How did the 2021 Hyundai Tucson fare on the moose test?

Cars are not always about straight-line acceleration and stopping power. Stability under extreme movements is also an important factor in performance and safety, which is why many global models are subjected to the evasive maneuver test, more commonly known as the ‘moose test’.  

The new generation Tucson's handling was put to the test (Image: km77.com)

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson is no exception. With an increased wheelbase accompanying its radically new design aesthetic, there will be inevitable questions about the new model’s maneuverability and handling. To address them, the new Tucson was put through its paces in Spain, documented by the Spanish-language website km77.com. Watch the video below:

A Tucson hybrid variant in Style trim with all-wheel-drive was used in the assessment, sporting 19-inch Michelin Primacy 4 tires which are presumably part of its standard equipment. The first run is set at 76 km/h with the electronic stability program engaged.

Evading left to avoid a hypothetical obstacle in its path, the Tucson manages to clip a cone on its front end as it swerved again to the right on the third section of the course, indicating understeer on the model.

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Understeer was quite evident as the Tucson repeatedly clipped cones with each attempt (Image: km77.com)

Dialing down the entry speed to 76 km/h achieved the same result. At 74 km/h, a cone was hit as early as the second section. After several more attempts, the Tucson finally managed to avoid the cones entirely while maneuvering at 71 km/h.

Single-lane swerves were a little more satisfactory, with the Tucson clearing the course at 78 km/h.

The testers note that while the particular Tucson variant came with adjustable shock absorbers, there was no perceptible difference even when maneuvering in Sports mode, the stiffest setting available.

A second slalom course demonstrated how little body roll was observed, despite the crossover’s comfort-oriented ride quality and tall stance.

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The testers concluded that the new Tucson has decent steering and predictable handling

According to the reviewers, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson demonstrated a decent steering response overall, which made its reactions safe and easy to predict. This should factor as a criterion for potential buyers when the new-generation model arrives on our shores this year.

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