New Hyundai Tucson Finally Shows Its More Affordable Side
We’ve already seen the new Hyundai Tucson strut its stuff, whether in standard form, the rugged XRT, or the sporty N Line. But let’s be honest, automakers love to show off the fanciest versions, leaving us guessing about what you actually get if you don’t want to spend big.
Luckily, Hyundai’s home-market launch in South Korea gives us a peek behind the curtain, thanks to the official configurator and its entry-level H-Pick trim.
The photos show a Tucson that ditches the glitz. Still, the squared-off body and wild lighting keep it looking sharp. Honestly, the smaller wheels might even work better with its chunky stance than the oversized rollers you see on pricier versions.
The Korean configurator spills the beans on what you actually get if you go for the cheapest Tucson. And from the looks of it, you don’t have to sacrifice the good stuff that makes the new Tucson interesting in the first place.
Hyundai
Smaller Wheels, a Simpler Cabin, and Plenty of Standard Equipment
The biggest difference is on the outside: the H-Pick rides on 17-inch alloy wheels instead of the larger wheels on higher-spec versions. Its thicker tires give the Tucson a more rugged look while potentially improving ride comfort over broken pavement. Replacement tires should also be less expensive than those fitted to larger wheels, although actual costs will depend on the tire brand and size.
You still get the full LED treatment – headlights, DRLs, taillights, and those signature horizontal strips. Chunky wheel-arch cladding keeps things looking outdoorsy, and the tailgate proudly shouts TUCSON in big letters. Paint options? Yep, including a shiny Shimmering Silver Metallic.
Inside, it’s black faux leather and a no-nonsense dash. The 12.9-inch Pleos Connect screen is a bit smaller than the top trims, but you still get navigation, Bluetooth, wireless phone pairing, and over-the-air updates. Old-school knobs and buttons are there too, so you won’t be hunting through menus just to change the temperature.
The standard kit is actually pretty impressive: heated front seats, surround-view camera, smart key with remote start, electronic parking brake with auto hold, rear air vents, and USB-C ports. Hyundai also throws in a laundry list of driver aids – Highway Driving Assist, lane-keeping, adaptive cruise, forward collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic alerts.
Hyundai
Starts at Around $23,000
Under the hood, the Korean H-Pick gets a 1.6-liter turbo gas engine and front-wheel drive. The configurator doesn’t spill the horsepower numbers, so we’ll have to wait for the fine print.
The starting price is 31.4 million Korean won, which works out to approximately $22,800 using a rough currency conversion. That puts the redesigned Tucson’s entry-level version in an interesting position, especially considering its standard safety technology, large infotainment screen, and relatively upscale cabin equipment.
Of course, don’t take that price as gospel for the US. If Hyundai brings this spec over, the final sticker will depend on all the usual suspects – equipment, taxes, production costs, exchange rates, and how they want to position it here. The H-Pick name and features might not even make the trip.
Hyundai/Autoblog
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