2015 Hyundai Tucson Highlander Diesel Review – Hyundai’s SUV Range Hits New Heights
The Skinny: Going from the lacklustre ix35 to the genuinely excellent Tucson, Hyundai finally has a deserving little bro' to its Santa Fe family hauler in the local line-up. That's crucial for the company, given the growing importance of the SUV market and the need for compelling product to satisfy the growing ranks of SUV owners.
Its new Tucson range stretches from $27,990 for the Active 2WD, to the Highlander (we're testing here) at $45,490 (plus on-road costs). And, happily for Hyundai, the Tucson is beyond good - it's great. Great to look at, great to drive, great value.
The Tucson, especially in the top-grade Highlander diesel spec, has the right stuff to go head-to-head with the mid-size SUV establishment, and win.
Vehicle Style: Medium SUV
Price: $45,490 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 136kW/400Nm 2.0 turbo diesel 4cyl | 6sp automatic
Fuel Economy claimed: 6.8 l/100km | tested:7.8 l/100km
OVERVIEW
I was never all that fond of the ix35. In its first incarnation it rode as hard as a rollerskate, and a mid-cycle suspension update took the edge off that harsh ride but didn’t make it truly comfy.
It was also a tad sluggish (aside from the diesel), and looked a bit of a frump. In fact, the primary appeal of the ix35 lay in its keen pricing at the lower end of the range, as well as Hyundai’s excellent warranty terms. The vehicle itself was truly average.
But the ix35 is gone and the midsized Tucson is here - bigger than the ix35, but occupying the same slot in Hyundai's line-up as a smaller alternative to the Santa Fe.