Hyundai Tucson N Line diesel 2021 review | the ideal Tucson spec? | Chasing Cars

We test the new Hyundai Tucson in Elite N Line guise and see what this midsize SUV is like to drive.
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When the all-new Hyundai Tucson launched in Australia in early 2021, only a few variants were actually available to buy immediately. Now, the full range is in dealerships. Is the Elite diesel N Line the way to go? We check out this Goldilocks specification in today's review.
Rivals to the Hyundai Tucson include the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage and Volkswagen Tiguan.
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Time codes:
0:00 - What is the Hyundai Tucson?
1:06 - Design
2:14 - Boot space
2:43 - Interior in black leather/suede
4:36 - Back seats
5:40 - Running costs
06:37 - What is the Tucson N Line like to drive?
15:08 - Hyundai Tucson expert verdict

[@johnholst]

Glad you're back Tom! I wish we got this model in Korea! Seems like the sweet spot!

[@michaels6639]

Thanks Tom great review, I just recently test drove the Highlander Diesel version & like one of you reviews found the air conditioning system lacking, I had to turn the system to its lowest possible setting to any cool air ( it was 26 degrees, humid & sunny outside) and the system kept alternating between warm & cool air. I was not a fan of the panorama roof either as even with the shade closed, heat was still noticeable in the cabin (maybe this was why the AC could not cope?). Apart from that was impressed with the diesel engine & vehicle ride.

[@MrToddness]

We bought this exact car and love it. The engine is quiet. The torque and transmission is seamless. The bigger side view mirrors and the camera make parking much easier. We're averaging 9 to 10ltrs/100 k's urban driving. The power and torque come on quickly which might be why fuel consumption is above average. Will try eco mode and see how that goes. The stereo I thought is actually quite good!

[@mcatech05]

great review we ordered a tucson highlander nline diesel due in 3 weeks cant wait

[@jameskirk905]

Great review Tom - we just recently got our Amazon Grey Highlander Diesel with the white (grey) interior and absolutely love it - I did toss up the idea of the N Line but for me the only thing I liked in the N line was duel exhaust tips so it was an expensive option just for that -as I really preferred the white interior which you can’t get if you choose the N Line.

[@wayne1428]

Another top review Tom. Took your advice and have ordered a standard Highlander Diesel as I believe that is indeed the sweet spot. Too much extra kit to ignore for the price over the cosmetics of the Elite N Line. I'm not a fan at all of the Kia Sportage styling ,front end or interior, and I reckon this Tucson might just age a little better.

[@saadal-karawi686]

Great review Tom, is the updated diesel feels any different compared to the diesel in the previous generation ? Looking forward to your review on the new Sportage with this engine

[@christrees664]

Went from a 2018 i30n premium to the new Tucson Highlander Diesel N-Line. While I do miss the childish pops and bangs and performance of the i30n the Tucson is a much more pleasant place to be on the day to day commute. Plus the fact I don't need to fill up every week is a bonus. 11+ per 100 in the i30n to 6.1 per 100 in the Tucson.

[@bondmcnugget]

Lol

[@christrees664]

@@bondmcnugget and that's a lol why?.

[@fido5067]

Nice review, great description of the ride quality. Now I know it should be good in other countries, and doesn't have a aussie specific setup.

[@tinashegamanya979]

Great review once again, I saw this car in person over the weekend and it definitely caught my eye. Sending my support from Brisbane!

[@jasonlewis2990]

Even though I like this, ,Im still sticking with the CX5 when the new face arrives, or I can convince the Mrs and cash in every chip I have stored away, the Kona N, that thing is cream. Great review as always

[@DEATHSTARER]

The Tucson in this review is the sweet spot in the lineup. Will be interesting the inevitable comparison between the Tucson and upcoming KIA Sportage.

[@Richard-sl8we]

Hi Tom, When will you have a written review and score of this car on your website?

