Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc. (HMPI) finally launched the fourth-generation version of the Hyundai Tucson in the local market. Now that the compact crossover has made its way to our shores, let’s take a closer look at the 2023 Tucson and compare it with the old one. This way, we can highlight just how different it is from its predecessor.
The Hyundai Tucson is now in the Philippines
Spoiler alert, unlike the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe old vs new comparison, this comparison between the old and new Tucson involves the previous-gen version, and the new fourth-generation version. They use totally different platforms, and as described below, they are quite different from the inside and out.
Old vs New Tucson: Exterior Differences
Just by looks alone, one can say that the all-new Tucson’s design is a departure from the old one. Upfront, the 2023 Tucson gets this multi-slatted grille, with the side most slats as the standard LED daytime running lights (DRL). The old one on the other hand features a more conventional look that’s more in line with the previous Hyundai design language. It’s got the typical Hyundai grille and the usual headlamp cluster with integrated signal lights and DRLs.
Compare the new (left) and old (right) Tucson using this slider
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Towards the sides, one can note that the new Tucson is far larger than the old one. It is 4,630 mm long, 1,865 mm wide, and is 1,655 mm high. That’s around 150 mm longer than the previous version. It also features a more muscular look with its abundance of deep, sharp-angled body lines. The previous version is smoother looking with only two visible creases running along the length of its sides.
From the rear, the new Tucson just pops out more thanks to its futuristic-looking LED taillight clusters. The look of the 2023 Tucson’s rear is also enhanced with a single LED strip running across its width. What is retained however is the roof spoiler, as well as the aforementioned skid plate.
The new Tucson is more angular and more aggressive-looking
Why did Hyundai drastically change the look of Tucson? For those who do not know, the Korean carmaker has moved on to adopt a new design philosophy. The new one is called “Sensuous Sportiness” and it aims to harmonize proportion, styling, technology, and architecture.
Old Vs New Tucson: Interior Differences
Just like the exterior, the differences between the new and old Hyundai Tucson in terms of interiors are also vast. From the get-go, the dashboard and center console of the new crossover is more seamless looking compared to the old one. The outward-going curves on the old dashboard are gone. What’s also gone is the gear lever, which was replaced in favor of a push-button gear selector.
To make the interior even more seamless, Hyundai also replaced the old three-spoke steering wheel with a sleeker two-spoke one. The touchscreen head unit found on the 2023 Tucson is also larger at 8.0-inches. Compare that to the thick seven-inch unit jutting out of the dashboard that the old Tucson came with. Despite gaining size, the new touchscreen is now better incorporated into the shape of the dashboard. Together with the dash, it forms a cascading shape that flows down to the center console. Also, gone is the old analog gauge cluster. It was replaced by a larger 10.25-inch TFT LCD info display.
Compare the interiors of the new (left) and old (right) Tucson
Other interior features include an automatic temperature control air conditioning system, mood lighting, a wireless charger, six speakers, a power-adjustable seat for the driver with a power lumbar support, a power tailgate, power-adjustable side mirrors, leather seats, and a seating capacity of up to five persons.
Old Vs New Tucson: Powertrain differences
While the PH-spec 2023 Hyundai Tucson is available only in a front-wheel-drive layout, it still has the same two engine options. The first one is a 2.0-liter Smartstream gasoline engine for the base GLS variant, making 154 horsepower and 192 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the flagship GLS+ variant uses a 2.0-liter Smartstream diesel engine that is capable of generating 183 horsepower and 416 Nm of torque.
The new Tuscon is pretty much a leap in terms of design
HMPI didn't bring in the hybrid powertrain options offered in other markets. As for the available gasoline engine, it is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The diesel power unit, on the other hand, is connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission with a shift-by-wire gear selector. Standard features include McPherson Strut for the front and Multi-link suspension for the rear, while the front and rear brakes are both using 16-inch discs.
Did you spot the differences between the old Tucson and the new 2023 Tucson? Well, it’s not that hard to see Tucson’s new design elements. Keep reading here on Philkotse.com for more automotive industry updates.