Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 2024 review: Has the best-selling Toyota RAV4 Hybrid finally met its match?

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson has levelled up, with the fourth-generation model's midlife facelift finally ushering in a 'self-charging' hybrid powertrain option into Australian showrooms. As such, the new Tucson Hybrid finds itself going tyre to tyre with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which is no mean feat considering it is the current best seller – and by some margin.

So, what does the Tucson Hybrid have up its proverbial sleeve? Well, it combines a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an electric motor to produce 169kW of power and 350Nm of torque, with the option of front- or all-wheel drive dependent on the grade. And yes, 2.0-litre naturally aspirated and 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine options remain, but the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel unit is no more.

In this expert review, CarsGuide Deputy Editor James Cleary gets behind the wheel of the Tucson Hybrid at its local media launch to find out just well it's risen to the RAV4 Hybrid's challenge.

#Hyundai #Tucson #Review

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Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
00:49 Pricing and features
02:38 Design
03:58 Under the bonnet
04:42 Practicality
06:37 Efficiency
07:14 Driving
10:50 Safety
11:25 Ownership
12:12 Verdict
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CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

[KookaburraAU]

I purchased a 2024 Toyota RAV4 hybrid Cruiser AWD for $60, 000 cash. I'm getting 5.3 L/100km in real world driving. In 45 years of owning many cars, this Toyota is the best car I've ever owned.

[peter]

Great review, thanks. I'm picking mine up this week. I'll never understand why Matt paint is available in so many shades. The maintenance required is time consuming.

[fiftycalguru]

I getting in line for one. If this delivers on its spec sheet it was made for me. Techy sporty comfy safe economical and AWD

[dawnie]

Awesome car. I've recently used one for an extended period. Loaded up with 4 adults and all our gear we were averaging just under 6L per 100ks. Coupled with great performance, at times going well over 180 kph it's a great blend of power and economy.

[mervyn]

I'm choosing between this and rav 4 hybrid, it's a work car so work pays for fuel, services etc. Which would you choose in that situation?

[Steve-jxmh]

Can we stop with the rav 4 beater titles yet?
Every new hybrid seems to get that title on multiple car reviews.

[ishaansaral]

It won't beat the RAV4 in fuel economy, due to an actual gearbox, turbo engine, and mechanical AWD system. All of those things seem worth the loss in fuel economy.

[bumblebee]

Mileage and price will be the issue. Otherwise its a better car in many ways

[rezap]

Thanks for the review. I test-drove a Tuscon 2025 yesterday and it beeped at me a million times for everything: speed, lane position, and a bunch of other things. Being a defensive driver, I found it extremely annoying and distracting. You mentioned in 2024 model, speed limit beeps can be turned off with a long press of volume button. Is the case for 2025 models as well? And would it disable other annoying beeps too? What about the blinking indicators on the cluster? I found them annoying as well, as every time I looked at my speed, something new was flashing.
Appreciate your advice.

[atolfree]

Test drove the hybrid Kona & would not buy one because of that ridiculous over speed warning system. Salesman told me it was required for the 5 star ANCAP rating which is plainly nonsense. The new fix with the long push on the mute button just solved my issue - i will take one in red thanks Hyundai

[seandb]

Bought the top spec Highlander diesel awd brand new a few months ago. I’d waited til I’d heard the specs of the hybrid facelift model before making the decision. Although the hybrid makes an extra 35kw, it’s down 66nm on torque which I think is more usable in a medium suv.
Also the hybrid gets a 6spd whereas the diesel had the better 8spd torque converter auto?
Yeah the hybrids fuel economy is a bit better but where I am in Sydney diesel can be 20-30¢ cheaper per litre.
I think if you can get a diesel Tucson runout deal that’d be the best buy, I got a demonstrator with 40km on it for $53k drive away with a runout deal and free on road costs.
Only thing I’d prefer from the facelift model is the new infotainment screen but not worth the extra ~$12k.

[btpp]

My outlander non hybrid gives me 6.2 litres per 100km. Why spend extra money for same fuel economy.

[stevesawh]

This vehicle is priced too expensive.
No competition for the RAV4.
Pay a little extra and get a RAV4.
You loose over 30 percent in the value as you drive it off the lot.
Don’t be fooled by fancy marketing😢

[rajTrondhjem]

Why should anyone buy a Tucson instead of a KIA Sportage which is essentially the same car but with an additional 2 years of warranty? 🤔

[bobdillard]

No spare!
Just copy Toyota. They know what we want.

[stevesawh]

The location of the rear turning signals is a hazard
The front head light does not focus well.
The quality interior materials of the fit and finish is very cheap and flimsy.

The ride is very nimble on country roads.

Very disappointed with this vehicle.

Should have paid a little extra and get a RAV4