[@peterkorkotidis8939]

Hi what’s your opinion on having this desiel mainly for city driving will be good or better for country driving

[@tonyitalia1411]

I thought you were Ed Sheeran 😂I just brought nline 2022 model picking it up Saturday Great review mate

[@aaronorchard746]

End a debate for me, would the this Tucson be quicker then the i30 N-Line manual?

[@Kj-hh5lc]

Is there a version with an ordinary automatic gearbox in this car ? I hate the Dual clutch

[@HelloHello-rp4cn]

Are Those Turn indicators placed below Lower Bumper easily spotted on expressways.... Lane Changing can Turn Risky...

[@mikeyphoto48]

Good review thanks, one thing though ,,,, do we have to watch the slow motion video of it going through the sweeping corners THAT many times?

[@ddab3659]

Hyundai seem to be kicking it out of the park. Wouldn’t trade my A5 Sportback for one but can see the appeal

[@cliffordmitchell9497]

Another great review .... have my Tucson highlander N-line Diesel on order and should pick it up early December . Tested a few cars incl Rav4 cruiser and CX5 but to my mind the Tucson offered a much better all round package and felt and looked more premium , hence my decision . The N-line upgrade is definitely a no brainer for the money .

[@cliffordmitchell9497]

How uncanny ..... 5 minutes after i wrote this i got a call ...... my car will be ready more than a month earlier .... picking it up in 10 days time !!

[@awfgod]

When did you order? Still waiting for mine

[@turbotankman4969]

I have ordered the same car as you in White, due Dec or Jan, hopefully I will get that call about early delivery too!

[@cliffordmitchell9497]

@@awfgod originally order Tucson Highlander N-line 1.6T on 28th june , changed it to the same but with 2L diesel engine on the 14th sept and was told mid Dec for delivery so a nice surprise when they said i get it next thursday :) ..... hope you get yours soon mate

[@cliffordmitchell9497]

@@turbotankman4969 yeah i reckon you'll get yours earlier mate , apparently they have been working overtime to fulfil the orders , so hopefully yours get bumped forward too ,,,,,, good luck .

[@AmitKumar-dc7pf]

Great review. Could you please let me know why there is no wireless Android Auto/Apple Car Play in the highlander. Also, do you think wireless capabilities is exist in the system but it's disabled due to licensing or something and Can we expect wireless capabilities in future with a software upgrade. Thanks.

[@Hansanaw]

The latter is correct. Something to do with Satnav and wireless CarPlay

[@vaskodimoski5690]

I like the std elite leather seats over the seats in the N line which look like they will be hard to keep looking good over time

[@grahambrill4003]

Picked up our Diesel Elite N line this week. Is a beautiful car to drive. Very happy and whilst the Highlander would be superb just couldn't afford the extra $$. Just wish it had the power tailgate in this model.

[@shaddolf6662]

Hi Graham, 2 months into ownership, are you still super happy with the car? Considering placing an order for the same this week, cheers.

[@rahul20061982]

I am about to get my Tuscon elite diesel. Same for me couldn't afford the highlander but I think elite has everything I need. There is no limit to creature comforts. Can't wait to get behind the wheels. Didn't like the dct at all cause as much as you try they will always have that jerk reaction at low or starting speeds. Am an old school person who loves torque converters lol

[@adujdun]

recently i have ordered Nline . hope its a good car. are u happy with Nline?

[@cliffordmitchell9497]

Sorry to hog the comments section here but one other thing i will mention is that while the blind spot cameras on the dash are awesome to see if anything is in your blind spot you have to be careful about the distance as cars in the next lane look like they are a lot further away than they actually are . Couple of other small annoyances are ..... no sunglasses holder and no where to put loose change for parking meters etc . It really is a nice car to drive and very comfortable , the cabin is a pleasant place to be . I drove the 1.6T petrol and have to say if you can stretch to it the diesel engine is definitely worth the extra bucks...... plenty of power and the 8 speed box is extremely smooth and seldom needs to kick down to a lower gear as the torque kicks in and just powers away . Overall i am super happy with the car even though it has only been 3 days ( and 700kms driving ) .

