Hyundai Tucson Review

The C-segment SUV market has been consistently booming locally in recent years, with family users increasingly emphasizing a balance of space, features, and price. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Style G2.0 MPi, as the entry-level version of the series, is priced at RM 143,888. While maintaining an affordable price, it comes equipped with premium features such as a 12.3-inch central touch screen and ACC adaptive cruise control, raising curiosity about whether it can stand out in its price range. This test drive will focus on its static experience, dynamic performance, and everyday practicality, providing a reference for value-conscious consumers.

The exterior design continues the rugged style of the Tucson family, with overall boxy lines that exhibit a sense of layering. The front features a large blacked-out grille, paired with sharp LED daytime running lights on both sides, offering a high level of recognizability. The straight shoulder line extends from the front to the rear of the vehicle, while the 235/65 R17 tires fit well with the wheel arches, balancing off-road capability with visual harmony. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a through-type design, which looks striking when lit up, while the silver skid plate under the rear bumper adds a hint of off-road flair. Overall, the exterior meets the poised needs of family users while retaining youthful design elements.

Inside, the interior predominantly uses a dark color scheme, with the dashboard combining soft-touch plastics and leather-textured panels, offering a refined touch. The 12.3-inch curved central screen serves as the visual centerpiece, featuring a smooth interface with support for Bluetooth connectivity and phone mirroring functions. The instrument cluster features a 4-inch TFT digital display, which clearly shows basic information such as speed and fuel level, complemented by mechanical dials on both sides for intuitive readings. In terms of features, keyless entry, push-button start, automatic air conditioning, and rear air vents come as standard, offering sufficient everyday convenience. However, the seats are manually adjustable, and the front seats lack electric lumbar support, making the adjustment accuracy slightly inferior to higher-end models.

Space performance is one of the highlights of the Tucson Style. The vehicle length, width, and height measure 4,640mm, 1,865mm, and 1,665mm, respectively, with a wheelbase of 2,755mm. After adjusting the front seats to a comfortable position, passengers with a height of 175 cm still have a headroom clearance of one fist. The rear legroom offers more than two fists of space, and the nearly flat floor ensures that three passengers can sit together in comfort. The inclusion of ISOFIX child seat anchors also makes it convenient for families to install child safety seats. As for storage space, the front center armrest storage and door bins offer ample capacity, and the trunk’s standard volume is sufficient for daily shopping or short trips. The rear seats can be folded down in a split configuration to further expand loading capacity.

In terms of power, the vehicle is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 156 PS and a peak torque of 192 N·m, coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the initial acceleration is relatively gentle, with power delivery becoming smoother as the RPM rises to 3,000. When overtaking, a deep press on the accelerator is required to prompt the transmission to downshift. Although the response is not particularly quick, it is sufficient for urban commuting and highway cruising. The transmission’s shift logic is clear, and gear changes are smooth with almost no noticeable jerks. The driving modes are limited to Normal Mode, which, while lacking the aggressive tuning of a sports mode, aligns well with the comfort-oriented needs of family users.

The handling and chassis performance are tuned for comfort. The combination of MacPherson front suspension and multi-link rear suspension effectively filters out minor road bumps. When passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, the vehicle's vibrations are well controlled. The steering wheel has a moderate weight and minimal play, offering precise directional control during daily driving and good stability at high speeds. However, during sharp turns at high speed, the body lean is slightly noticeable, making it more suitable for a smooth driving style rather than aggressive handling. In terms of fuel consumption, real-world testing shows approximately 8.5L/100km under mixed driving conditions, and it can drop to around 7.2L on highways. For a 2.0L naturally aspirated SUV, this fuel efficiency is average within its segment.

Regarding driving comfort, the NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) control is commendable. At speeds below 60km/h, tire noise and wind noise are not noticeable. While wind noise slightly increases at highway speeds, it remains within an acceptable range. The seat padding has moderate softness and provides adequate support, making long trips less tiring. The brake pedal feel is linear, and the braking distance meets expectations, providing sufficient confidence during daily driving.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Style G2.0 MPi lie in its balanced spatial performance, rich basic configurations, and affordable pricing. Compared with competitors in the same price range, its 2755mm wheelbase brings a significant advantage in rear space. Additionally, the 12.3-inch central control screen and ACC cruise control enhance the sense of technology. Although the power output is relatively mild and the seats are manually adjustable, considering the price of RM 143,888, the value for money is still outstanding.

This vehicle is suitable for family users with a budget of RM 140,000 to RM 150,000, especially those who prioritize spatial practicality and daily convenience. While it does not aim for aggressive power or luxurious features, it can meet the commuting, shopping, and short-trip needs of most families. If you're looking for an affordable, spacious, and adequately equipped C-segment SUV, the Tucson Style G2.0 MPi is a worthy consideration.