'Did I buy the WRONG car?' | Hyundai Tucson review

Nicola Hume has bought a Kia Sportage, but is the Hyundai Tucson a better bet?

Read more at Auto Express:

Let’s cut straight to the chase - the previous Tucson model was a car that primarily sold itself on practicality, modest pricing and family usability, while decent levels of kit went some way towards making up for its distinct lack of flair.

Hyundai’s fourth-generation mid-size SUV is a slightly different proposition, keen to establish itself as a premium offering for families that value style and refinement, as well as the more prosaic qualities of overall load space and day-to-day functionality.

Competition is fierce in this market sector and many of the Tucson’s rivals have established USPs that help them stand out from the pack. The Volkswagen Tiguan has an unmistakable air of quality and a solid reputation, while the Ford Kuga is highly rated and brings a sense of driving fun to family SUV life. The Skoda Karoq and SEAT Ateca offer different blends of the tried and trusted Volkswagen Group formula, with Peugeot’s 3008 delivering a classy cabin and typical Gallic charm.

Also worth a mention in the myriad choices are the Japanese trio of the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, followed by yet further options in the form of the evergreen Nissan Qashqai, Renault Kadjar and Vauxhall Grandland. Then there's the Kia Sportage, which shares its mechanicals with the Tucson. Our Nicola Hume chose to buy a Sportage instead of the Hyundai, but did she make the right choice?

More Auto Express videos:

Follow us

[yopyop]

Fact: I have a Sportage Gtline. My wife Tucson plug-in hybrid. I was wrong buying the Kia. Undoubtedly the Tucson is much quieter, better quality finishes inside by far, better performance in acceleration and comfort. Kia lice its interior screen well but the qualities are terrible. I'm really sorry I decided on the Sportage 😔 BIG MISTAKE

[matthew]

Ive had a Tucson for two years. All the tech you need and confortable. MPG has improved greatly as it's "loosened up" but the one thing that spoils the experience is the collision avoidance tech. If I reverse off my drive into the closest lane any vehicles in the furthest lane although unnafected will cause the breaks to slam on. Also if someone stops to let me out the car will not move.
The same travelling forwards if you are anywhere near a car turning left say, the alarm will sound and again the breaks will come on. Cars following you love this feature!
It can be turned off if you go into three menus but then switches back on next time you start the car. It needs a button on the steering wheel to quickly cancel the system.

[toddy]

The Tucson looks much nicer than the Sportage, you chose wrong 😂

[Dctrue]

I love your reviews, keep it up Nicola!

[rasherbasher]

Hyundai/ kia are just quality at the moment. Can't be said for the VW Group.

[Trevorfoggia]

Nice review Nicola Happy Bum. I had considered the Tucson because it had the right drivetrain for my needs, I love the front grill set up, too. But I hated the interior so I went looking at the Ford Kuga and other cars. Lucky for me I never took it any further because Kia brought out this Sportage - oh by the way, the previous shape Sportage was also on my radar. Needless to say I have ordered a new Kia Sportage with HEV in GT line S trim in Luna Silver without the black roof - my wife’s preference. I can’t wait to get it in my hands.
Greetings from Cumbria in the U.K.
Stay safe and well.

[darrylmiller]

Hey really loved the video just purchased a 2023 limited Tucson had it for one week now love it love it love it just a dream to drive we also have a 2020 kona limited love that too I think Hyundai has hit the nail right on the head with there vehicles thanks for the video.

[ronnelcuison]

This car is so nice. I love driving it. It's so silent inside and the styling is superb.

[petercrawford]

What a great presenter, so refreshing to have someone communicate with such a relaxed everyday type of narrative. I've gone for the Tucson 2WD Elite (NZ Model) Hybrid, because in white with a blackout kit and 20" rims and a 245/45/20 tyre it rides better. But white with blackout looks so much more agressive in the Tucson.

[mikmik]

@4:33, What are the silver "levers" forward of the steering wheel (left and right) for? They look like some kind of driver control not mentioned. I was told the Hyundai and Kyi are both the same Chassis, much like "letter" frames of the GM lines.

[paulsmith]

I have the Tucson PHEV with the tech pack for the overhead parking view and blind spot cameras on indicators. I found that I rarely need the blind spot cameras. The lane keep assist is annoying and I turn it off a lot of the time (it defaults to on with each journey). The self-steer ability is only good on motorways, called HDA (Highway Drive Assist). That combined with traffic aware cruise is great. Town driving with traffic aware cruise is good but the final brake to a stop is less smooth than it could be, it's like a novice driver not lifting brake pressure. The only source of cabin heat is the engine so on cooler days the engine comes on despite a journey that could within the 30+ miles range. You have to turn the heating system off to force it to use the battery!
Overall though, it is a great car, just like the Sportage is I'm sure.

[modelrailwaynoob]

Personally, I prefer the Tucson styling. I shortlisted this, the Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008. After lots of reading and watching reviews, I went for the 5008 GT Preium and it is the most comfortable car I have ever driven. The heated and massage seats are perfect for my dodgy back and there is really good leg room for the rear passengers.

[satch]

Nicola is a fab reporter. Nice to hear things from the POV of a normal day to day motorist and not have to be a motoring expert to understand what's being said. Thank you! 😀😀

I'm looking at a Tuscon as a company car. I really love the Sportage - especially the interior but the reason i'm getting a Tuscon?...? Availability! Kia's order book is full and waiting times currently 12 - 18 months. Have they made a car that is so good they've outdone themselves and can't match demand? There are other global influences on this too at the moment I suppose.
I think there is going to be a glut of cheap outstanding new cars in 18 months time as company's cancel their orders. Especially on PHEVs.

[EdgarRenje]

You're right. None of both is really bad: it's just a matter of taste.

[michbenny]

I look at the Tuscon and think, I love this body style and design the best, until I look and the sportage and say the same thing. They are both very different but are great in their own distinctive right. I would take either and will when my Santa Fe hits 80, 000 miles.

[TheRealDiseone]

Was really tempted by this or the Sportage but as neither now do 4 year leases, I'm having to look elsewhere, I even spoke to a lease broker and even they are put out as they were two of there highest sellers, but sadly no longer

[stretchclogg]

I've got a 2018 Tucson and I love it. Comfy, quick, decent mid-spec, twin clutch and sport mode makes my journey a doddle. Fits my 6ft 5 frame nicely. The downside is it's a bit gloomy inside compared to my old 2010 Scenic which was very plush. I'll be buying the new model next year.

[aleal]

I owned 2022 Tucson Hybrid "Ultimate", a month after I received my new Tucson. I received a recall letter from Hyundai Canada called (Campaign Service C0448) and suspension is too stiff. The dealer I purchased this new SUV told me the Hybrid battery is not cover by warranty, so why should I be happy or satisfied made by Hyundai?

[RobertAOlsenII]

Great video! Ever hear of Tucson Arizona USA? I used to live there. Lines are like the Tucson Mountains! Think and grow rich! I like both! Undecided on KIA or HYUNDAI lol

[mohammadalhdrami]

so give me ur advice which corian car i should bauy hayo day or kla please