[@UNSCSAS]

And they haven’t even released the hybrid versions.. yet. You got your work cut out! I would highly recommend highlander N-line. That’s what I got and you are so right about the engine and gear box. It is so much better on 1.6T than 2.0 L. Especially when you put it on sports mode! It’s crazy!

[@DS-gm8en]

Nice green jacket, would be nice to say the same "green" for this SUV😉.

[@cliffordmitchell9497]

Tom any idea if there is any way to use cruise control WITHOUT it being in RADAR mode ? I have found the radar cruise to be almost dangerous as it brakes heavily if someone cuts in front of you and also when a styrofoam block blew across the road in front of me . There has to be a way to have the cruise function as a "normal" cruise control ...... otherwise to me it is pointless and ( as stated ) almost dangerous to be using the radar cruise function on this car.

[@rahul20061982]

Bro that's why they are called driving aids. Just saw a Tesla drive off road in one video. Too much reliability on autonomous.

[@awfgod]

Is it safe to go with the diesel if we just used for short trip city driving? I just dont like the turbo petrol dct

[@dennishucker9829]

Nice car easy to drive this is my third Tucson. Why is there NO MUD FLAPS fitted to the N LINE but fitted to the ELITE. MUD FLAPS ARE A MUST!!

[@SpagmanAus]

I'm getting pretty sick of over email and phone, the dealers telling me the same thing "yep there's plenty of stock". Yes there is, if you want black or white, with black interior.

[@jhref]

To my taste, the lack of highlights in the intro is much more on brand for your channel!

[@MrrrrMime]

Nice seamaster!

[@leeenfieldsmle]

I bought the N Line Highlander diesel and love it. I cannot understand why any of the reviewers demonstrated the remote ability to move the car out of tight spaces. It is a great feature if only to show off to your friends. Basic stuff Tom.

[@Hansanaw]

This is the Elite model. Pay more attention next time.

[@theoverlord1925]

Nice review, nice car but I don’t like the red stitching . It’s not a Lamborghini or Ferrari and red is just a stressful colour for stitching but that’s just my opinion. I think another less stressful colour would have been better. Alcantara is also not my cup of tea; for that money I just want regular nice quality leather .The steering wheel also looks weird .For those reasons I personally would not buy it.

[@craigleverenz]

"How often, in a bus like this, are you driving on the limit?" Um... I live on the limit 😂😂😂

[@Hansanaw]

Do we have to worry about the DPF on modern diesel cars?

[@henrylawson430]

Not on Hyundai diesels. They seem to have figured it out.

[@gina5276]

When you will review New Mitsubishi Outlander 2022??

[@chasingcars]

Driving it this week!

[@gina5276]

@@chasingcars can't wait!!

[@paulvictor9368]

On the video when you turn, it looks like the car has been T-boned. I totally dislike the two lines running down on the doors. Looks like it is in desperate need for a panel beater.

[@cliffordmitchell9497]

I have seen some people commenting on " noisy diesel engines" and while it may sometimes be true i would have to say that the Tucson does NOT suffer this problem . Yep you can hear it is a diesel on start up although it is not particularly loud and on take off thru the first 4 gears ( it is an 8 speed ) but as soon as you hit 5 gear any engine noise drops away for a pretty peaceful and quiet ride . My only slight disappointment is that i thought the LED headlights would be better , they are perfectly adequate but maybe i was expecting too much .

[@alanwhite6161]

Still trying to get my head around this N Line spec on the Tucson, Why is the 2 litre turbo engine not used !!!

[@christrees664]

Because with the extra weight a guess of 14l+ per 100kms would be a hard sell.

[@alanwhite6161]

@@christrees664 If weight is a problem, why use the 2 litre turbo diesel.. Surly if you want performance, your fit the biggest turbo engine you could. along with a few other upgrades. I do recall reading somewhere that the I30 and Tucson use the same chassis.

