Hyundai Tucson SUV - Interior & comfort (2015-2020)

Hyundai is going for broke with the Tucson’s interior, which overall represents a big step forward in terms of fit and finish. All versions of the car come with a decent amount of equipment, too.

Hyundai Tucson dashboard

The overall fit and finish of the dashboard is well done, with plush materials and a robust feel throughout the interior. The controls are well laid-out and simple to get your head around, which is a vast improvement over the slightly haphazard layout of the old Hyundai ix35. Hyundai's facelift of the Tucson in the summer of 2018 improved the quality of the interior even further, with elements such as a soft touch dashboard upper making it feel even more modern and pleasant.

11

The interior looks better in design as well as quality terms compared with the previous version of the Tucson. A tall, button-heavy stack integrating the infotainment system has been eradicated, with a cleaner design that uses a floating display in its place.

The touchscreen infotainment system is simple to use, although it already feels a bit dated, as the graphics and interface are a little basic.

Equipment

11

All Tucson models are made up of five trim levels: S Connect, SE Nav, N Line, Premium and Premium SE. Entry-level S Connect cars come with DAB radio, alloy wheels and a rear parking camera. A leather trimmed steering wheel and gear lever are also standard, along with dual zone air-conditioning and rear privacy glass.

Standard technology includes Bluetooth with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Smartphone connectivity. Every Tucson model also gets autonomous emergency braking (AEB) as standard, which can apply the brakes automatically if a potential collision is detected.

Stepping up to the SE Nav model adds 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome effect trim on the front grille and door handles, and a twin-exhaust on diesel models. LED tail lights and rear parking sensors are also standard. Tech upgrades include cruise control and an eight-inch touchscreen with sat nav.

The sporty N Line trim adds larger 19-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors and a sportier looking body kit. Inside, it gets a digital information screen in the instrument cluster and heated rear outer seats. Buyers also get some red highlights to the interior, along with seats trimmed in a mixture of synthetic leather and suede. Manual cars also get the same gearknob as the i30 N hot hatchback. All N Line cars also get upgraded suspension with stiffened springs for sportier handling.

Premium models add leather trimmed seats, and additional safety equipment such as a blind-spot detection system. At the top of the range the Premium SE model adds a 360 degree surround view parking camera and Bi-LED headlamps. Elsewhere, the range-topping model also gets a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof and a powered tailgate.

Options

Like most Korean cars, the Tucson doesn’t really have an options list beyond metallic paint, as the brand tends to focus on having better-equipped standard trim levels in the first place.

Technology

The Tuscon’s sat nav system may look a little out of date, but it works rather well. Setting destinations is reassuringly simple, while the number of direction prompts is perfectly judged, giving you just the right amount of guidance without overloading you with information. Secondary directions are provided by a dashboard screen, saving you from having to glance over to the main infotainment screen.

The self-parking function on the Premium SE isn’t quite as foolproof: you have to press a button in order to activate it, unlike some cars that automatically scan for suitable spaces. We also found that the system took more manoeuvres than necessary to get into a space, meaning you may well find it’s easier to park the Tucson the old-fashioned way.