Wanna ride shotgun with GRM?
Welcome to this week’s test vehicle, a 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid N Line.
The N Line is the “sporty” model of the bunch, but don’t expect any more power over the other available hybrid trims. Instead, the N Line gets some exclusive design touches both inside and out–primarily black and red accents and unique wheels. …
The Tuscon Hybrid is one of my top picks for our family's next car, mainly because of how impressed we've been with my wife's Accent. It's not a bad place to spend time in, and I'd be willing to bet the Tucson (regardless of version) is just as nice.
It’s pretty perfect. The controls, even the new push button shifter, makes sense. Comfortable seats. Doesn’t drive like a hybrid, in fact.
How people consider the Hornet/Tonale when this exists is beyond me.
And more to come, but what do you want to know?
I drove a Tucson hybrid for a few days out in California. I was impressed with its performance. It definitely felt like it took adequate advantage of the electric motor part of the hybrid drivetrain.
A little road trip is planned for tonight where I’ll be driving to–no, not Tuscon–DeLand.
In reply to David S. Wallens :
I know that place, it's right next DeWater, right?
I'll see myself out.
In reply to Colin Wood :
Dang, that’s a good one.
DeLand and back this evening so a little more than an hour total in the saddle.
Listened to jazz, took some photos, ate a torta. I’d call that a good evening out. 
Where the Hornet and Outlander both offered jerky driving manners that constantly reminded you that you were driving a hybrid, the Tuscon was just smooth. No juttering, no awkward transitions from one power source to another. It drove like a normal car.
Once moving, it’s quiet, it’s composed. The steering feels connected. Seats offer plenty of support. Again, comfortable.
I’d happily spend much more time with this one. In fact, I’m bummed that it’s going back home tomorrow.
Oh yeah, switch it into sport mode for crisp shifts plus a transmission logic that happily let engine speeds rise to the sweet spot.
More to come tomorrow. (Just got home.)
Thinking about the Tuscon some more and, yeah, it exists in a crowded market. Everyone wants to sell you a mid-sized SUV or two.
If shopping this segment, I’d start with Hyundai/Kia, Toyota and Honda. Maybe Mazda.
Why the Hyundai? The driving manners, starting with the steering. Hyundai has made big leaps here, and it changes the personality of the vehicle. I know, sounds so basic, but go drive the Outlander and then get back to me.
Fit and finish feel at or at least near the top of the class. Good use of design and materials.
Any quibbles? A little bummed to see some traditional controls go away. I’d still love a volume knob for the radio and, while I get it’s fashionable, I’d love something a bit more tactile for the shifter.
How’s rear seat room? Nice and comfy for me. This me sitting behind me.
And plenty of room in the way back, with 12v power right there.
And I liked these little tie-downs found in the corners of the way back. You can click them down or up. Hours of entertainment. (Seriously, they snap into place like they mean it.)
I'll admit that one thing that makes the Tuscon Hybrid stand out is the use of a six-speed auto instead of a CVT that's so prevalent in the class. I'm not sure if that's good or bad, but something I thought was interesting.
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