[@christrees664]

@@alanwhite6161 haha on the chassis. That's a big no. On top of that a 2l turbo Diesel... And weight. You know what diesels and torque are good for right? (Hint the same reason why prime movers are diesel)

[@alanwhite6161]

The primary use of torque is to make the vehicle accelerate in the initial stages of movement, horsepower determines the rate of the acceleration of the vehicle

[@christrees664]

@@alanwhite6161 not just the initial stages. Throughout all stages of acceleration. Hence why it was slower to rev out the 2l turbo in the i30n than shifting before the first of the shift lights appeared. Keeping that in the torque band was better than going for the redline kw's. And the need for torque in a much heavier vehicle is much more important than the kws. Yeah an extra 85hp would be nice if I wanted to go to the track and try and reach 200kph in a Tucson. But that's not what a Tucson is and once again it would be hard for anyone to swallow buying a Tucson that would drink 14l+ per 100km from a 2l turbo petrol. Admittedly if they wanted to make a full fat N Tucson the best motor for that would be the hyundai family's smartstream 3.0 crdi I6. 204kw and 590nm. And would return better economy than the 2l turbo petrol.

[@Coastmac2001]

It's a terrific vehicle & a great drive. Only let down on cheaper FWD models by the Atmo 2.0 Petrol donk. The 1.6T-Gdi should be the default engine or if not, Hyundai have more suitable turbo petrols that could be easily shoehorned in without overly substantial extra cost. The diesel is excellent, particularly as its now married to an 8Spd Auto rather than a DCT. The N Line package is great & certainly adds a bit more of a premium look to the whole vehicle. But a slight downside is the fact that the Alcantra seat trim can get sweaty though the seat cooling is likely to help dramatically . But I'm always impressed in that every new or updated Hyundai that arrives here just whacks up another couple of notches in leaps & bounds as far as quality & refinement are concerned.

[@Jeremy-rk3cs]

"The diesel is excellent, particularly as its now married to an 8Spd Auto rather than a DCT." I don't think the diesel was ever coming with the DCT.

[@Coastmac2001]

@@Jeremy-rk3cs some variants including the new model were or are still using a DCT . Hyundai have decided that a normal Torque Converter Tranny is better suited to the diesel

[@Jeremy-rk3cs]

@@Coastmac2001 I've only followed the Tucson since late 2016. If there were diesel Tucsons with DCT before that then I don't know about them. Certainly the Torque Converter makes a great match with the 2L Diesel in these later models, especially with the extra rations of the current model. I'm expecting mine to arrive in March sometime :)

[@Coastmac2001]

@@Jeremy-rk3cs I gather that the DCT is now relegated to the 2.0 Petrol variant only. The previous Tucson used both a TC & DCT depending on the variant . But enjoy the vehicle , it's a terrific drive & a high quality product. You won't regret the decision .

[@Coastmac2001]

@@Jeremy-rk3cs I gather that the DCT is now relegated to the 2.0 Petrol variant only. The previous Tucson used both a TC & DCT depending on the variant . But enjoy the vehicle , it's a terrific drive & a high quality product. You won't regret the decision .

[@MsPaula1979]

Great review However i wish you would stick to talking about the car that you are reviewing. when you talk about other model, & the way they drive, I getting lost on what car does what. I really wanted to know about the diesel Tucson, which you were review, but it seemed to much jumping around for me

[@MatchFixah]

Why are Brisbane Hyundai dealers quoting me 58K for the highlander Diesel N line when all the aussie reviews I've seen mention 53K for the same vehicle? Am I missing something?

[@jhref]

They don't quote driveaway pricing.

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

Definitely not quoting the drive away price in the reviews. They always say $x before on road costs...

[@MatchFixah]

So drive away pricing is additional 5K? Still seems very high...

[@christiaanj]

@@MatchFixah dealer delivery, stamp duty and registration ...

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

@@MatchFixah yes, dealer delivery is usually around $1000, stamp duty in the vicinity of $2000+ and then registration approximately $1000 again. It adds up quickly.

[@Archie6666]

Nice sunnies.

