Hyundai Tucson Facelift Ink. The N line

At first glance, the Tucson facelift looks like a new car thanks to the revised light graphics. In fact, not much has changed – the Koreans were clever and turned the right screws. The visible light images of the daytime running lights integrated into the radiator grille are improved for the 2024 model year. Together with the lower protection of the wide and contrasting colors, the result is a more attractive, SUV-like appearance. By the way: Details on how hidden Tucson headlights work can be found in our photo gallery.

The basic ratio remains the same. From a production perspective, this is a cost-effective car update for the manufacturer, with a clear visual difference from the current model. There are also the usual cosmetic highlights such as new rims and paint. The final touch is provided by newly designed light alloy wheels with four new color variants: Cypress Green (with mineral effect), Ecotronic Gray (also with mineral effect), Ultimate Red (in metallic) and Sailing Blue (with mineral impact).

N-Line version with optical uniqueness

The same applies to the N-Line sports version. It has standard visual features such as front air intakes with a honeycomb grille look, wheel arches painted in car colour, a roof spoiler with four air deflector fins and a rear apron with a diffuser tip. This is where the new exhaust system’s two pipes sit. The updated sub-SUV in tracksuit comes with various N-Line badges along with specially designed 19-inch wheels. On request, this is available in a lightweight matt black version with a wheel hub cap made of real carbon, behind which there is an improved brake system with four-piston monoblock calipers on the front axle.

More progress in the cockpit is more visible than on the outside. From now on, Hyundai separates the climate control unit from the infotainment display with long and narrow air vents. The central touchscreen moves to the dashboard to form a unit with a digital instrument display behind the steering wheel. Speed ​​levels are selected using a steering column lever and say goodbye to the floating center console, which in the future will only house a cup holder and an inductive charging cradle along with a discreet bar of automatic selection buttons. The Koreans have given the steering wheel a standard three-spoke design and revised controls for assistance systems, dialing and audio functions.

Red interior accents in the Tucson N-Line

The rest of the interior has also been extensively revised – almost all of the interior features a new design. The newly designed instrument panel has a horizontal design and an open storage area. Gear selection is done via a shift lever on the steering wheel, which creates more space between the front seats. This saving of space made it possible to redesign the armrest. The air conditioner’s updated color display improves the user experience. In addition to the new systems, the seats now also have the option of choosing a combination of fabric and leather.

The N Line version offers seats in a black fabric/leather combination, complemented by red stitching and accents such as a red ring around the start/stop button.

Tucson drives: gasoline, diesel, hybrids

The Tucson has gasoline and diesel engines available as pure combustion engines, as well as gasoline and diesel engines with 48-volt hybrid systems as full hybrids (HEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). While the PHEV was only available with all-wheel drive, a front-wheel drive version will debut later this year. Combustion engines and HEVs can also be optionally fitted with all-wheel drive.

The Tucson as a plug-in hybrid comes to market with the second generation of Green Zone Drive. This makes it possible to drive a fully electric vehicle in pre-defined environmental zones or areas with emission restrictions that are stored in the navigation system. The HEV and PHEV offer three levels of recovery in ECO mode, which the driver controls using paddle shifters on the steering wheel. In “Auto” mode, the braking energy recovery adjusts automatically.

Hyundai Tucson prices

The manufacturer currently does not provide any information about specific technical data, specifications and features. However, according to the published images, no change in the status of the space is expected. A slight increase in price is possible. At the same time, Hyundai is launching a brand new generation of the largest model, the Santa Fe, which will probably be up to 5,000 euros more expensive. A price hike that a minor facelift like the Tucson doesn’t justify. As a petrol engine, the Tucson currently starts at 33,440 euros (150 hp petrol engine without electric assistance). The N-Line variant, which has at least a 150 hp 48-volt hybrid drive, is available from 43,390 euros. The top model is a plug-in hybrid that sells for around 50,000 euros.