Do you actually like to drive? I'm asking that 'cause if you're looking for a two-row SUV…and you actually enjoy driving…this vehicle just might belong on your list.
Here's why: Hyundai makes almost as many SUV's nowadays as you have fingers and toes. 14 in all…counting their different gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric versions of their Palisade, Santa Fe, Tucson, Niro and Venue.
Whew, quite a few, and just like the 14 different clubs in your golf bag, they all serve a purpose.
Bob Jackson
So why a Tucson? If you're a family of 1-2-3 or 4, two rows might be all that you need. And that more compact two-row size allows you to park fast and sloppy and still leave plenty of room between the lines….and still carry roughly 38 cu ft of stuff behind the second row…or over 74 cu ft with those seats folded down.
Vacations shouldn't be an issue.
And while style is always subjective, the Tucson seems to have the proper angles and bulges to appear muscular enough for the guys…and somewhat sexy for the women.
Bob Jackson
So why this particular Tucson…the AWD Hybrid?
Because it's so much more fun to drive than the standard 187 HP all-gas version.
You get 226 HP vs. that standard 187….and as it's delivered via a battery-assisted 1.6 liter turbo, you get immediate "go!" You can squirt through traffic and launch yourself onto our often 90+ mile-per-hour freeways without fear…other than seeing flashing blue lights in your rearview mirror!
So if the above appeals to you, it's only a matter of which one…the "Blue" base model, or one or the more upscale versions.
As is Hyundai's style, even their base models come darned well equipped. The "Blue" gives you 17" alloys, smart cruise, blind spot and other alerts and Hyundai's "Digital Key". That allows you to synch your Hyundai with your smartphone and start the heat or AC before you ever jump in…as well as send your key to other drivers. Sure, you'll have cloth seats, but even here, they're heated. And all Tucson hybrids are all-wheel-drive. Not bad for something that's fun to drive and starts in the low to mid $30's.
Bob Jackson
From there you can just step it on up as your preferences and budget allows.
Our "Limited" had just about everything that I'd ever want…and just one annoyance that's all too common these days.
We enjoyed ventilated heated leather in the front…heated leather in the rear, heated steering, plus 19" alloys, sunroof, all the collision and parking assists that you probably expect, surround-view, roof rails, a hands-free rear tailgate…even ambient lighting!
And that one little thing? Give me back my knobs for the radio. Don't mean to sound old school about this, but looking at a screen to change radio stations is just as dangerous as looking at a phone.
Bob Jackson
But hey…it's not just Hyundai…just about everyone is going "All-Screen" for most of their controls these days. I guess it's me against the world.
bob So…I'll rate this Hyundai Tucson Hybrid in the high 90's. I really enjoyed it and wished I could keep it for the next trip to the beach. Excellent "feel", handling and acceleration…and I'm getting 40+ MPG. Plus room for a folding kayak and paddleboard + luggage in the rear. Put those radio button back on and I'll give it a 99+, OK?