[@650thunderbird5]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@jasontran1912]

i've had mine for about a month.. highlander diesel with the grey interior. - piano black is annoying but a 2 second wipe with a cloth and it looks awesome again. and you only notice the prints when the car is off. - don't like the N-line seat material and then everything is also black, at least with the grey or tan interior there is contrast in colour and material. which to me is far more appealing, - i do how ever like the body coloured bits on the outside, except in white just looks like the car is unfinished. in a black colour however , it would look nice.

[@shaddolf6662]

Hi Jason, 2 months into ownership, are you still super happy with the car? Considering placing an order for the same this week, cheers.

[@DPK12]

Holding out for a diesel with a boot that can accomodate golf clubs , bulky golf buggy and cases like my Tiguan allspace TDI… suggestions welcome 👍

[@Belltown]

Diesel and those looks… this car is going to age so fast. White seems to suit the n Line pack - looks less busy.

[@MrrrrMime]

yet selling like hot cakes..

[@Flesharrower]

Where the hell are you buying it for $47000!?

[@Hansanaw]

That’s RRP without on road costs. Drive away would be like 51

[@Jeremy-rk3cs]

@@DEVILTAZ35 They make some really good cars. I'm much happier with the quality and value of their vehicles compared to European alternatives. And please don't try to tell me that Jeeps are better :)

[@perrytalor842]

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[@smithhall9597]

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[@charlotteamelia7289]

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[@charlotteamelia7289]

@@perrytalor842 please how do I reach out to her?

[@Gdsamplify]

Piano black on the centre console & no volume knob is unbearable

[@kylosolo6128]

Exactly my thought. A lot of people praise on this design because they haven't actually lived with it everyday

[@thommyk70]

@@kylosolo6128 I have a Highlander 1.6 T current Tucson, so I do live it. Volume knob issue is not that bad, in fact I use the steering wheel lever more than the screen. Also, although there is a lot of piano black, I have a micro fibre cloth in the car, and once in a while I clean it up. Not really any different to clean up like any other car. I agree, fingerprints can be a pain, but for a couple of seconds clean, it’s not the end of the world.

[@robbertdewal68]

@@thommyk70 How do you find the 1.6t All the reviews say the diesel is the way to go, but I don't do a lot of kms on average, so was thinking of going the 1.6t?

[@thommyk70]

@@robbertdewal68 I’m the same, I don’t do a lot of longish miles, and I live in a regional centre. Originally the DCT was problematic, changing from first to second would make the car judder, but it’s been fixed up and drives much better. Turbo lag is there, but for me I find the power adequate for the driving I do. The diesel would have been nicer, but it was going to cost more to buy, and at the time I bought this car, the diesel wasn’t available. I would have had to wait another four months to get one. I originally went for the 2.0 litre N Line Elite, but none were around, so the dealer said the Highlander 1.6 T was available. So, I wanted the bells and whistles and bought this one. To date I love it, drives well, fuel economy is so much better than the old 2.0 litre Tucson I had two years ago, the power is great, and the whole car is comfortable.

[@robbertdewal68]

@@thommyk70 Awesome Thanks so much for your reply and input, really appreciate it 👍

[@BennnWJK]

There is so much going on aesthetically. It’s a bit of a mess.

[@sandydegener6436]

OMG! You're driving on the wrong side of the road!!!

[@Hansanaw]

Omg! What makes you think you drive on the correct side?

[@sandydegener6436]

@@Hansanaw OMG! Maybe you're right!

[@simonmajura]

I'm not a fan of polishing a turd - a Hyundai Mid Size SUV isn't a turd per se, but it'll never be a sports car. If only the bog standard Elite came with LED headlamps, I would be buying it. But alas, $2000 for a bunch of body work that I think makes it less practical and look worse, no thanks Hyundai Australia.

[@bombardierrecreationalprod1023]

Diesel🤣 can we just move on from that poison already!

[@aerienix]

1.6T HEV might just be the way to go, but I think only the Sportage will get it here down under.