Hyundai Tucson diesel 2021 review | best engine for the new Tucson? | Chasing Cars

We test the new Hyundai Tucson 2.0D and see what this midsize SUV is like to drive.

The new Hyundai Tucson is available with three engines in Australia, and we’ve already served up detailed reviews of the base 2.0-litre petrol and the optional 1.6-litre turbo petrol with AWD. But Hyundai have saved the best until last, with the 2.0-litre turbo diesel with AWD recently arriving in the country. So, is the Tucson diesel the best of the bunch? Let’s find out.

Rivals to the Hyundai Tucson include the Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, and the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Please consider subscribing and joining our Chasing Cars community!

Time codes:

0:00 - What is the Hyundai Tucson?
1:45 - Tucson diesel specs
3:20 - Tucson Elite interior
7:09 - Back seats
8:47 - Design
9:23 - Boot
9:58 - Running costs
11:27 - How does the Tucson diesel drive?
21:30 - Hyundai Tucson verdict

[markcathyarmstrong]

Hi all, have owned a Tuscon diesel Highlander for about 6 weeks now, only have 1 word to say WOW!!

[stephend]

1:34 even the turkeys aren’t safe from swoop season!

[anwinkumar]

This is what I was waiting for. Thanks bud.

[timothypark]

Great review, really looking forward to you driving the Kia Sportage when it arrives. GT Line diesel.

[vladimirproksch]

Such a great review. You touched on all the right points, eg, diesel with lots of torque, 8 speed torque converter auto as I have found the CVTs and DSGs just don't get it right. I also agree that the front a rear lights should be LED. Such a great, informative and meaningful review. Keep it up.

[nisalk]

I got 2019 demo car you had after seeing it on your channel and it was fantastic. I got 2023 model after watching your video. Keep up the good work 👏

[timmarks]

Another great review Tom. I was looking seriously as a Tucson Elite Diesel but ended up with a Kodiaq and dont regret it. One of the biggest turn offs on the Tucson for me was the halogen lights…. a real head scratcher decision.

[mmccbbmcb]

Finally, at last, the one I have been waiting for.
Tucson diesel. Yes and I will have it in white thank you sir.
And a decent bloody gearbox too.
Thanks for the review.

[markelliott]

Great review. As always. Just a thought on your fuel economy discussion generally. Many of us aren't really punching the calculator to get a payback on the diesel premium. We're very (if not more) interested in the range it gives - especially on the highway. You really see this in the discussion on take up of electric vehicles here - range is a headline.

[davidarter]

Another superb review on a really good car. Thank you, Tom.

[billesler]

I've just watched your review again. Very encouraging since I've had one ordered for 4 months now. (No build date yet so at least 2 more months to wait!!)
I did not go for the Highlander because the sun roof was a complete deal breaker.
However, I did go for the NLine package, which incorporates most of the advantages of the Highlander you identified. It only seems to miss out on the power tail gate and blind spot camera. However, the NLine costs only $2k instead of $7k for the top spec.
All in all, very happy with my choice. Now just have to wait for Hyundai!!

[lesbrown]

Great review, finally someone has done the 2lt deisel. Would have loved to seen the Highlander with this motor reviewed, is that a possibility l?

[zohanele.d]

Hi Tom, have you any idea when Lexus will give you a chance to drive the new NX?

[stevenk]

Thanks for your clear review, i end up purchased highlander n line diesel. Can’t wait to come 🙏

[Michael_Mears]

Let them eat cake, Tom. Good review once again.

[wayne]

Thanks Tom. Great review and just what I needed. Prefer the styling over the Kia Sportage so Tucson Highlander Diesel it

[amido]

Quick question, why are the shots of the car around the corner fairly slow? Thank you.

[michelswerissen]

Diesel engine is the one to get, high lander is the model to buy, once you have one never look back, magic carpet ride, effortless cruising.

[samuelrobinson]

I recently upgraded from a 2013 iX35 diesel trophy to the new 2021 Tucson diesel highlander and I'm so happy with the new Tucson. It's a very good vehicle and feels better built than the iX35 it replaces. And it's a pleasure to drive. I ordered it in Aug with a delivery date of Jan 2022. I got the car in mid Sept. Tom's review is pretty spot on in regards to the Elite version and the Highlander spec is the one to get.

[enforcer]

Great review mate, I drove a diesel Highlander 4 weeks ago and loved it so much we ordered one.
The TDI pairing with the conventional 8 speed is brilliant.