2024 HYUNDAI TUCSON N LINE

 

TUCSON N LINE GETS MAJOR POWER BOOST WITH GAS-ELECTRIC HYBRID DRIVETRAIN

Hyundai continues to add to the top-selling vehicle in its fleet by putting a gas-electric hybrid drivetrain in the N Line trim of the 2024 Tucson. 

The HEV setup gives the Tucson a significant boost in power over gasoline-powered models while eliminating the need to plug it in for charging.

Sure, you don’t get the 33 miles or so of all-electric driving that the PHEV offers, but that is a small price to pay for not having to dilly-dally around with charging sessions.

Horsepower in the HEV (226) doesn’t match that of the plug-in (261), but it earns the same torque figure (258 pound-feet) as the PHEV, giving both a significantly more impressive driving experience over gasoline models and equal towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2.5-liter 4-banger in gasoline-engine Tucsons are rated at 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.

The hybrid drivetrain is available in all trims in the Tucson portfolio. A Hybrid Blue model also is included that delivers ratings of 38 miles-per-gallon over the N Line’s combined city-highway 37 mpg. But the 2024 Hyundai Tucson N Line gets some extra touches in the way of styling like a panoramic sunroof, exclusive front and rear fascias, special 19-inch wheels, sport front seats, and Bose premium audio.

Standard features on the 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid N Line also includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, lumbar support for the driver, heated front seats, a proximity key with push-button start, alloy sport pedals and scuff door plates, a hands-free power liftgate, dual climate control, Smart (adaptive) cruise control, a 10.25-inch instrumental cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen for tech features that include navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and taillights.

Standard safety features include forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot and lane-keeping alert, driver attention warning, safe-exit warning, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid N Line is all-wheel drive and the 1.6-liter gas engine drinks regular grade fuel. The combined gas-electric operation provides up to 507 miles of driving range, according to EPA figures, which is actually longer than the PHEV (420 miles).

Mileage figures for the 2.5-liter gasoline-engine Tucson with all-wheel drive are 23 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined with 358 miles between fill-ups.  Front-wheel-drive Tucsons are rated at 25 mpg city, 32 highway, and 28 combined with a range of 400 miles.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid AWD N Line has a starting MSRP of $36,405, which is nearly $9,000 over the starting price for the gas-powered FWD base trim Tucson.

But you get so much more and the way gas prices are going these days it won’t take nearly as long to make up the difference at the pump.

Also, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid AWD N Line is so well-equipped options aren’t really needed to fill out with optional comfort and convenience features.

My test 2024 Hyundai Tucson AWD N Line came with only an extra charge for premium white paint and carpeted floor mats. That and the $1,335 destiny and delivery charge tan the final total to $38,400.

What I liked about the 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid N Line: The extra punch provided by the hybrid drivetrain is much appreciated. So, too, are the extra safety features like lane-keep assist and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist. An extra benefit: The South Korean automaker avoids the temptation to match the engine/motor with a CVT as is commonly found in many hybrid models by putting in a 6-speed automatic transmission. The upscale cabin is roomy and comfortable with lots of tech features, and the exterior has an appealing appearance. Cargo space is good.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Tucson Hybrid N Line: Touch controls for the infotainment functions can be frustrating at times. Why not knobs to adjust audio volume and surf the radio dial? Reaction times to the touches are delayed at times.

Would I buy the 2024 Tucson Hybrid N Line? A firm yes here. The size is nice, and the upgraded power answers a common complaint about the Tucson, which is lack of punch.