A Closer Look at the All-New Hyundai Tucson's Long List of Available Powertrains

Named after Tucson, Arizona, the compact crossover was initially released in 2004 as a global model, sharing its Elantra-based platform with the second-generation Kia Sportage.

Since then, it has become Hyundai’s best-selling SUV with around 7 million units sold globally. For the latest generation, the Tucson has been fully redesigned and now features what's likely the widest range of powertrains in the compact SUV segment.

Starting off with the non-electrified versions, they are available with either two- or four-wheel drive and include a 115 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) 1.6-litre CRDi diesel, and a 1.6-liter T-GDI gasoline engine which produces 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp). These two turbocharged options are available in select markets from Europe, where there is still a demand for smaller ICEs; they can only be paired with a six-speed manual transmission.

For markets like North America and Australia, a 2.5-liter gasoline unit will be offered instead as a base choice. It has a maximum power output of 190 PS (140 kW; 187 hp) and will only be available with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

However, the most anticipated powertrains are the electrified options which are based on the 1.6 T-GDI Smartstream turbocharged gasoline engine. This unit features the world’s first Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology which is said to optimize performance and fuel efficiency while also being environmentally friendly.

This technology adjusts the duration of the valve opening and closing according to driving conditions, increasing performance by 4% and fuel efficiency by 5%, while also reducing emissions by 12%.

The highlight is the full hybrid version available globally. It uses a 44.2 kW (60 PS/59 hp) electric motor powered by a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack for a combined output of 229 PS (169 kW; 226 hp) when the internal combustion engine is also accounted for. The hybrid Tucson comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, which, according to the South Korean carmaker, offers smooth, quiet, and efficient performance.

Customers from Europe and similar markets will also be able to choose between two 48-volt mild-hybrid versions with an output of either 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) or 180 PS (133 kW; 178 hp). Both can be paired with either Hyundai’s six-speed intelligent manual transmission (6iMT) or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

The same markets will also receive a mild-hybrid version based on the 1.6-liter CRDi Smartstream diesel engine. It uses the same 48-volt architecture as its gasoline counterpart and will only be available with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The power output for this powertrain is 136 PS (101 kW; 134 hp).

Hyundai will also offer a plug-in hybrid version globally. It is based around the same 1.6-liter T-GDi Smartstream gasoline engine, coupled with a larger 66.9 kW (91 PS; 90 hp) electric motor. It also features a bigger 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack mounted within the underbody.

According to the manufacturer, the battery can be charged in under two hours using the 7.2kW onboard charger and provides an estimated all-electric range of 28 miles (45 km). The 2021MY Tucson Plug-In Hybrid comes with a six-speed automatic transmission controlled through shift by wire and has a combined power output of 265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp) in European specification and a similar setup should be offered in North America as well.

The new Tucson will be available next year in North America as a 2022 model with Hyundai’s innovative HTRAC all-wheel-drive system as standard. It provides electronic torque vectoring between the front and rear axles and features three selectable drive modes said to enable a flexible driving experience.