Hyundai Tucson 2021: arrives in Australia priced from $34,500

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The first allocation of the 2021 Hyundai Tucson midsize SUV has landed in Australia with a starting price of $34,500 (before on-road costs) paired with an impressive list of standard tech and safety features.

The fourth-generation Tucson is available with a choice of three grades along with three different engine and automatic transmission options.

Opening the range is the simply named ‘Tucson’ variant which opts for a naturally aspirated 2.0L four-cylinder petrol engine and a six-speed torque converter automatic, which sends 115kW of power and 192Nm of torque to the front wheels.

In addition, the Elite and top-spec Highlander range will offer a 1.6L four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (132kW/265Nm) that is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic which sends power to all four wheels.

The second all-wheel-drive option arrives in the form of a 2.0L turbodiesel making 137kW/416Nm paired with a more traditional eight-speed torque converter automatic.

Hyundai says the 1.6L petrol will arrive at a later date sometime before the end of June, while the 2.0L diesel engine expected to arrive alongside the N Line option pack in the third quarter of this year.

A notable omission from the lineup is the lack of a hybrid option, which Australia has been denied in both series and plug-in hybrid form which could have helped it snag the attention of those looking to buy a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. 

The Tucson has been given a noticeable tech boost over its predecessor with the inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto though this feature is currently wired in the more expensive Tucson Elite and Highlander grades. 

Hyundai has matched this with a 4.2-inch display in the instrument cluster which is paired with an eight-inch centre  touchscreen and wireless charger in the base model, along with other dressings such as 17-inch alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights.

Buyers who opt for the Tucson Elite will gain a slightly more premium feel thanks to a larger 10.25-inch centre display with navigation, leather upholstery, heating for both front seats and power-adjustability for the driver – with sharper 18-inch alloys to help it stand out from afar. 

The top-spec Tucson Highlander fills in the options list with a 10.25-inch display in the instrument cluster, adding heating to the rear bench and steering wheel along with a cooling function for the front seats.

Adding to the sense of atmosphere is the panoramic sunroof matched with LED cabin lights and Bose Premium Audio system which, along with the power tailgate and eight-way power-adjustability for the driver, should make for an overall nicer overall experience.

The outside of the Tucson Highlander has been spruced up with a contrasting Dark Chrome grille matched with crisper LED headlights and taillights and bigger 19-inch alloys.

Hyundai has given buyers of any grade in the Tucson lineup the option to add the ‘N Line’ package which gives the midsize SUV a sportier appearance and more equipment for an additional $3,500 to $1,000 depending on the variant you’re starting with.

The N Line package adds a specific exterior body kit that includes silver-painted skid plates and 19-inch N Line wheels. If not already fitted, Hyundai also throws in LED headlights and taillights along with a 10.25-inch centre display.

Hyundai also includes a N Line specific steering wheel on the inside along with a leather and suede upholstery for a cleaner look and feel.

As a dedicated family hauler, Hyundai has placed a strong emphasis on safety with a slew of safety equipment such as lane keep assist, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection,  seven airbags, rear cross-traffic alert and blind spot monitoring all fitted as standard.

Stepping up to the Tucson Elite adds rarer features such as blind-spot collision avoidance assistance along with front and rear sensors. 

Saving the best for last Hyundai has added a 360-degree camera to the top-spec Tucson Highlander, rear AEB when parking along with a snazzy blind-spot view monitor similar to that of the far more expensive Genesis GV80 large SUV. 

The 2.0L petrol Tucson is currently available to buy in showrooms with the 1.6L petrol and 2.0L diesel set to follow in the third and fourth quarter of this year respectively. 

Hyundai Tucson 2021: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Tucson 2.0L: $34,500
• Tucson 2.0L N Line pack: $38,000 
• Tucson Elite 2.0L: $39,000
• Tucson Elite 2.0L N Line pack: $41,000
• Tucson Elite 1.6T: $43,000
• Tucson Elite 1.6T N Line pack: $45,000
• Tucson Elite 2.0T (diesel): $45,000
• Tucson Elite 2.0T (diesel) N Line pack: $47,000
• Tucson Highlander 2.0L: $46,000
• Tucson Highlander 2.0L N Line pack: $47,000
• Tucson Highlander 1.6T: $50,000
• Tucson Highlander 1.6T N Line pack: $51,000
• Tucson Highlander 2.0T (diesel): $52,000
• Tucson Highlander 2.0T (diesel) N Line pack: $53,000