2021 Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Highlander: owner review

Owner Review

15:0906 May 2022

0comments

We purchased the Tucson for reasons I imagine most people purchase an SUV, which are increased ride height, the ease of loading, and flexibility when heading off-road.
Owner: Noel Johns

What we love

Refinement
Low NVH

What we don't

How much have new cars risen in price the past five years! Seems about 3–4 grand more expensive than its competitors

We purchased the Tucson for reasons I imagine most people purchase an SUV, which are increased ride height, the ease of loading, and flexibility when heading off-road. I am aware it’s a soft-roader and the limitations!

We don’t currently tow, so the 1.6T is suitable for our needs, although I also read good things about the diesel, which would make sense for long hauls. I don’t feel it’s lacking in performance for this type of vehicle, and for overtaking duties it performs really well.

What I like most about the Tucson is the refinement. It is very quiet and comfortable to drive, and I don’t feel fatigued after driving long distances. The seats are very comfortable.

The seven-speed dual-clutch shows some signs of hesitation around town, although the changes are usually smooth. I guess I am used to this type of transmission having owned a VW Group vehicle with DSG previously.

We just spent two weeks exploring Port Lincoln National Park and other parts of Eyre Peninsula in SA and the Tucson managed this very well.

I like the design, and interesting creases, although I know it’s a 'love it or hate it' thing. I also like the design of the i30 Sedan N Line, so it’s unsurprising I like the Tucson. I like it when designers take a risk!

Things I didn’t know I wanted until I had them? Heated and cooled seats, and a heated steering wheel. If the car has been sitting in the sun and you hop in, the cooled seats are a great idea, as the air-con takes a while to cool things down.

In terms of tech, the safety works very well. Sometimes the lane guidance can be a bit overly interventionist, although getting the balance right is a challenge for all manufacturers. Hyundai does this well overall in my opinion.

The cost of the top-spec Highlander seems about 3–4 grand too expensive when compared with others in its class, which are numerous.

Any gripes? It has wireless phone charging, although Android Auto and Apple CarPlay require a cable. No biggie for me, though.

Overall, I'm very pleased with the purchase.

Owner: Noel Johns