Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: yays and nays

Not too long ago, Hyundai Motor Philippines introduced the electrified variant of the Tucson nameplate. Alongside the Santa Fe Hybrid, the said models were the first new-energy vehicle offering of the South Korean carmaker here in the Philippines. 

On that note, many car buyers — especially those looking to switch to a more sustainable means of mobility — are interested in the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. To help them get to know the newest iteration of the five-seater crossover better, here’s a quick look at its yays and nays.

Pros: 

Updated exterior, interior 

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid now has an updated exterior with revised front and rear bumpers, refreshed grille-integrated daytime running lamps, as well as a latticework with a striking new pattern. 

Inside, the hybrid variant of the nameplate now has a revamped dashboard slapped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a similarly-sized (12.3 inches) infotainment system. Both of which are encased in a single, seamless housing with thin bezels. 

Overall, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid sports subtle appointments that set it apart from its pure internal combustion engine-powered brothers. 

Self-charging hybrid 

Another advantage of choosing the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid over its competitors is its ability to self charge. 

Per the local wing of the Seoul-headquartered car brand, the electrified version of the Hyundai Tucson can self-charge on the go thanks to smart regenerative braking, which captures the energy produced when the brakes are applied to recharge its high-voltage battery. 

On that note owners of the nameplate’s range-topping hybrid variant can somehow restore some of the lost energy from the powertrain system, which could make it a more sustainable vehicle to use, especially for when one needs to go around the city where braking is part of driving in stop-and-go 

And while we’re on the topic of powertrains, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid can make as much as 231 horses with 367 Newton-meters of torque. The system is comprised of a 1.6-liter Smartsteam turbocharged engine, which is paired with a 47.7-kilowatt electric motor as well as a lithium-ion battery. 

Added safety feature

On top of the nameplate’s safety features, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid gets an additional safety technology in the form of the carmaker’s e-Motion Drive System, which allows the motor to effectively control the brake, transmission, and driving torque in the event of a rapid acceleration or a sudden turn. 

As a result, the vehicle enjoys improved traction and mobility. 

Cons: 

Premium pricing 

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid might appear to have a premium price tag, especially when compared to other hybrid vehicles in the segment. 

It sells for P2.29 million. 

For comparison’s sake, the Toyota RAV4 has a base price of P2.061 million while the recently launched BYD Sealion 6 DM-i has a sticker price of P1.6 million. 

Also read: 

Hyundai Motor PH unveils Tucson, Santa Fe hybrid versions

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs. the competition

Hyundai Motor PH expects to sell at least 50 Tucson units per month