Hyundai Tucson Philippines Review: More than you know

Before we begin the Hyundai Tucson 2022 Philippines review, I have to give a quick disclaimer. I was a proud owner of the Hyundai Tucson. Mind you, it was the first-gen model in all its bug-eyed glory, and I loved every bit of it.

It had character unlike any other, and it did not pretend to follow the normal convention of compact SUVs at the time. It was unique and embraced its own weirdness. With the second generation, the Tucson grew out of its shell; it became cool and hip, just like everybody else.

The Hyundai Tucson SUV 

Now on its third generation (and fresh off a heavy facelift to comply with Hyundai’s corporate look), Hyundai Tucson has now become the de facto choice for those in the market for a powerful, diesel-powered compact SUV. But why can’t I come to grips with it? Let’s find out as I dive deep into a review of the Hyundai Tucson.

The Hyundai Tucson exudes a level of refinement never before seen in Korean SUVs. When the current model was first introduced in 2016, it was lauded as a logical step up from the previous generation, taking all the best lines and features such as the sweeping headlamps, bulging rear fenders and plastic body cladding for the rugged macho look.

Black cladding around the 2020 Hyundai Tucson echoes its sporting intentions

The front section of the Hyundai Tucson features a bulky and imposing fascia, with a chin resembling a skid plate seamlessly molding towards the front diffuser. The Tucson’s design isn’t bad at all; if anything, it is almost Teutonic in execution but the local SUV market especially the crossover segment is such a cutthroat one, that having a clean and understated design can sometimes be a death knell.

The Tucson is still a top choice in the category, but it still couldn't hold a candle against the releases from other brands over the last year alone. Compared side-by-side with its contemporaries, the Tucson seems to have been plucked from last decade.

This is how Hyundai Tucson N-Line looks like

Thankfully, the Hyundai Tucson interior has received updates that bring the car to the top of the class. Hyundai has totally revamped the entire dashboard, in line with their current design language. The AC vents are no longer an afterthought, now more pronounced to achieve maximum visual flair.

It's still made up of hard-touch plastics, but the design is now contrasted by a strip that resembles carbon fiber. Even if it isn't the real thing, any accent that breaks the color monotony is much appreciated.

No one touches Hyundai in the interior game: functional, fporty and refined

Powering the infotainment system is an all-new touchscreen that works fantastically. What’s more, it also features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity for easy smartphone integration. That’s all I ask for in modern cars, really!

>>> Related: Hyundai Tucson for sale at cheap prices on Philkotse

The Hyundai Tucson Philippines offers two engine choices for the Philippine market: a 2.0-liter CRDi powerplant that makes up to 182hp and 402Nm of torque which are quite impressive figures, and a 2.0-liter gasoline inline-four that's good for 153 hp and 192 Nm of torque.

The Hyundai Tucson doesn't want for power 

Power is then sent to the front wheels by a new eight-speed automatic transmission (the base 2.0-liter GL variant uses a six-speed manual). I'm very curious to see what a skilled driver can do with a manual on the 2.0 CRDI GL, but sadly, it's not available. 

Overall, the Hyundai Tucson is an excellently comfortable vehicle that rewards the driver with very good performance, and its size and proffered comfort make it an ideal family vehicle. In addition, it also does quite well in terms of fuel economy in the city where it returns about 9 km/L. On the highway, that figure can go up to an impressive 19.5 km/L.

>>> Check out for Tucson's main competitors:

• Subaru Forester 2020 Philippines Review: Adulting 101.
• A preview of the Honda CR-V 2020 Philippines via its USDM counterpart.

While crossovers are touted to handle like cars, Hyundai Tucson is quite hefty; as such, it would be reasonable to expect some body roll and understeer when going through tight turns. Some have also noted the presence of torque steer, especially when the accelerator is floored.

Hyundai Tucson 2022 offers a host of driving dynamics and features

Overall though, Hyundai Tucson is still fun to drive. The braking is firm without being overly hard, and the vehicle itself has a small turning radius for its size. The engine's torque and horsepower allow the Tucson to get up to speed quickly. But the vehicle is tuned for comfort, so don’t expect neck-breaking acceleration from its otherwise very capable engine. In the city, maneuvering the Tucson is easy as it offers excellent visibility.

Also, the parking camera actually has sensors to aid in backing into (our out of) a parking slot. Overall, Tucson does better than average in terms of handling. Lest you be tempted into recklessly tackling corners, be reminded that the Tucson is far from being a sports car.

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International safety organizations have ranked the Tucson seventh among crossovers in terms of safety. It received a five-star score in front and side collisions from the NHTA.

Standard across all variants are front airbags for the driver and passenger, and anti-lock brakes with EBD. The top-spec variant packs a lot more in terms of driver-assist technologies, such as hill start assist and a downhill brake control system.

>>> Widen your search with cars for sale section for more affordable options.

>>> Visit the nearest Hyundai dealerships for further details regarding the latest promos, financing options, etc.

>>> Check out our Hyundai Tucson price list with estimated monthly installment and downpayment

There's a saying that goes: "It's easier to get to the top than staying there", just ask the Civic and Corolla. There is no pressure, you can easily make mistakes and learn from them but once you become the king of the hill, you have to hold the fort down, not just against competitors but against your own self. The Hyundai Tucson of old was bold, edgy and different.

The Hyundai Tucson model is a really good compact SUV

People were intrigued by the value proposition it offers and paired with the low price, it was definitely a bargain. The newset model, however, is a really good compact SUV. As in this Hyundai Tucson 2022 Review Philippines, you might somehow find out that it offers you everything you want in terms of performance, practicality, technology, and design but because of the proliferation of similar models and the subcompact SUV segment, the Hyundai Tucson got marginalized all of a sudden.

It is at a crossroads, and it Hyundai needs to make some serious decisions for the next generation.

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