Table of Contents
- Introduction: A Reliable Mid-Sized SUV Contender
- 2018 Hyundai Tucson Highlander
- Comparing Trim Levels: Go, ActiveX, Elite & Highlander
- Pricing & Value: Is a Used Tucson a Smart Buy?
- Safety & Tech: Does It Still Feel Modern?
- Practicality: Space, Comfort, and Family Suitability
- Engine & Performance: Which Powertrain Holds Up Best?
- 2018 Hyundai Tucson Highlander
Introduction: A Reliable Mid-Sized SUV Contender
Since its 2015 launch, the Hyundai Tucson TL-series has been regarded as a cozy and well-rounded competitor in the medium-SUV market.We examine the 2018 ‘final’ refresh upgrade for Tucson purchasers who are not new.
A near-new car is more sensible for some consumers than a brand-new one. We’re going back in time to examine what a “new-used” car that’s still covered under warranty looked like when it first came out of the dealership.
The three-year-old Tucson has only undergone a small cosmetic alteration, defying Hyundai’s recent trend of producing eye-catching next-generation cars.
Sales of its mainstay SUV model should continue to be robust, but mid-life cycle updates are rarely revolutionary, and the mid-size SUV market is highly competitive.
But looks are crucial, and this upgrade checks off most of the necessary boxes with its sharper style, slight drivetrain changes, and a few new technological additions.
2018 Hyundai Tucson Highlander
| 2018 Hyundai Tucson Highlander | |
| Engine | 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo petrol |
| Power | 130kW @ 5500rpm |
| Torque | 265Nm @ 1500-4500rpm |
| Transmission | Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive (on demand) |
| Kerb weight | 1690kg |
| fuel consumption, claimed | 7.7L/100km |
| Boot size | 488L / 1478L |
| ANCAP safety rating | Five stars, tested 2015 |
| Main competitors | Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail |
Comparing Trim Levels: Go, ActiveX, Elite & Highlander
Although the series is still available in four different model grades, the ActiveX above it doesn’t seem like such a small improvement because the entry-level Active is now known as the Go. The most luxurious Elite and Highlander trims remain at the top of the lineup.
The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, which produces torque earlier than previously, the 2.0-liter turbo diesel with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, and the slightly less potent 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine, which is exclusive to Elite and Highlander model grades, are the three remaining engine options.
The chassis has undergone additional local tuning to locate the sweet spot on our roads, even though the drivetrains are still comparable or the same as before, offering a variety of six-speed manual, automatic, and seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions.
Beginning with the Go, which receives a 7.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reversing camera, fabric inside decor, manually adjusted seats, automatic LED headlights, and 17-inch steel wheels, the company is expanding its updates to include improvements to basic equipment.
Pricing & Value: Is a Used Tucson a Smart Buy?
In addition to a larger 8.0-infotainment display, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, an Infinity eight-speaker sound system, and a rear seat USB port, the ActiveX, the previous best-selling model, now has nicer-looking 17-inch alloy wheels. The Go with a manual transmission starts at $28,150 including on-road expenses. Choosing an automatic adds $2500, and the ActiveX grade costs an additional $700.
At the top of the tree, the Elite comes with a Smart Sense pack as standard, along with other features like a power driver’s seat, rain-sensing wipers, tinted windows, a luggage net in the back, chrome accents throughout, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
With 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, a motorized passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, twin-tip exhaust outlets, and heated and ventilated front seats, the Highlander goes above and beyond. The vehicles’ starting prices, when new in 2018, are $37,850 and $46,500, respectively, with an automatic transmission.
Safety & Tech: Does It Still Feel Modern?
Both lack the required AEB and five-star ANCAP certification, but the Smart Sense pack is an available for $2200 (all costs stated are from new, in 2018).
Additionally, the package includes automatic high-beam assistance, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic collision warning.
Practicality: Space, Comfort, and Family Suitability
A floating infotainment tablet is consistent with the brand’s most recent models, and new features like a wireless mobile phone charging pad, rear USB port, and heated steering wheel keep the model competitive with rival kits, even though it looks similar on the outside. The Tucson’s second row is spacious enough for children and infant seats, although it is not as comfortable for adults as some of its mid-size competitors.
The driver’s seat still has a wide range of adjustability and the front pews still feel airy, while the boot is still a reasonable size for this class at 488 liters. Although 10-year map update-supported satellite navigation is included, the infotainment system is simple to use and conveniently located for touch input. It is also enhanced with basic Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection.
The trick with model grades is that while the ActiveX, which costs a little more, comes with leather, the most expensive Highlander is the first to have electric passenger seat adjustment. However, that model also has heated and ventilated seats and, for the first time, a heated steering wheel.
As usual, local tuning plays a big part in the Tucson’s success in Australia by making it seem “right” on our varied roads. Our local launch drive included a wide range of terrain, including twisty dirt, tiny town maneuvers, and highway roads—a little bit of everything a traveling family or wandering couple could encounter. The Tucson continues to impress on the road with a smooth ride and excellent body control.
Engine & Performance: Which Powertrain Holds Up Best?
Although the ride is smooth and has outstanding bump absorption, there is underlying athletic stability that endures when exerting force. With only larger bumps feeling a little brittle across the front wheels, elite vehicles with 18-inch alloys and a 1.6-liter turbocharged powertrain offered the ideal combination of performance, appearance, and comfort. Although the base 2.0-liter GDI engine lacks the turbo’s energy and won’t enjoy towing a loaded car, it is similar to the turbo motor in that it makes driving easier and more natural by shifting into sport mode early on.
When driving in traffic, the dual-clutch automatic, which is solely coupled to the 1.6-liter turbo, was smooth in town but twice felt sluggish to shift into first gear.
Although the 2.0-liter diesel engine has the fastest claimed 0-100 km/h time of 6.4 seconds, it is the noisiest of the group and doesn’t feel as spritely low down as the turbocharged petrol.
2018 Hyundai Tucson Highlander
| 2018 Hyundai Tucson Highlander | |
| Price when new (2018) | $45,450 (plus on-road costs) |
| Metallic paint cost | $595 |
| Range pricing when new (2018) | $28,150 (Tucson Go manual FWD) > $48,800 (Tucson Highlander diesel 4×4 auto) |
| Warranty (years/km) | Five years/unlimited kilometres |
Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive systems are paired with engines, and while both offer adequate traction, all-wheel drive is inherently better at handling on slick conditions.
As anticipated for a mid-life cycle update, the Tucson only receives minor enhancements and a new look to stay current, but adding AEB from the base—or at the very least, the second-tier ActiveX—would significantly increase its value in comparison to its main competitors.
Everything else is going according to plan, and the Tucson is still a fantastic drive and an excellent value.
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