2023 Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Plus Review

As competition in Malaysia's C-segment SUV market becomes increasingly fierce, consumers have higher demands for vehicle balance — to meet the space needs for family outings while also providing a satisfying driving experience in terms of power and configuration. As a regular contender in this segment, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Plus version has once again attracted considerable attention with its upgraded features and stable performance. This time we got our hands on the actual vehicle, with the main goal of testing its real-world performance in static experience, dynamic driving, and everyday practicality to see if it can maintain competitiveness in its class.

From a distance, the overall style of the 2023 Tucson 1.6T Plus leans toward a rugged and high-tech aesthetic. The front face utilizes Hyundai's signature parametric jewel grille design, paired with irregularly shaped LED daytime running lights for high recognition; while the headlights are halogen, the LED elements along their edges blend naturally with the grille lines, creating a cohesive visual effect. The body-side lines are smooth, with the waistline stretching from the front fender to the rear, enhancing the muscular feel. The 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels are considered a high specification within the same class, paired with 235/55 R19 tires, further adding to the stability of the side profile. At the rear, the standout design feature is the full-width LED taillights, which are highly recognizable when lit up. The silver protective skid plate on the lower rear bumper and the dual exhaust layout add a touch of sportiness to the rear design.

Opening the door reveals a simple and practical interior layout. The center console adopts a symmetrical design, and the materials used mainly consist of hard plastics. However, key areas such as the door armrests and the central console are covered with soft materials, ensuring a fine tactile feel in important areas. The center control area is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen supporting the Sound Plus function, providing good operational smoothness. Functions like navigation and Bluetooth connectivity respond quickly in daily use. The instrument panel uses an electroluminescent analog type, clearly displaying core information such as speed, RPM, and fuel level. In terms of configurations, the front seats support electric adjustment, while the rear seats can be manually reclined and support a 60:40 split-folding function for flexible expansion of trunk space. The front row is equipped with manual single-zone air conditioning, while the rear features independent air vents. The car's six speakers are sufficient for daily audio needs. Regarding space, the vehicle's length, width, and height are 4630mm, 1865mm, and 1665mm, respectively, with a wheelbase of 2670mm. The front-row seating space is spacious, and a 175cm passenger still has a spare headroom of about a fist and two fingers. Rear legroom measures around two fists, with headroom of about one fist, and it does not feel cramped even with three passengers. The trunk has a standard capacity of 488 liters, which can be further expanded by folding down the rear seats to accommodate items like strollers or large suitcases. Door pocket storage compartments, a central armrest compartment, and other small storage spaces are also sufficient for daily needs.

In terms of power, the 2023 Tucson 1.6T Plus is equipped with a 1.6T turbocharged engine that delivers a maximum power of 132kW (180PS) and a peak torque of 265Nm, paired with a 7-speed DCT transmission, achieving an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 8.8 seconds. During actual driving, the power response in the initial acceleration phase is relatively prompt; a light press on the accelerator is enough to feel the thrust brought by the turbo, and mid-to-late stage acceleration does not feel weak. When overtaking, pressing the accelerator deeply makes the gearbox shift down quickly, and the power output is direct, fully meeting the needs of daily urban commuting and highway cruising. There are three driving modes available: Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Sport mode, the throttle sensitivity is increased, and the RPM is maintained at a higher range for a more aggressive driving experience, while the Eco mode is smoother and more suitable for fuel-efficient driving.

In terms of handling performance, the steering wheel has moderate steering force, minimal dead zone, and precise directionality. During cornering, you can clearly feel the front of the car following through. The chassis uses a combination of a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension. It is tuned for comfort, effectively filtering most vibrations when facing city speed bumps or uneven roads, without a noticeable stiffness. During cornering, body roll is kept within a reasonable range, so passengers won't experience significant wobbling. Regarding braking, the front and rear ventilated disc brakes deliver linear braking force, providing adequate confidence when pressing the brakes, ensuring safe and comfortable daily driving. In a special test, we measured a fuel consumption of approximately 7.5L/100km under mixed road conditions, which is not far off from the 7.1L/100km provided by the manufacturer, indicating decent fuel efficiency.

The comfort details during the driving process also deserve mention. Noise control within the cabin is commendable. When driving below 80km/h, wind and tire noise are not obvious. Even at a high speed of 120km/h, wind noise increases slightly, but it won't interfere with conversations inside the vehicle. The seats provide good support and cushioning, preventing noticeable back pain even during long drives. Additionally, the standard ACC adaptive cruise control is very convenient on the highway, reducing fatigue during long-distance driving.

Overall, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Plus has clear core highlights: design elements like the 19-inch wheels and through-type tail lights enhance its recognition; the 1.6T+DCT powertrain offers a smooth and adequate performance; the 2670mm wheelbase provides a spacious passenger area; and standard features like six airbags, ACC adaptive cruise control, front and rear radar with cameras, among others, ensure safety and practicality. Compared to the entry-level CR-V 1.5T in the same class, the Tucson 1.6T Plus has richer configurations while being approximately 10,000 RM cheaper, giving it a clear advantage in cost-effectiveness.

This vehicle is suitable for family users who prioritize balanced performance. Whether it's daily commuting, weekend family trips, or occasional long-distance driving, it can handle all scenarios well. At the same time, its design and configurations can also meet the needs of young people seeking practicality with a touch of technology. In summary, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Plus is a "well-rounded and practical" C-Segment SUV. These four words summarize its core attributes, making it a credible choice among vehicles of the same class.