New Hyundai Tucson: The early morning fog was just lifting off the winding roads outside Lonavala as I pressed the engine start button of the new Hyundai Tucson.
The digital dashboard illuminated with a subtle blue glow, and the 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine rumbled to life with a refined growl that hinted at the performance waiting to be unleashed.
After spending three days with Hyundai’s flagship SUV during its media drive event, I can confidently say this fourth-generation Tucson isn’t just an evolution – it’s a revolution that’s set to shake up India’s premium SUV segment.
New Hyundai Tucson Design That Demands a Second Look
Let’s address the elephant in the room – the new Tucson’s design is polarizing, but that’s precisely what makes it special in an increasingly homogenized SUV landscape.
Hyundai calls its design language “Sensuous Sportiness,” but that marketing-speak doesn’t quite capture the visual impact this vehicle makes in person.
“We wanted to create something unmistakable, something that stands out even in a crowded parking lot,” explained Seon Seob Kim, MD & CEO of Hyundai Motor India, during our conversation at the launch event. “The days of conservative, play-it-safe design are behind us. Today’s premium customers want to make a statement.”
And make a statement it does. The front end features what Hyundai calls a “parametric grille” – a geometric pattern that incorporates the LED daytime running lights in such a way that they’re invisible when turned off, blending seamlessly with the grille elements. It’s a properly clever bit of design that draws curious onlookers whenever you park.
The side profile reveals a dramatic character line that rises sharply from the front fenders to the rear, creating a sense of forward motion even when stationary.
The angular wheel arches house either 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels depending on the variant, while the floating roof effect (achieved through blacked-out pillars) adds a touch of visual lightness to the SUV’s substantial presence.
Around back, the full-width LED light bar incorporates half-hidden triangular elements that echo the front grille’s parametric design. The sharply raked rear window and prominent spoiler enhance the sporting pretensions, while the twin exhaust outlets (functional, not just decorative) hint at the performance capabilities.
Available in five colors, including the striking Amazon Grey and Fiery Red, it’s the Starry Night (a deep blue-black) that best showcases the complex surfacing and light-catching edges that define this generation Tucson.
In a segment where conservative design typically rules, the Tucson ziggags where others merely zag – a refreshing approach that may alienate some traditional buyers but will undoubtedly attract those seeking to stand out.
Under the Hood: Performance That Matches the Promise
The new Tucson comes with two engine options in India, both delivering performance that matches the aggressive exterior styling. The diesel mill – likely to be the volume seller – is a 2.0-liter turbocharged unit producing 186 PS at 4,000 rpm and a substantial 416 Nm of torque between 2,000-2,750 rpm.
This is paired exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission that can route power to either the front wheels or all four, depending on the variant.
The petrol option is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine developing 156 PS and 192 Nm of torque, also mated to a 6-speed automatic. While competent, it lacks the effortless punch of the diesel and feels somewhat at odds with the Tucson’s premium positioning.
During my test drive through the twisting ghats and open highways outside Mumbai, the diesel powertrain impressed with its refinement and responsiveness.
The abundant mid-range torque makes overtaking a breeze, with the transmission dropping down a gear or two almost intuitively when you need that extra surge of acceleration.
“The engine calibration was one of our primary focus areas,” noted Tarun Garg, Director of Sales and Marketing at Hyundai India. “We wanted to deliver power delivery that feels effortless rather than aggressive – perfect for the premium SUV buyer who values refinement alongside performance.”
This focus on refinement is evident in the noise isolation as well. Even under hard acceleration, the diesel clatter remains well suppressed, with just enough engine note filtering through to provide feedback without becoming intrusive. At highway cruising speeds, the cabin remains remarkably hushed, with only minimal wind noise around the A-pillars at speeds above 100 km/h.
The HTRAC all-wheel-drive system (available on the diesel Signature variant) enhances both capability and confidence. It features multiple terrain modes – Snow, Mud, and Sand – that adjust power distribution, throttle response, and traction control intervention to suit different conditions.
While most owners will likely never venture far from tarmac, the system provides valuable peace of mind during monsoon driving or the occasional unpaved road excursion.
Fuel efficiency, while not usually a primary concern for buyers in this segment, is surprisingly good given the performance on tap. Hyundai claims 12.7 km/l for the diesel AWD and 14.2 km/l for the diesel FWD, figures that seemed reasonably achievable based on the trip computer readings during our varied test route.
Cabin Experience: Tech-Forward Luxury
Step inside the new Tucson, and you’re greeted by a thoroughly modern interior that blends technology with comfort in equal measure. The dashboard design features a wraparound effect that cocoons the driver and front passenger, creating a sense of occasion missing from more utilitarian SUVs.
The dual 10.25-inch screens – one for the instrument cluster and another for infotainment – dominate the dashboard, offering crisp graphics and responsive touch functionality.
The climate controls utilize a touch-sensitive panel rather than physical buttons, which looks suitably premium but demands more attention while driving than traditional knobs and switches would.
“The goal was to create a sense of continuous digital space,” explained Jyoti Malhotra, Director of Product Planning. “Modern premium customers expect their vehicles to offer the same seamless digital integration they experience in other aspects of their lives.”
