Hyundai Tucson – Full Review, Price, Mileage, Features & Engine Options

In a market saturated with generic SUVs, the Hyundai Tucson strides in like a concept car that accidentally drove off the display floor. This isn’t just a facelift; the fourth-generation Tucson is a radical transformation, showcasing Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language at its most aggressive. It is, without a doubt, the most futuristic and polarizing SUV on sale in India today.

This premium 5-seater SUV sits at the top of Hyundai’s Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) line-up in India, competing in a challenging segment defined by established players. The new Tucson was officially launched in 2022 (and was updated with minor price tweaks since), marking a significant departure from its predecessor.

The entry-level Hyundai Tucson Platinum 2.0 AT Petrol starts at an ex-showroom price of around ₹27.32 Lakh. While the price tag is decidedly premium, Hyundai is banking on segment-first features, a powerful diesel option, and a recently acquired, confidence-boosting 5-Star Bharat NCAP (BNCAP) safety rating to justify the expense. We spent a week with the top-end Signature Diesel 4WD model to see if the substance matches the radical style.

QUICK SPECS TABLE (Key Highlights)

The Tucson offers a choice of two sophisticated 2.0-litre engines, both paired exclusively with automatic transmissions.

Specification	2.0L Nu Petrol	2.0L R Diesel
Engine	1999 cc, 4-Cylinder	1997 cc, 4-Cylinder Turbo VGT
Max Power	154 bhp @ 6200 rpm	184 bhp @ 4000 rpm
Max Torque	192 Nm @ 4500 rpm	416 Nm @ 2000-2750 rpm
Transmission	6-speed Automatic (Torque Converter)	8-speed Automatic (Torque Converter)
Drive Type	2WD (Front Wheel Drive)	2WD/ 4WD (HTRAC) Option
Boot Space	540 Litres	540 Litres
Ground Clearance	181 mm	181 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	54 Litres	54 Litres

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EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE

The Tucson is not just a car; it’s a statement. Its design, based on the Parametric Dynamics theme, is the biggest talking point and, honestly, the main reason people stop and stare.

• Front Fascia: The most striking feature is the Parametric Hidden DRLs. When the car is off, the grille appears to be a single, dark geometric unit. Switch it on, and the daytime running lights (DRLs) light up through the grille panels, blending seamlessly. This is a brilliant piece of automotive theatre that sets it miles apart.
• Side Profile: The sharp, Z-shaped character line running across the doors and fenders, coupled with the chunky cladding and R18 or R19 Diamond Cut alloy wheels, gives it a muscular, aggressive stance. The long wheelbase ensures good visual length, enhancing its premium feel.
• Rear End: The rear is equally dramatic with the segmented, fang-shaped LED tail lamps connected by a thin light bar, making for a signature light graphic at night. The concealed rear wiper is a neat, premium touch.

Does it turn heads on the road? Absolutely. Unlike most SUVs that rely on bulk, the Tucson uses aggressive, angular design to command attention. It has a high-tech, futuristic road presence that easily makes rivals look conventional and dated.

INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES

Step inside, and the theatrics give way to sophisticated, high-quality luxury. The cabin of the Tucson has been completely redesigned, focusing on a sense of openness and high-tech elegance.

Dashboard, Materials & Quality

• Dual-Screen Setup: The top-spec model features a clean, unified setup with two 10.25-inch screens—one for the digital instrument cluster and one for the touchscreen infotainment system. This floating-type layout looks incredibly premium.
• Material Quality: Hyundai has used premium, soft-touch materials extensively on the dashboard and door pads. The silver/chrome accents and the ambient lighting give it a European luxury feel. The touch-sensitive panel for the climate control, while futuristic, can be slightly fiddly to use while driving—a minor ergonomic miss.
• Infotainment: The screen is crisp, responsive, and handles wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with ease. The Bose Premium Sound System with 8 speakers delivers fantastic audio quality, making long drives enjoyable.

Space & Comfort

• Seating: The front seats are excellent—wide, supportive, and feature ventilation and heating (a blessing in both summer and winter). The driver’s seat is 10-way power adjustable with memory function.
• Rear Seat: The rear bench is one of the roomiest in the segment. The long wheelbase translates to fantastic legroom. Can 3 people sit at the back? Yes, the flat floor and generous width mean three adults can sit comfortably, though the middle passenger might find the seat cushion slightly firm. Crucially, the rear seat recline function significantly enhances long-distance comfort.
• Features: The Tucson is typically feature-packed: Panoramic Sunroof, dual-zone climate control with an auto defogger, a 360-degree camera, and a hands-free smart power tailgate. It even includes Multi Air Mode which diffuses air through multiple small vents for a gentler, more uniform cooling effect.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE & DRIVING DYNAMICS

In the Indian context, you essentially have two flavors: the smooth Petrol for the city cruiser, and the powerful Diesel for the mile-muncher.

The Diesel Powerhouse

The 2.0L Diesel is the star here. Producing 184 bhp and a class-leading 416 Nm of torque, it feels genuinely punchy. Paired with the smooth 8-speed Torque Converter Automatic, the acceleration is effortless.

• City Drive: The torque is available early, making city overtakes easy. The steering, being light, is excellent for low-speed maneuvering, and the 360-degree camera makes parking incredibly easy. The 8-speed AT handles stop-go traffic seamlessly without any noticeable jerks.
• Highway Drive: This is where the Diesel shines. Stability at 100kmph+ is excellent, with the car feeling planted and reassuring. The massive torque makes quick triple-digit overtakes a breeze. Body roll discussion: While it’s a comfortable SUV, the suspension setup allows a bit of vertical movement over undulations, and there is a controlled amount of body roll when taking fast corners, but it never feels nervous.
• Suspension: The sophisticated suspension setup (MacPherson Strut up front and Multi-link at the rear) is tuned for comfort. The suspension absorbs potholes easily, masking most low-speed undulations without transmitting harsh jolts into the cabin. The high-speed ride remains composed.

