REVIEW: Hyundai Tucson 2.0D N-Line not as sporty as it looks, which is a good thing!

The Hyundai Tucson has always been a solid and dependable player in the midsize SUV space. But despite its sportier looks, the latest generation model has failed to match the popularity of its predecessor.

That’s not altogether surprising, given that in these tough times many buyers have gravitated towards more affordable vehicles, such as the locally-produced Toyota Corolla Cross, and the proliferation of new cut-price offerings from China.

Hyundai SA has responded as best they can, releasing a facelifted model earlier this year, which brought a R39,000 price cut to the base version, with the 2.0 Premium petrol model now costing R559,900.

And while many rivals have ditched diesel power, Hyundai still offers its 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine in the other two Tucson models, but these are a little on the expensive side, with the 2.0D Executive selling at R709,900 and the 2.0D AWD N-Line that we tested recently, retailing at R859,900.

The recent facelift brought some purposeful enhancements to the Tucson, with the front end gaining a more rectangular grille, incorporating claw-like ‘hidden’ headlight elements. A new rear bumper design, featuring a wider skid plate, further distinguishes the new model.

While the design changes are a step in the right direction, I can’t help but feel this fourth-generation Tucson is showing its age quicker than Hyundai might have intended. With many modern SUVs moving towards smoother contours, the numerous creases and slashes that we see on the Tucson’s bodywork make the design look somewhat busy. It’s as if Edward Scissorhands did the final design detailing!

Then again, it is a sporty design and those claw-like taillight clusters at the back certainly give it attitude.

Inside is where you’ll find the biggest changes to the 2025 model, and Hyundai was clever in giving the Tucson a complete interior redesign to keep up with modern trends.

There’s a new dual-screen infotainment and digital instrument cluster, perched above a horizontal air outlet bar, lending a clean and modern look. But what we really appreciate is that Hyundai reintroduced the physical rotary controls for the climate system. That’s definitely a win for functionality.

Now that we’re talking all that sensible stuff, it’s worth mentioning that the Tucson has acres of interior room, and there’s genuine leg-stretching space at the back, even for adults. Rear occupants also get their own ventilation outlets and two USB Type C ports. The boot, boasting a capacity of 539 litres with the seats in place, is as capacious as you could expect at this level.

What’s it like to drive the Tucson N-Line?

The Tucson N-Line flagship is available only with Hyundai’s proven 2.0-litre turbodiesel, which delivers a respectable 137kW and 416Nm. Despite the N-Line’s sporty looks, thanks to a unique body kit and 19-inch alloys, the driving experience is very much geared towards effortless comfort, and the ride quality is certainly comfortable.

The diesel engine starts up with a big plume of smoke, but other than that, overall refinement is more than acceptable, thanks to extensive sound deadening. The engine, paired with an eight-speed autobox, provides brisk performance. Yet, thanks to the vehicle’s 1,678kg kerb weight, it’s not as economical as you might expect from a diesel, with our vehicle consuming just over 10 litres per 100km over a few days of urban driving. That figure will come down with extensive highway use, however.

While the standard all-wheel-drive set-up does provide an extra safety margin in wet and slippery conditions, we do wonder if it’s really necessary in this segment. It’s likely that most buyers in this segment will gravitate towards the front-wheel-drive Executive model, which is lighter and R150,000 cheaper.

The N-Line is really well specced though, and in addition to the aforementioned exterior additions, it comes with a sunroof, partial suede seat upholstery, and a glut of driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and rear cross traffic alert.

VERDICT

The Hyundai Tucson 2.0D N-Line, which is one of the few diesels left in the segment, is a comfortable and spacious family cruiser with sporty looks and extravagant specification.

At R589,900 it is expensive, although there is plenty of value to be found in the Premium and Executive versions of the Tucson.

IOL Motoring