This digital focus extends to features like the Bose 8-speaker premium sound system, 64-color ambient lighting, and Hyundai’s BlueLink connected car technology that offers everything from remote engine start to geo-fencing alerts and vehicle diagnostics through a smartphone app.
Comfort hasn’t been sacrificed at the altar of technology, however. The ventilated front seats offer excellent support for longer journeys, while the rear bench provides ample legroom even for taller passengers, thanks to the 2,755mm wheelbase. The panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light, enhancing the sense of spaciousness.
Practical considerations haven’t been overlooked either. The hands-free power tailgate opens to reveal 539 liters of cargo space, expandable to 1,903 liters with the 60:40 rear seats folded down – enough for almost any family adventure. Thoughtful touches include rear AC vents, multiple USB charging ports (both Type-A and Type-C), and a wireless charging pad up front.
Material quality throughout the cabin is excellent, with soft-touch surfaces where it matters and convincing metallic accents that lift the ambience.
The only slightly disappointing elements are some hard plastics in the lower door panels and the piano black trim pieces that look premium but attract fingerprints with remarkable efficiency.
On the Road: Sophisticated Dynamics
The Tucson’s road manners reflect its positioning as a premium offering. The suspension – MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup at the rear – strikes an impressive balance between comfort and control.
It absorbs road imperfections with sophistication, settling quickly after larger disturbances without the floaty sensation that plagues some comfort-oriented SUVs.
Steering weight and response have been well calibrated, offering enough precision to place the vehicle confidently on winding roads without becoming tiring during urban maneuvers.
The 4.8-meter length and substantial width (1,865mm) mean the Tucson occupies a significant footprint, but visibility is good enough that it rarely feels unwieldy.
The driving modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, and Smart (which adapts to your driving style) – noticeably alter throttle response, steering weight, and transmission shift patterns.
Sport mode, in particular, holds gears longer and sharpens throttle response considerably, though the comfort-oriented suspension tuning means the Tucson remains more of a rapid grand tourer than a corner-carving enthusiast machine.
Braking performance comes from disc brakes all around (ventilated at the front) and feels progressive and confidence-inspiring, even when descending the steep ghats during our test route.
The electronic parking brake with auto-hold function makes stop-and-go traffic less tedious, while the various driver aids – including lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance – intervene with subtlety rather than unnerving abruptness.
Safety and Technology: Comprehensive Protection
Safety equipment is comprehensive, with six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and downhill brake control standard across the range.
The top-spec Signature variant adds Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision avoidance, and autonomous emergency braking.
Perhaps most impressive is the surround-view monitor with blind-spot view monitor – the latter displays a camera feed of your blind spot in the instrument cluster when you activate the turn signal, a genuinely useful feature during lane changes in heavy traffic.
“Safety isn’t a checkbox item for us – it’s a fundamental part of our brand promise,” emphasized Garg. “The ADAS features in the new Tucson represent our most advanced safety package yet in the Indian market.”
Other noteworthy features include remote smart parking assist (which allows you to move the vehicle forward or backward from outside using the key fob), front and rear parking sensors, and driver attention warning that monitors for signs of fatigue or distraction.
Market Positioning and Pricing
With prices ranging from ₹29.02 lakh for the base Platinum petrol to ₹35.93 lakh for the top-spec Signature diesel AWD (ex-showroom), the Tucson positions itself squarely in the premium SUV segment, competing with the Jeep Compass, Citroen C5 Aircross, and Volkswagen Tiguan while undercutting the likes of the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.
This positioning represents ambitious but calculated strategy from Hyundai, leveraging the brand’s improving premium credentials while offering more features and space than similarly priced European alternatives.
Whether traditional luxury buyers will cross-shop the Hyundai against established premium brands remains to be seen, but on paper at least, the value proposition is compelling.
Hyundai expects to sell approximately 400-500 units monthly, with the diesel variants expected to account for around 70% of sales. The company has also reported strong pre-bookings, suggesting the bold design and feature-rich package are resonating with target customers.
New Hyundai Tucson Conclusion: A Bold Step Forward
The new Hyundai Tucson represents a significant leap forward not just for the model but for Hyundai’s positioning in the Indian market. It successfully combines head-turning design, impressive performance, and sophisticated technology in a package that finally gives the brand a credible flagship SUV.
Is it perfect? Not quite. The touch-sensitive climate controls prioritize form over function, the petrol engine feels somewhat underwhelming compared to the excellent diesel, and some interior materials don’t quite match the premium European alternatives at similar price points.
But these are relatively minor quibbles in what is otherwise an exceptionally well-executed package. The Tucson’s standout design will attract attention in a segment often criticized for playing it safe, while the refined diesel powertrain delivers the effortless performance that premium SUV buyers expect.
For buyers seeking a distinctive, feature-rich SUV with genuine road presence, the new Tucson makes a compelling case. It may not have the badge prestige of some European alternatives, but it compensates with superior value, space, and equipment – a combination that should ensure this boldest of Hyundais finds its audience in the increasingly competitive premium SUV landscape.