The Tucson, a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) from the premium South Korean car maker Hyundai, has always been a popular purchase and the latest version of the fourth-generation model is even better than ever with updated exterior and interior designs and new technological, connectivity and safety features. This car is an award-winning model in the compact SUV sector for 2025/6.
The Compact Exterior
Hyundai’s designers have, they say, departed from tradition for Tucson’s redesign, opting instead for advanced digital technology and geometric algorithms no less, which is a method known as ‘parametric dynamics’. This innovative approach apparently uses digital data to generate lines, angles and shapes, resulting in bold and unprecedented design aesthetics. This gives the model a forward-looking character.
One notable example of these parametric design elements is evident in Tucson’s front grille, where ‘Parametric Hidden Lights’ leave a strong first impression. In its inactive state, the grille showcases dark geometric patterns, seamlessly blending with the signature LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). Additionally, a new front bumper design has been introduced, offering glossy black mouldings as an option and a new skid plate for added protection. Updated grill meshes contribute to the modernised look of the model’s front.
The ‘LED’ MFR headlamps with ‘static bending light functionality’ enhance visibility around corners, while LED DRL’s combined with ‘Position Lights’ offer both style and safety benefits. These design techniques also play a significant role in the side profile of the vehicle, where sleek contours and bold, masculine angles create a sense of dynamic motion even when stationary, as they say.
Angular wheel arches seamlessly merge with taut athletic shapes, complemented by powerful 19 inch alloy wheels (there are options). At the rear, wide tail lamps with ‘parametric’ hidden light details maintain design continuity. The redesigned rear bumper incorporates parametric pattern details with a three-dimensional effect and new skid plates.
The Premium Interior
The interior of the revised Tucson prioritises spaciousness and practicality, achieved through a horizontal design that creates a sense of roominess. The seamless integration of advanced technology elements ensures a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics.
With a significant redesign, the interior offers a refreshed look. Further, the Hyundai Tucson features a customisable digital experience centred around a new 12.3 inch touchscreen. Soft-touch materials elevate the interior feel, while new indirect air vents enhance airflow.
The interior layout enhancements include an instrument display housed around the 12.3 inch digital cluster, creating a more spacious feel. As is popular in design elements these days, the dashboard seamlessly merges with the doors, enveloping front occupants for a futuristic ambience. Redesigned features such as the steering wheel and ergonomically positioned armrest enhance usability and aesthetics.
Ambient mood lighting, offering 64 colours and ten brightness levels, adds a personalised touch, positioned in various areas including the centre fascia and wireless charging pad. The seats boast a new pattern and material options. Additionally, the ‘N Line’ variant introduces distinctive features, such as red stitching and textile suede & leather trim in Obsidian Black.
A very likeable aspect of this car, given its proportions, is that it provides a wide, open interior space that guarantees occupants comfort and roominess usually reserved for models in the segment above. The ‘N Line’ variant has been increased by 20 millimetres for example and the boot offers between 546 and 620 litres overall for luggage, depending on the chosen trim and power-train (see below).
The Tucson comes packed with an array of cutting-edge technology features tailored to enhance the digital experience for users. The ‘’Connected Car Navigation Cockpit’ (ccNC) integrates Audio, Video, and Navigation functionalities into dual curved 12.3 inch displays, creating a personalised and intuitive space. The use of a grid system ensures consistency across the screen interface, while the integration of Amazon Music allows users to enjoy their favourite tunes on the go.
Hyundai’s ‘ccNC’ also offers full Over-the-Air capabilities, ensuring continuous improvement and eliminating the need for manual software updates. In the future we learn, 'Feature on Demand' will offer a range of customisable solutions and functionalities, further enhancing Tucson’s capabilities. Safety and convenience are augmented by the inclusion of a 12 inch Head-Up Display, presenting essential vehicle information directly on the wind-shield to minimise driver distraction. The ‘Intelligent Front-Lighting System’ enhances exterior illumination using matrix beam LED technology, adapting to road conditions for optimal visibility while minimising glare for other drivers.
The Power
The Hyundai Tucson caters to a diverse range of drivers by offering four electrified power-train options and two internal combustion engines with three transmission choices. With both petrol and diesel options and 48-volt mild hybrid, full hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options, this SUV boasts one of the most extensive selections of electrified power-trains in this compact category, catering to various preferences and environmental concerns. There’s also a two-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid variant.
Hyundai has introduced their second generation ‘Green Zone Driving Mode’, exclusively available in the plug-in hybrid variant, to encourage zero-tailpipe-emissions driving. This feature uses ‘geofencing’ technology, enabling the vehicle to seamlessly switch to pure-electric mode in designated low-emission zones or areas with emission restrictions, promoting a greener driving experience.
Additionally, the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants offer ‘Paddle Regenerative Braking’ in ‘ECO’ mode. This feature allows drivers to customise the intensity of regenerative braking using paddle shift levers on the steering wheel, offering three levels of deceleration control for improved convenience and fuel efficiency.
Driving
With comprehensive advanced driver-assistance systems and a wide-ranging active safety package, the Tucson delivers peace of mind for Hyundai customers.
The model is outfitted with an enhanced seven-airbag system, which features a first-row centre-side airbag. This prevents front-row passengers from colliding with one another in the case of a collision, minimising the risk of serious injuries. When the deployment of the airbags is triggered by a front or side impact, ‘Multi-Collision Braking’ automatically applies emergency brakes to reduce the risk of secondary, or multiple, collisions.
Hyundai ‘Smart Sense’ sets Tucson apart from rivals, they say, offering a range of advanced driver assistance systems for heightened safety and convenience in various driving and parking scenarios. These features surpass industry standards, demonstrating Hyundai’s commitment to providing cutting-edge safety technology.
Further, the Tucson consolidates its true SUV credentials with 4x4 capabilities. This is thanks to its ‘Terrain Mode’ selector, which provides even more automotive engagement. Meanwhile, customers can choose between two different suspension systems, with both adaptive and conventional dampers for enhanced ride and handling.
Tucson’s Terrain Mode feature, available in the hybrid version with automatic transmission, uses Hyundai’s signature ‘HTRAC’ four-wheel drive technology. This enables agile handling and better torque application depending on wheel grip and vehicle speed. In addition to different drive modes, three additional terrain modes – Mud, Sand and Snow – optimise the driving performance and ‘HTRAC’ settings for an enhanced driving experience on a variety of terrain.
Tucson’s Rack-mounted ‘Motor Driven Power Steering’, which features a Belt Drive steering gear, was tuned to match the character of the vehicle’s suspension. Over the course of many months of testing with both prototype vehicles and cutting-edge engineering simulation and virtual development tools, Hyundai’s engineers have finely calibrated the system to ensure drivers can experience smooth and connected steering. Drivers who select ‘Sport’ mode will experience a sharper steering effort build-up, before enjoying a greater sense of precision when driving, for instance, on the motorway.
It’s easy to use the term ‘all-rounder’ when talking about SUV’s, but this car really does fit the bill, both as a family vehicle and as something a little more adventurous.
MHH International offer a range of new and used vehicles from Hyundai (and other prestige car makers) including the Tucson. You can see the current stock here. MHH International export cars from the UK to destinations as far afield as Kenya and New Zealand. You can see our destination listings on the Home Page of our website. We offer a comprehensive export service that’s second to none; there are VAT-free options too. Get in touch to find out more about our service.
