HYUNDAI know the Tucson sells, significantly its Highlander variant. Final 12 months the sensible trying third era was the fourth highest promoting SUV on the earth, and in Australia it’s their finest performer behind solely the i30.
With the brand new fourth era, you’d perceive if Hyundai performed it secure, retained the clear traces and wise SUV predictability, and trusted that the folks would proceed to purchase.
Commercial
However what Hyundai additionally know is that the mid-sized SUV market is full, and all the things is getting a bit stale.
So as an alternative of the secure guess, they’ve turned the Tucson into an experiment, touting a pioneering bundle of futuristic styling, superior expertise, and distinctive emotional attraction.
The bottom mannequin, now identified merely because the Tucson, Elite, and Highlander variants have all undergone a character shift courtesy of Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design ambitions.
With unique styling, tech, and efficiency options, it’s the prime quality Highlander mannequin that lets you expertise the complete extent of Hyundai’s Tucson experiment – a so-called revolution for the SUV market.
We spent per week with the brand new Highlander, and we had been fast to enroll to the trigger.
Entering into the Highlander’s cabin is a bit like assuming a seat on Virgin Galactic. Without delay it’s minimal, terribly nicely geared up, and has an thrilling however acquainted degree of futurism.
Significantly at evening, the vivid 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and panoramic glass roof mix with the arcing door traces and white leather-based upholstery to proceed a considerably cosmic really feel.
In the meantime the consolidation of virtually all of the automotive’s options right into a central touchscreen panel aid you concentrate on the duty of driving, whereas nonetheless supplying you with a raft of superior tech at your disposal.
The Highlander has all of the expertise you’d anticipate in a contemporary SUV, from subtle navigation to seamless smartphone connectivity and charging choices. Extra spectacular is the progressive model-specific expertise.
Blind-spot screens synchronised with indicating make for tremendous secure merging and turning.
The remarkably clear, and genuinely helpful 360-degree birds-eye view monitor paired with numerous parking cameras may help even probably the most hopeless reverse parker keep away from the panel beaters.
The premium BOSE sound system is nearly as good as automotive audio will get, and the enjoyable issue is additional enhanced by the heated steering wheel and seats.
Adjusting audio, local weather and drive settings to your preferences by way of the futuristic touchscreen is simple sufficient to be finished by the household canine, however doing so nonetheless offers you the smugness of a extremely tech-savvy particular person.
House within the Highlander is considerable, because of each considerate design and an extended wheelbase than the earlier era Tucson. The rear seats can comfortably carry three adults, with respectable leg room obtainable.
The cavernous boot space is large enough to take all of your family possessions on a tenting journey, and loading up is simple because of the automated tailgate. In comparison with its puffy beginnings and moderately orderly mid-life, its new exterior look is magnificent.
Hyundai have managed to show an inherently bulbous physique sort into one thing aggressively lovely and correctly distinctive.
From the entrance grille which seems to be like a campus sculpture at RMIT to the lesson in angles on the facet of automotive, the Highlander has a mathematical but radical flare the Europeans would have a tough time matching.
The hidden DRL’s embedded within the distinctive grille, LED reflector headlights and chrome trimming give the Highlander a extra commanding and elusive highway presence than its subordinates. The entrance of the automotive additionally seems low and planted regardless of its measurement.
Though the sq. profile on the wheel arches means the area is dying to be crammed, the unconventional however enticing 19-inch alloy wheels do a great job, whereas including to the experimental really feel of the automotive. Issues do come just a little unstuck on the rear although.
It seems like one designer has had a Vary Rover Evoque in thoughts whereas the opposite was oddly fascinated with Peugeot 3008. Regardless of the confusion, the again finish nonetheless seems to be sporty and assertive, and the LED taillight association is prettier than a Christmas mild show.
Whereas Hyundai have gone all out with expertise and styling, they didn’t neglect the Tucson Highlander is a mid-sized SUV that must be straightforward to drive by means of suburbia, and comfy sufficient for a drive up the coast for the lengthy weekend.
On each these fronts the automotive delivers. The journey is surprisingly agency, which makes for saloon-like dealing with. By means of residential chicanes the automotive feels agile, staying good and flat with none dreaded SUV wobble.
The Highlander can be blissful tackling lengthy, drawn-out corners. Properly balanced steering, and a well-tuned MacPherson setup and front-wheel drive system help you slide by means of bends with relative precision.
When overtaking at excessive velocity on the motorway the automotive feels too floaty although, however settles into a pleasant rhythm as a middle-lane cruiser. Regardless of the agency journey consolation isn’t compromised both.
Large compressions on poorly maintained roads had been absorbed very nicely, and it bobs over carpark speedhumps with out a fuss. In unhealthy climate the automotive stays composed and grippy, reserving traction management just for when it’s completely vital.
The FWD Highlander has gentle off-road talents in that it may gnaw by means of soggy grass and sludgy dust however something extra severe could be finest left for the AWD diesel variant. Total, the drive is easy, endlessly snug and sleek in most settings.
One hurdle to settled travelling is lane help, which is finest set to ‘warning’ or turned off to keep away from any steering interference.
The actual fact is the system can’t make sense of real-world corners, and its obsession with staying centred usually interprets into oversteer for which it then overcorrects.
Our check automobile was powered by a multi-point injection 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, producing 115kW and 192Nm of torque by means of a six-speed computerized transmission. Efficiency isn’t mind-blowing however what’s obtainable could be put to good use.
Energy is finest despatched to the wheels in ‘Regular’ driving mode. Eco improves gas economic system however is sluggish, and the automotive tends to rev out in a panic in Sport mode. Regular mode is calm and convincing, and punchy sufficient for an SUV.
With out a lot torque the little 2.0-litre has to dig deep at occasions, however we discovered no main points scooting over the hills of North Sydney. The 2021 Hyundai Tucson Highlander is priced at $46,000 plus on-roads, a tad dearer than its predecessor.
Even on the greater finish of the moderately priced mid-SUV’s, the brand new Tucson Highlander continues to be distinctive worth for cash. Little question it’s going to proceed to promote in droves, and shopping for one may very well be seen as a daring transfer.
Whereas this automotive gained’t really feel like a uncommon traditional, it gives you the sense that you simply’ve joined an essential membership – a membership of people that didn’t purchase the costliest SUV for standing, or the most cost effective one due to extreme thrift.
As a substitute, you’ll be a deemed somebody that has used their initiative. Somebody that has purchased one thing actually fascinating, undeniably distinctive, and ambitiously enjoyable in a boring, saturated market.
And when it’s only you sitting on the lights in a Highlander, beside the timid Tiguan and childlike Sportage – then you definitely’ll really feel set aside.
Our check automobile was supplied by Hyundai Australia. To seek out out extra concerning the 2021 Hyundai Tucson Highlander, contact your native Hyundai supplier.
Commercial
