Photo: Hyundai Motor Group
In September and November, the South Korean automaker thoroughly detailed the all-new, fourth-generation Tucson sport utility vehicle for the European and North American markets. Now it’s time for us to delve a little deeper into one particular version, Europe's Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.
First and foremost, the PHEV model will arrive sometime in spring 2021, ahead of its U.S. counterpart, which is scheduled to reach dealerships next summer. It’s touted as the range’s flagship model, completing the model's lineup of powertrains that also comprises gasoline, diesel, mild hybrid, and conventional hybrid options.
The plug-in hybrid setup includes a third-generation 1.6-liter engine from the T-GDi Smartstream family, an electric motor making 66.9 kW (90 hp) and 304 Nm (224 lb-ft) of torque, and a 13.8 kWh lithium polymer battery pack. All in all, we expect these credentials, including the 265 PS (261 hp) total output and maximum torque rating of 350 Nm (258 lb-ft), to carry over to the North American sibling.
Being the top offering for the Tucson range, the PHEV also comes equipped with standard HTRAC all-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic transmission with “shift by wire” technology (a slight downgrade from the 8-speed auto offered on ICE-powered U.S. models), and an optional Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) with adaptive damping technology.
Because PHEV models need to pack a lot more tech stuff than regular ICE models, it’s important to note the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid remains a solid choice for the family thanks to a luggage compartment offering 558 liters (19.7 cu ft) or up to 1,737 liters (61.34 cu ft) of available space. Those are increases of 9% and 15% percent, respectively, over its predecessor.
There’s another important point to note with PHEVs – charging capacity. For the European-spec Tucson Plug-In Hybrid, the South Korean company has prepared a 7.2 kW on-board charger, which is usable both at home and at public charging stations.
The plug-in hybrid setup includes a third-generation 1.6-liter engine from the T-GDi Smartstream family, an electric motor making 66.9 kW (90 hp) and 304 Nm (224 lb-ft) of torque, and a 13.8 kWh lithium polymer battery pack. All in all, we expect these credentials, including the 265 PS (261 hp) total output and maximum torque rating of 350 Nm (258 lb-ft), to carry over to the North American sibling.
Being the top offering for the Tucson range, the PHEV also comes equipped with standard HTRAC all-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic transmission with “shift by wire” technology (a slight downgrade from the 8-speed auto offered on ICE-powered U.S. models), and an optional Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) with adaptive damping technology.
Because PHEV models need to pack a lot more tech stuff than regular ICE models, it’s important to note the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid remains a solid choice for the family thanks to a luggage compartment offering 558 liters (19.7 cu ft) or up to 1,737 liters (61.34 cu ft) of available space. Those are increases of 9% and 15% percent, respectively, over its predecessor.
There’s another important point to note with PHEVs – charging capacity. For the European-spec Tucson Plug-In Hybrid, the South Korean company has prepared a 7.2 kW on-board charger, which is usable both at home and at public charging stations.
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