2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid N Line AWD – Review by David Colman

SUV Compact-Class Winner

David Colman

Photos and Story by David Colman
Special Correspondent to THE AUTO CHANNEL

When Hyundai debuted the fourth generation Tucson in 2022, the finished product was a visual hit and a family winner. But the 187hp base model did not fulfill the promise of the new chassis. For 2024, Hyundai has upped the ante by issuing a sportier all new N-Line model. The Titan Gray all-wheel-drive sample we tested is the most practical, best equipped Tucson you can buy. It's powered by a 180hp 1.6 liter four-cylinder gas-fed engine that is both turbocharged and augmented by 59hp AC motor. Together the combination produces 226hp and 258lb.-ft. of torque, fed through a 6-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels (HTRAC). Hyundai has up-rated the Tucson hybrid to PHEV status by including a recharge portal on the right rear fender for topping off the 1.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The EPA estimates the hybrid Tucson will attain 37MPG in overall driving and save you $2,500 in fuel costs over 5 years.

The revised look of the N-Line version starts with model-exclusive gloss black front and rear fascias, N-Line badging on the flanks and tail, plus gloss black exterior trim accents. N-Line specific 19-inch alloy rims support 235/55R16 Michelin Primacy A/S radials that are mud and snow-rated. A chrome plated twin exhaust pipe is also exclusive to the N-Line Tucson. Inside the spacious cabin a pair of very comfortable N-Line front seats look like they belong in a race car, with deftly stitched red-on-black trim and piping, and bold N-Line embossed headrest emblems.

Even the upper surface of the matte black dashboard is decorated with an asymmetrical graphic of red and gloss black stripes. A nifty leather-wrapped N-line steering wheel provides upper and lower spoke grips to help vary your hand position. A 10.3-inch digital information cluster illuminates two large dial faces, with the left one dedicated to speed and the right one to hybrid functions. A separate 10.25-inch screen adjacent to the instrument display controls the included navigation system and controls and settings for the N-Line's standard Bose premium audio system and SiriusXM radio 3 month free trial).

Lower echelon version of the Tucson utilizes a standard stick shift for the transmission with the usual array of detents. Unfortunately, if you move upmarket to the N-Line, Hyundai replaces that tried and true system with an array of push buttons located atop the center console. Acclimation to this system is difficult, because you can't read the button IDs due to glare. Also, some of the button faces slant away from the driver. This system definitely needs a rethink, or a return to the more conventional shift device currently available on cheaper versions of the Tucson.

Handling and performance of the N-Line is spot-on, with excellent steering feedback, and surprising grip available from the all-season Michelins. Throttle response is also rewarding. Although Hyundai provides the N-Line with shift paddles behind the steering wheel, there's no real need to resort to downshifts for acceleration because the turbo four, augmented by electric drive, is quick to respond in any gear. You can expect a 0-60mph run of 7.1 seconds and a standing start quarter mile time of 15.4 seconds at 91mph.

Alloy sport pedals are part of the N-Line's visual upgrade, and they add a nice touch of flare to the competition look of the interior. But when it came to applying the ribbed metal brake pedal, we found we were never quite sure where the engagement point would be. This shortcoming used to be characteristic of almost all hybrid vehicles. And so it is with the N-Line, where the engagement point was almost always hard to predict.

From a practicality standpoint, it's hard to beat the N-Line Tucson. Given its diminutive exterior dimensions, the 39 cubic feet of cargo space on offer is amazing - likewise for the leg room and comfort afforded by the split bench foldable rear seats. The standard panoramic sunroof is also a big asset in a compact SUV because it allows all occupants to enjoy open-air like travel. Couple these advantages with the Tucson N-Line's gratifyingly inexpensive base price of $36,405, and you've got an SUV compact class winner that Consumer Reports currently calls "one of the best."

2024 HYUNDAI TUCSON HYBRID N-LINE AWD

• ENGINE: 1.6 liter inline-4, turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve plus AC Motor
• HORSEPOWER: 226hp
• TORQUE: 258lb.-ft.
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 37MPG Highway/36MPG City
• PRICE AS TESTED: $37,950

HYPES: Super Value, Attractive N-Line Goodies

GRIPES: Confusing Shift Layout, Spongy Brakes

STAR RATING: 9 Stars out of 10

©2024 David E Colman