Following a long series of teasers, Hyundai has finally taken the wraps off its fourth-gen Tucson. Along with a switch to a new platform, the SUV gains new dimensions, equipment and hybrid powertrains.
Now full 4.5 meters long (+20 mm), 1,865 mm wide (+15 mm) and 1,650 mm tall (+5 mm), the off-roader has 2,680 mm (+10 mm) of wheelbase. While not officially confirmed yet, sources are reporting that customers in the United States, China and Korea will get a different, long-wheelbase version of the Tucson. The standard wheelbase mentioned above will only be standard in Europe.
The engine range includes two gasoline engines and as many as three kinds of hybrid powertrains – mild, 48V and plug-in. The main Tucson Hybrid spec combines a 1.6-liter gasoline turbo-four with a 44.2-kilowatt electric motor, resulting in 230 hp (172 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. The battery can hold up to 1.49 kilowatt-hours of juice, and a six-speed auto transmission is charged with delivering the power to the front axle or both (optional).
The “moderate” hybrid options ship with 1.6-liter engines and 48-volt starter-generators. The main spec is gasoline (150 hp / 112 kW, FWD only), but you may opt for a stronger gasoline engine (180 hp / 134 kW, AWD ready) or a diesel one (136 hp / 100 kW, AWD ready). The former two variants get six-speed, shift-by wire manual or seven-speed DCT for transmission, while the diesel only supports the DCT.
The non-hybrid 1.6L spec can produce 150 hp (112 kW) on its own and operate in conjunction with front or all-wheel drive. There is also the 115-hp (86-kW) turbo diesel version that drives the front axle and goes six-speed manual. All of the abovementioned specs will become available in Europe later this year.
The AWD system now benefits from the Terrain Mode feature borrowed from the Kia Sorento. Customers may opt for adaptive suspension if they want to, and the plethora of electronic assists enables Hyundai to claim that the Tucson is the safest car in its market segment.
Nine body colors are available, as well as 17, 18 and 19-inch wheels. The interior comes in three leather and three fabric upholstery versions.