Hyundai Motor PH unveils Tucson, Santa Fe hybrid versions

MANILA: Hyundai Motor Philippines Incorporated (HMPH) has officially launched the hybrid versions of the Santa Fe and Tucson for the local market. 

Per HMPH President and Chief Operating Officer Dongwook Lee, the two new electrified models are both pioneers for the South Korean company’s hybrid technology in the Philippines.

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

On the outside, the new Tucson Hybrid gets a subtle styling update. The five-seater crossover still sports plenty of deep character lines and the same overall silhouette, but its front and rear bumpers were revised to provide the vehicle with a wider, squared-off look. 

The South Korean brand also gave the refreshed model’s grille-integrated daytime running lamps a new design, while the grille itself received a new pattern. 

Inside, the vehicle received a thoroughly updated interior. For starters, the dash was revamped with a straighter and flatter appearance to accommodate a new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a similarly sized infotainment display. The two are seamlessly integrated together to form a wide-screen display encompassing half the length of the dash. 

For connectivity, the infotainment system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has a wireless smartphone charging pad and several USB ports for powering up devices. 

Another new design detail for the Tucson Hybrid’s cockpit is a touch-sensitive control surface with physical knobs for its automatic climate control system. 

Other notable amenities inside the electrified model include a new floating center console, remote rear seat folding functionality, a shift-by-wire stalk mounted on the steering column, and a panoramic sunroof, among others. 

Safety inside the electrified model is primarily handled by the Korean car brand’s Smartsense suite of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS). The said suite includes forward collision-avoidance assist, lane following assist, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, and a 360-degree monitor, among others. 

The Tucson Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter Smartsteam turbocharged engine paired with a 47.7-kilowatt electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. Shifting through gears, meanwhile, is done through a six-speed automatic transmission. 

Together, the aforementioned hybrid system's gasoline engine and motor can produce a combined maximum output of 231 horsepower (hp) and 367 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

For optimal energy usage, the electrified crossover features regenerative braking. The model’s e-Motion Drive System, meanwhile, allows its electric motor to control vehicle vibrations to ensure ride comfort and stability.

The vehicle also has several drive modes, such as economy, smart, and sport. In addition, the hybrid ride gets “baby mode,” which smoothens acceleration to keep young children comfortable. 

As of its launch, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid's price is P2.29 million. Updated gasoline and diesel versions are also available for P1.68 million and P1.98 million, respectively. 

When it comes to exterior color options, the Tucson Hybrid may come in Pine Green, White Cream, Phantom Black Pearl, Shimmering Silver, Amazon Gray, Deep Sea, and Cashmere Bronze.

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

In terms of styling and features, the newly launched Santa Fe Hybrid is based on the currently available top-spec Calligraphy trim. So where styling is concerned, it gets the same boxy body equipped with square-shaped LED lighting elements, roof rails, beefy wheel arches, and a boxy mesh grille, among others. 

Like the Calligraphy, it gets an extra-wide power tailgate, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, a rear spoiler, and power-folding side mirrors.  A set of new black 19-inch wheels sets it apart visually from the non-hybrid trims.

The interior of the Santa Fe Hybrid, meanwhile, mostly borrowed the same look from the Calligraphy variant. It is also kitted out with a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, power-adjustable first-row seats, Nappa leather upholstery, a dual wireless smartphone charging pad, a heads-up display, and keyless entry, among other features. 

The Santa Fe Hybrid retains a three-row seating configuration, but instead of a bench-type seat for its second row, it gets power-adjustable captain seats.

Like the Tucson Hybrid, the electrified full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) features the e-Motion Drive for an improved ride and handling, as well as the same set of drive modes. It likewise received the Hyundai Smartsense ADAS suite, which has features comparable to the smaller hybrid model. 

For its powerplant, the Santa Fe Hybrid received the same Smartstream 1.6-liter turbo hybrid mill as the Tucson. It is also paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox. At maximum, the said powertrain can produce 231 hp and 367 Nm of torque. 

The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid retails at P3.33 million in the Philippine market.  Available color options for the model are Abyss Black, Creamy White, Magnetic Gray, Earthy Brass, Terracotta Orange, and Ocado Green. 

Warranty and availability

Both the Tucson and Santa Fe hybrid versions are packaged with a battery warranty of eight years or 160,000 kilometers (km), and a vehicle warranty of five years or 200,000 km, whichever comes first. 

According to HMPH, pre-orders for the two hybrid offerings are already available in its dealerships in Alabang, Bacolod, Cebu South, Commonwealth, E. Rodriguez, Makati, Pampanga, and Pasig. 

For folks who want to see the two electrified Hyundai models up close, they are currently on display at the Hyundai Mobility Experience at Alabang Town Center's Activity Center until July 21, 2024. 

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