp character lines on the flanks. The facelifted version simply builds on that which was already there.
More Updates Inside
The internal upgrades are far easier to spot than the exterior changes. First, and most obvious, is the new facia. The refreshed Hyundai Tucson boasts a completely new dashboard layout. This newer version has adopted a horizontal theme. Part of that new look is the incorporation of the instrument cluster with the 12,3-inch infotainment screen to firm a single continuous panel. The new layout is quite a departure from the older car that seemed to segment the front occupants into two, seemingly separate areas. The new layout somehow feels a bit more spacious. We did find it quite odd, however, that there is no Hyundai logo prominent on the steering wheel.
Thankfully, Hyundai continues to buck the trend by having physical controls (as pictured) for the HVAC system, which in this case is a dual-zone climate control set-up. Just below the climate control system is a set of USB-C ports as well as a wireless charging pad. Incidentally, the infotainment system has wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay connectivity – handy.
The refreshed Hyundai Tucson range is pretty feature laden right from the entry-level version. The list includes cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a rear view camera. static bending lights, blind-spot detection, leather upholstery and all-electric windows. Ramping up through the range adds niceties such as electrically adjustable front seats (heated and cooled), a panoramic roof, keyless entry and start along with an electrically operated tailgate. There is a whole alphabet soup of safety systems as well.
Mechanically Unchanged
Hyundai has not made any changes under the skin of the latest Tucson. There are still two engine options. The former is a naturally aspirated petrol and the latter a turbodiesel. Our test unit was the 2.0D Executive. As the name suggests, it is powered by the turbocharged engine. The 137 kW of power on offer is plenty for a family car. The healthy 416 N.m of torque works well in unison with the eight-speed automatic transmission. The wide set of ratios makes good use of engaging the narrow power band of the turbodiesel engine.
From a ride and drive perspective, there is no real difference. The Tucson remains pliant through its suspension, even on 19-inch alloys as fitted to the test unit. It is an effortless vehicle to pilot, in the confines of surburbia and on the open road. Thankfully, there is no pretense of sportiness about the suspension or set-up of the car, which we find quite refreshing. A family SUV should be just that, not pretending to be performance car, then end up playing both roles badly.
Summary
The Hyundai Tucson is the SUV that started it all for Hyundai in the local context. The nameplate has been in Msanzi for over twenty years and in that time has converted many buyers to the Korean brand. Here was a well-timed product that offered what people wanted, at a competitive price. Since those early days the model has grown, making space for many smaller siblings in the family.
The refreshed Hyundai Tucson maintains the original ethos of the nameplate; a reliable family SUV, but has also risen to be a proper premium player in the mid-ish SUV segment. It can go toe-to-toe with the likes of the VW Tiguan, RAV4, Honda CR-V and the increasing number of offerings from China. It still presents as a properly viable and worthy alternative to the Europeans and others playing in this sector.
Model: Hyundai Tucson R2.0D Executive AT
Price: R709 900
Engine: 2,0-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol
Transmission: eight-speed automatic, FWD
Max power: 137 kW
Max torque: 416 N.m
0-100 km/h: 9,2 sec
Top speed: 201 km/h
Fuel consumption: 7,4 L/100 km (8,9 during review period)