The Hyundai Tucson is continuing to be a popular choice as a medium sized SUV, even topping the category in car sales period leading up till October 2016 ahead of the hard to beat Mazda CX-5.
Getting the once over this time was the range topping Hyundai Tucson Highlander with a diesel engine and All-Wheel Drive.
With all the mod-cons, power, handling and styling, it’s high regard amongst buyers is justified.
From the outset, the Tucson is an attractive machine with just the right proportions for this size SUV.
With nice curves and not too blocky, the body sits on large 19” alloy wheels enhancing the robustness of the Highlander, not to mention the vehicle I had came in a striking blue colour.
As a whole the drive was comfortable, a combination of the plush leather seats and stable solid chassis.
Car-like manoeuvrability provides a dynamic drive experience and makes you forget you’re in an SUV.
The 2.0 litre turbo engine has a lot of power to burn and while there is some lag, this doesn’t hinder the overall drive.
Sport mode can be a little jumpy and not so necessary in my opinion with enough oomph in the normal drive mode.
Even if you drive it in the performance mode with a bit of lead foot, the diesel Tucson still produces great fuel economy at only 9.3kL/100km.
The inside is equally appealing with powered, vented and heated leather seats, a touch screen with sat nav and simple, straightforward switchgear.
To say the dashboard is bland would be unfair, rather it’s understated, but then again so are many European cars.
One minor point that brings down the appeal is the hard black plastic adorning the dash and doors does give it a more based model feel.
Being the top of the range spec it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t mention a couple of fancy inclusions like the fantastically large panoramic sunroof and powered tailgate.
Open the blind fully and it not only lets in more light but provides an air of spaciousness.
It’s not fixed so you can open the front half like a standard sunroof for more ventilation.
The powered tailgate is a great convenience easily opened or closed with the push of a button on the door, key or from the driver’s dash.
But if you’re carrying an armful of stuff, standing behind the vehicle with proximity key in your pocket and the door will rise by itself.
The highlander is also built for harder work, fitted with a 4WD lock and hill descent control button plus a tow bar at the back.
With 400Nm worth of torque, the Highlander is capable of towing the biggest of loads up to 1600kg braked.
Hyundai is testing a trailer brake control module option but we’ll let you know if it becomes available.
A couple of handy tools in this grade of Tucson are the tyre pressure monitor and a compass in the corner of the auto dimming rear view mirror.
This is great if you want to know which direction you’re facing like I do.
Storage is always great in a Hyundai, especially the centre console tray where I like to chuck my sunglasses, phone, remote etc. with no care.
The boot is a satisfactory size and comes with a cargo blind, though the lack of seat release switch in the back to lower the rear seats to increase the space is a letdown.
And the Tucson comes with a five star ANCAP safety rating and a five year unlimited kilometre warranty.
The Hyundai Tucson Highlander is priced from $47,450.
Next time we look at the Hyundai Tucson Elite.
NUTS and BOLTS 2017 Hyundai Tucson Highlander
Engine: 2.0L turbo diesel producing 136kW and 400Nm
Transmission: Six-speed Sports Automatic
Warranty: 5 Year/Unlimited km
Safety: Five Stars
Origin: Czech Republic
Price: From $47,450
Very good review! The blue 2017 Hyundai Tucson Highlander looks so nice. Love the specs!
Cheers Kev!
I got 2 friends driving this. I remember when the first model came out, my friends were so excited to drive it around.
It was always such a comfy ride and I love the view at the top when driving. It’s a good car for a good price.
Love the specs of this hyundai tucson highlander! This model is perfect for adventures!
The leather seats looks and feels nice. Nice to know that they got a five star safety rating from ANCAP. #safetyfirst
Awesome review!! I am not familiar with Hyundai car wise. When it comes to this Trucks comes to mind. This is an eye opener.
You nailed it, sir! Actually, I am not so into cars. Once in a while, reading reviews like this reminds me that well, in making purchases big or small, specs always matter.
Thanks for the kind words.
“With all the mod-cons, power, handling and styling, it’s high regard amongst buyers is justified.” What I think that, no matter which new services or products, according to the consumers demand for the modification. It might lead more sales for those.
I like the look of this SUV. Looks like it has tinted blue windows…or is that just the lighting?
Just the lighting
Hyundai seems like it has been steady pushing the envelope of innovation and affordability in the marketplace. I must say they are definitely starting to catch my attention.
Say what they don’t have a release switch in the back seats to make more room?? Wonder why they would leave out such a modern and common feature like this. Really doesn’t seem like it would be that much more expensive to implement. Looks like they’re cuttin corners to me.
Fred – The rear seats are adjustable tilt – I cant recall when I last saw that in a car. Normally they are up or down. Bonus
Different car reviews have been given in this site.As an example the Hyundai Tucson is continuing to be a popular choice for many people because it is having many qualities.