The Petrol Experience

The 2.0L Petrol engine, generating 154 bhp/192 Nm with a 6-speed AT, is adequate but not thrilling. It is exceptionally smooth and silent, perfect for the average city driver who prefers refinement, but it lacks the grunt of the Diesel for spirited highway runs.

SAFETY (Crucial Section)

Hyundai has finally delivered a safety package that matches the segment’s requirements, backed by an official rating.

• BNCAP Rating: The Hyundai Tucson has achieved a fantastic 5-Star safety rating from Bharat NCAP (BNCAP) for both Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP). This is a huge win for Hyundai and gives buyers immense confidence in the structural integrity of the vehicle.
• Airbags & Build: It comes standard with 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist, and All-Four Disc Brakes.
• Level 2 ADAS (Hyundai SmartSense): This is a segment benchmark feature. The Level 2 system includes:
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
  • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
  • Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC)
  • Driver Attention Warning (DAW)

A word of caution on ADAS in India: While the Adaptive Cruise Control works brilliantly on open highways, features like Lane Keeping Assist can be intrusive on poorly marked Indian city roads. It’s a technology you need to learn to trust and use judiciously.

REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Truth)

Premium SUVs often compromise on fuel efficiency for performance and size. The Tucson’s large engines, especially the Diesel, manage to deliver respectable real-world figures due to efficient automatic gearboxes.

Fuel Type	ARAI Claimed Mileage	Real World City Mileage	Real World Highway Mileage (Cruising @ 90-100 kmph)
2.0L Petrol AT	13.0 kmpl	8.5 – 9.5 kmpl	12.0 – 13.5 kmpl
2.0L Diesel AT	18.0 kmpl	11.5 – 13.0 kmpl	15.5 – 17.5 kmpl

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The real mileage in city traffic is about 12 kmpl for the Diesel, which is very good considering the performance and the sheer size of the SUV. If you spend most of your time on the highway, the Diesel is the clear winner, easily crossing the 16 kmpl mark.

Read more : Skoda Kylaq

THE COMPETITION (Auto-Selected Rivals)

The Hyundai Tucson plays in the highly contested Premium 5-seater SUV space, rubbing shoulders with European and American rivals.

• Rival 1: Jeep Compass (The established rugged choice)
• Rival 2: Citroen C5 Aircross (The comfort king)
• Rival 3: Volkswagen Tiguan (The German all-wheel-drive petrol benchmark)

Hyundai Tucson vs Rivals: Luxury & Value Comparison

Feature	Hyundai Tucson (Diesel Sig.)	Jeep Compass (Diesel Top)	Citroen C5 Aircross (Top)
Ex-Showroom Price (Approx.)	₹33.50 Lakh	₹28.50 Lakh	₹37.50 Lakh
Engine Power/Torque (Diesel)	184 bhp / 416 Nm (Best Torque)	170 bhp / 350 Nm	174 bhp / 400 Nm
Transmission	8-speed AT	9-speed AT	8-speed AT
ADAS	Level 2 (Full Suite)	No (Limited Safety Aids)	No (Limited Safety Aids)
Safety Rating	5-Star BNCAP	5-Star Euro NCAP (Older Gen)	4-Star Euro NCAP
Rear Seat Comfort	Excellent Legroom, Recline	Good, but slightly cramped	Best-in-Class Plush Ride
Mileage (ARAI Diesel)	18.0 kmpl	17.1 kmpl	18.6 kmpl (Best Claimed)

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Winner: Which one provides better Value For Money (VFM)?

The Jeep Compass is significantly more affordable, making it the VFM choice if pure off-road pedigree and price are key.

However, the Hyundai Tucson is the overall segment leader for the modern buyer. For approximately ₹4-5 Lakh more than a top-end Compass, you get:

1. A much more spacious and premium cabin.
2. The full Level 2 ADAS suite.
3. A higher-powered engine with superior torque.
4. A verified 5-Star BNCAP safety rating.

The Tucson provides a technological and feature advantage that the price difference easily justifies. Is it worth the price tag? Yes, if you prioritize safety, cutting-edge technology, and head-turning design over outright affordability.

FINAL VERDICT

The Hyundai Tucson is the company’s clear statement of intent: they are here to redefine the premium segment not just with features, but with audacious design and top-tier safety. The 2.0L Diesel engine is a gem—punchy, refined, and surprisingly fuel-efficient on the highway. The cabin is truly luxurious, and the inclusion of Level 2 ADAS and the 5-Star BNCAP rating addresses every criticism Hyundai ever faced on safety. It’s an SUV that feels more like an entry-level German premium than a mass-market Korean offering.

Buy it if:

• You want head-turning, futuristic design that stands out from the crowd.
• You prioritize cutting-edge safety with a 5-Star BNCAP rating and the full Level 2 ADAS suite.
• You need a powerful, refined diesel engine for long-distance highway cruising with excellent space and comfort.

Skip it if:

• Your budget is strict, as the starting price of ₹27.32 Lakh is high for the segment.
• You prefer a rugged, old-school SUV feel; the Tucson is definitely tuned for comfort and technology.
• You find the Parametric Dynamics design too polarizing or aggressive.

FAQs (People Also Ask)