2021 Hyundai Tucson Highlander Turbo review

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Hyundai has expanded its Tucson range to include a 1.6-liter turbo engine.

It complements the 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, which is available in cheaper models.

Despite its smaller displacement, the engine with 132 kW and 265 Nm is the more powerful of the two, compared to 115 kW / 192 Nm for the 2.0-liter.

With the added boost comes another transmission; the traditional six-speed car has disappeared and has been replaced by a seven-speed dual clutch unit. While the 2.0-liter engine is available for the three-part Tucson range – base Tucson, mid-range Elite and flagship Highlander – the 1.6 is only available in Elite or Highlander equipment.

It also comes with all-wheel drive and an associated markup of about $ 4,300 over 2.0-liter front-wheel drive Tucsons.

We tested the most expensive Highlander, which costs almost $ 55,000 on the way.

The top shelf price tag is accompanied by a long list of equipment that includes leather, a panoramic sunroof, a digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, a 360-degree camera and an electrically powered one Tailgate that you can open with a swiping motion.

A Bose sound system with eight speakers, digital radio tuning and Apple CarPlay / Android Auto in conjunction with an 8-inch center screen ensure entertainment in the car.

But in an odd twist in product planning, the Highlander doesn’t have the wireless smartphone mirroring on the cheapest model.

Touchpads replace buttons to create a clean aesthetic, but in some cases they are a step backwards in functionality.

There are also styling tweaks, including a darkened glossy grille and a silver lower skid plate to give it a rough look. The Highlander has 19-inch wheels and a fully-fledged spare wheel. The 1.6-liter engine is more relaxed than the 2.0-liter engine, and its wide torque spread from the lower speed range ensures sensible thrust.

It’s far from fiery – top revs make more noise than potency – but it throws the Tucson into the mix with competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5.

And while it doesn’t temporarily shut off the engine when the car is stationary, the 1.6 is a more efficient device. The specified fuel consumption drops to 7.2 liters per 100 km, about 11 percent better than the 2.0. The fuel savings are more pronounced in the city, where the turbo uses 20 percent less fuel than the larger engine.

This is achieved through the use of regular unleaded, a plus in a market that is increasingly turning to the more expensive premium brew.

The all-wheel drive also ensures confident starts, especially on a greasy road. The active system quickly distributes the torque where it can do its best work.

The dual clutch transmission is less impressive, at least in parking situations where it may hesitate to engage. It’s more convincing on the run, though there is an occasional laziness and the odd awkward downshift. Owners can choose from various driving modes that optimize gas and transmission responsiveness; Choosing “Sport”, for example, increases throttle sensitivity and shifts to lower gears earlier. We found that the “Smart” setting was correct most of the time and adapted to our driving style. The Highlander’s 19-inch tires hold up well and, despite their lower profile, handle bumps commendably with comfort being paramount.

The steering isn’t particularly sharp and requires a decent turn for the desired result, but the car’s responses are reassuringly predictable, with a focus on smothering imperfections.

It adds up to a family SUV that is competent and serene, but more at home in the suburbs than on a meandering mountain pass.

JUDGMENT 3.5 / 5

A solid effort. Hyundai charges a sizable premium for the 1.6-liter turbo, but rewards buyers with superior efficiency, all-paw traction and better performance.

HYUNDAI TUCSON HIGHLANDER 1.6-LITER TURBO VITALS

Price: Approximately $ 54,600 car ride

Warranty / Service: 5 years / unlimited mileage, $ 1675 for 5 years / 75,000km

Safety: 7 airbags, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot warning, driver attention monitor, lane departure warning, 360-degree camera, rear cross traffic warning

Engine: 1.6-liter 4-cylinder turbo, 132kW / 265Nm

Thirst: 7.2L / 100km

Replacement: full-size

Trunk: 539 liters

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