The 2021 Hyundai Tucson keeps its unassuming style that may be described as simplistic. It is not out to prove a point through a radical refresh and retains its pedestrian and conservative personality that is accommodating.
Model year 2021 is a carry-over of the 2016 form with very minor changes. Meanwhile, competition has been stepping up, although the Tucson does excel in other departments, like interior and safety.
The fourth generation, though, will not be long in coming and is expected to come out later next year. As previewed from the Vision T concept, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson will embody the new design language. As seen from spy shots, it will be articulated by sharp creases, boxy arches, and the new signature 'parametric-jewel pattern grille. And hopefully with a spunkier powertrain.
Exterior
The 2021 Tucson is going to feature pleasant lines and a great cabin. It will retain the six-sided grille and LED running lights, while also maintaining a nice dip to the roofline. For the rear, though, it is not as apparent from the spy shots that have been taken of the vehicle, includes the forked lamp design beneath an LED-lit band that stretches across the new tailgate.
Interior
Inside, the occupants are treated to well-done surroundings, user-friendly controls, and a European design. There is an all-black colour scheme though the beige upholstery bringing some variety to the mix. Cloth is standard though leather is available on the Elite and Highlander models. The front passengers will be treated to six-way adjustable chairs inside the Tucson and supportive backrests and cushions.
The higher trims come with power adjustment and lumbar support, though the most expensive versions will have leather-trimmed seating and front seat heating and cooling. Knee and headroom are great for the taller passengers, and there is good small-item storage within the panels and the console. The back seating is suitable for tall passengers, though the headroom level is not as spacious as in the larger Hyundai SUVs. Though a refresh is due next year, the Tucson is still quite impressive with the fit and finish.
What is the cargo space of the 2021 Tucson?
The rear seats fold down to expand the cargo space from 488 litres to almost thrice that figure. That is sufficient for a week's worth of camping gear.
Technology
The infotainment system has a 7.0-inch touchscreen which is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while the higher-end trims come available with an 8.0 touchscreen in addition to navigation. The sport model provides LED headlights, an 8-inch speaker from Infinity audio, and wireless and smartphone charging. The Highlander trim has heated rear seats and cooled front seating. There is adaptive cruise control as well.
Performance
The 2021 Tucson provides a choice of engines with options for front or all-wheel drive. One option is a 2.0-litre engine rated at 122 kW, while the other is a 2.4-litre unit, capable of 134 kW. Both transmit their output to a six-speed automatic transmission. The acceleration times are much better, with the larger capacity engine capable of doing 0-98 km/hour in 8.8s. It has adequate handling, well-controlled body roll, and refined ride. The suspension is quite good at absorbing the bumps. The Tucson excels at road trips with the drive selector set at Normal when the engine and transmission are stable.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Tucson?
The 2.0 litre engine returns a fuel economy of 10.6 km/L for the 2WD and 9.7 km/L for the AWD option.
Safety
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson has strong safety scores. It earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and the ANCAP for its 2016 model. The usual complement of airbags for the front and rear passengers are present, though all models have active lane control and automatic emergency braking. The base model is also provided with blind spot monitoring.
The 2020 Tucson is also the IIHS top safety pick, so the brand would probably want to maintain the title by incorporating more safety features. The higher-level models allow for pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality. A surround-view camera may be installed; however, the Tucson does not have the best rearward vision, which is the case with many small crossovers.
Pricing
The Tucson is quite budget-friendly considering that it is a compact crossover, with a price range of around $32,000-$50,000. It also offers one of the most competitive warranty coverage. The company currently provides complimentary scheduled maintenance, which bests some of the mainstream rivals like Toyota. It is covered by a 5-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, plus capped-price maintenance available for 5 years at 12-month or 15,000km intervals.
Final thoughts
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson is the last model in a generation which some would say has worn out its welcome. Still, its features may prove quite adequate for the suburban driver. As it is a well-known brand, the Tucson retains a significant part of its original value even after several years. The crossover segment is quite competitive as there are several which give it a run for its money. However, the handling and ride quality is sufficient, while the pricing is attractive, especially with its attributes. It is an optimal option for those who would appreciate a smooth ride with excellent fuel economy in a crossover model tailored to urban areas.