Irish Car Review: Is the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Worth the Hype?

 

Hyundai Tuscon



The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid has been making waves in Ireland’s car market, praised for its fuel efficiency, modern tech, and family-friendly design. But with so many used cars and new models competing for attention, does it live up to expectations? In this review, we’ll break down its performance, running costs, and whether it’s a smart choice among cars for sale Ireland in 2024-2025.


Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: Key Features

1. Powertrain & Fuel Efficiency

The Tucson Hybrid pairs a 1.6L petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering 230hp and a claimed 5.2L/100km (54mpg). Real-world tests show:
City driving: 5.5-6.0L/100km (thanks to regenerative braking).
Motorway driving: 6.5-7.0L/100km (less electric assistance).
Compared to diesel rivals like the Nissan Qashqai, it’s slightly thirstier on long trips but cheaper to tax (€180/year vs. €600+ for diesel).

2. Interior & Tech
Spacious cabin: Legroom rivals the Skoda Kodiaq.
10.25-inch touchscreen: Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto standard.
Safety: 5-star Euro NCAP rating with lane-keeping, adaptive cruise, and blind-spot monitoring.

Downside: Some owners report glitchy infotainment (fixed via software updates at dealers).


Driving Experience on Irish Roads

Pros:

✅ Smooth ride – Handles potholes better than a Ford Kuga.
✅ Quiet in EV mode – Ideal for urban commutes.
✅ Sharp styling – LED lights and futuristic grille stand out.

Cons:

❌ Firm suspension – Sportier than a Toyota RAV4 but less comfortable on rough roads.
❌ CVT drone – Engine noise under hard acceleration.

Verdict: Best for mixed driving (city + motorway), not for enthusiasts.


Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs. Competitors



Model

MPG (Claimed)

Annual Tax

Price (Used 2021)

Tucson Hybrid

5.2L/100km

€180

€28,000-€32,000


Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

5.0L/100km

€180

€30,000-€35,000


Kia Sportage Hybrid

5.5L/100km

€200

€26,000-€30,000


Why choose the Tucson?
More tech than the RAV4.
Longer warranty (5 yrs) vs. Kia’s 7 yrs (but with stricter servicing rules).


Used Tucson Hybrid: What to Check

If browsing used cars, watch for:
Battery health – Hyundai’s hybrid battery warranty lasts 8 years/160,000km.
Service history – Missing dealer stamps can void warranties.
Infotainment issues – Test all menus and connectivity.

Best model year: 2022+ (post-facelift with improved software).


Running Costs in Ireland
Insurance: Group 24-28 (cheaper than a BMW X3 but pricier than a Skoda Karoq).
Servicing: €250-€400 per year at Hyundai dealers.
Depreciation: Loses ~35% value in 3 years (better than diesel rivals).


Final Verdict: Worth the Hype?

✅ Yes, if you:
Want a stylish, tech-packed family SUV.
Mainly drive urban/short trips.
Value low tax and decent fuel economy.

❌ No, if you:
Need 7 seats (consider a Kia Sorento Hybrid).
Drive mostly motorway miles (diesel may be cheaper).
Want a soft ride (Toyota RAV4 is plusher).


Where to Find One

Search cars for sale Ireland on:
Carzone.ie (largest selection of used Tucsons).
Hyundai Approved Used (extended warranty options).
DoneDeal.ie (private sellers, but inspect carefully).


The Bottom Line

The Tucson Hybrid justifies its popularity for Irish families, blending efficiency, space, and cutting-edge tech. While not perfect, it’s a top-tier used hybrid SUV in the €25k-€35k range.

#HyundaiTucson #TucsonHybrid #UsedCars #CarsForSale #IrishDrivers #HybridCars #SUVReview #CarReviewIreland #EcoFriendlyDriving



Would you pick the Tucson Hybrid? Let us know in the comments

!

0/Post a Comment/Comments