Hyundai Tucson (NX4)

Hyundai's midsize crossover, the Tucson, is now on its fourth generation and this latest regeneration promises a more radical approach to the rapidly-growing SUV boom with a more radical styling, best-in-class space, new tech, and new performance that makes it a real standout from the rest. The question is should you want one?

2021 Hyundai Tucson

2021 Hyundai Tucson

With prices starting at 24.35 million Korean Won, every angle of this new generation Tucson makes a clear statement about what a Korean midsize crossover SUV can do, whether you love it or hate it. As an all-new model, the Tucson NX4 promises a bold leap ahead of its predecessors because of what lies under its radical looks but first, let's observe its radical looks. With your eyes squinted, you can easily mistake it for a first-generation Ford Edge but with the new wing-shaped front lamps to boot, you might think that radical new face is a real show-off when taken to the streets. On the rear side, it's highly reminiscent of the Mustang Mach-E's but forget about that because the new model's design is, how can I sum this up, unfriendly to the neighborhood because it kinda makes their skins crawl.

2021 Hyundai Tucson interior

The new interior can be somewhat questionable because, with the minimalist dashboard and gear changing buttons, speedo boys will be running scared but don't worry because such minimalism only comes to the more premium models because the lesser models will have buttons and dials to toy around with.

Sticking to the driver's view, the Tucson is loaded with lots of toys to fiddle with such as smartphone connectivity, a wireless charging station for your smartphones, a heated steering wheel, climate controls, and the built-in cam for when you want to go KMJS on incoming sweet potatoes on the road.

On the passenger side, this is where the new Tucson stands out because of its best-in-class space and luggage capacity, meaning people can find great ways to enjoy its impressive space. It may be a five-seater but it's amazing to handle all kinds of stuff, proving that who says you can't sit on both boards. I can talk it over if you want but with that kind of space, it's all work and all play for all. It's a win-win for Hyundai.

2021 Hyundai Tucson

The fourth-generation Tucson is powered by two choices of engines at launch; the Smartstream Diesel 2.0L engine that produces 186PS of power, 42.5kg-m of torque, and up to 14.8km/L of fuel economy while mated to an 8-speed AT and the high-performance Smartstream Gasoline 1.6L Turbo engine that produces 180PS of power, 27kg-m of torque, and up to 12.5kmpl of fuel economy while mated to a 7-speed DCT. They may sound diddy but they're sensible enough for the long haul.

In addition, a hybrid variant will follow shortly post-launch, and like the Sorento Hybrid a while back, the first-ever Tucson Hybrid will come with the first-ever Smartstream Turbo Hybrid powertrain where the turbocharged 1.6L petrol engine is bolted to a 44.4kW electric motor and a li-ion battery, while mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Engines aside, the new Tucson is livelier to drive than the last one thanks to its new Electronic Controlled Suspension and some other improvements underneath, giving it a sharper, quieter ride unlike any other. For HTRAC models, it features three additional terrain modes that will make it fit enough to spend weekends at Hannibal's, well almost.

The new Tucson is now even safer than ever because the list of safety features have been greatly expanded and revised such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning, new Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, new Highway Driving Assist, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control Curve, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Blind-spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, upgraded Surround View Monitor, Blind View Monitor, Rear Occupant Alert, Lane Following Assist, upgraded Lane Keeping Assist, and Rear Cross-traffic Collision-avoidance Assist, in addition to any existing safety features offered.

While the new Tucson has a minimalist interior not suitable for all speedo boys and the more perplexing exterior that raises a lot of questions from insiders, the spacing, convenience, and revised performance is what made the fourth-generation Tucson a cut above the predecessors. Whether you like it or not, the fourth-generation Tucson is the strong suit the Korean carmaker wielded to the competition. Consider this your wake-up call, people.

Available colors: White Cream, Shimmering Silver, Titan Gray, Amazon Green, Phantom Black, and Crimson Red.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company