Hyundai Tucson Review – Versatile SUV for City and Desert Driving in Dubai

The Hyundai Tucson has become a global success story since its debut in 2004, with over 7 million units sold worldwide. Now in its fourth generation, the Tucson has transformed from a humble, utilitarian compact SUV into a stylish, high-tech family favorite. Its blend of bold design, efficient performance, and everyday practicality has made it especially popular in Dubai, where drivers appreciate a vehicle that can tackle city streets, highways, and even the occasional desert trail. Below, we review the recent generations of the Tucson (focusing on the latest model) and explore its performance, design, interior, safety features, and versatility for driving in Dubai.

Evolution of the Tucson: Recent Generations

Hyundai’s third-generation Tucson (2015–2020) marked a big step up in size, comfort, and technology, building on the model’s reputation for value. That generation proved extremely popular – over 100,000 units were sold in the UK alone – thanks to its smooth driving manners and extensive features for the price. The fourth-generation Tucson (2021–present) had big shoes to fill, but it delivers handily. This latest iteration adopts a striking new design and a more upscale, luxurious character, and it even offers multiple powertrain options (petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid) to suit different needs. It’s widely regarded as the most impressive Tucson yet, earning accolades such as IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for its class-leading safety and even “Best Compact SUV for Families” awards in recent years. In short, the Tucson’s evolution showcases Hyundai’s commitment to continuous improvement, culminating in a compact SUV that competes at the top of its class.

Performance and Driving Experience

Under the hood, the latest Tucson typically comes with a four-cylinder engine around 2.5 liters displacement, producing roughly 187 hp and paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivers adequate pep for city driving and confident passing on highways, though lead-footed drivers might wish for a bit more punch. For those seeking extra performance, Hyundai also offers hybrid variants that bump output to a combined 226 hp (and even a 261 hp plug-in hybrid), providing quicker acceleration. Importantly, the Tucson isn’t a sporty SUV, but it makes up for that with a comfortable ride and composed handling. The suspension smooths out bumps nicely, and the steering is responsive enough to instill confidence. What stands out most is how quiet and refined the Tucson feels at cruising speeds – there’s a near-luxury calm in the cabin on long drives. This refinement, combined with remarkable fuel efficiency (around 25–26 mpg city and 32–33 mpg highway for the petrol model), makes the Tucson an excellent daily driver. Whether navigating stop-and-go traffic or cruising down Sheikh Zayed Road, the Tucson delivers a pleasant and economical driving experience.

Design: Bold and Futuristic

Hyundai gave the Tucson a head-turning redesign in its latest generation. The exterior showcases the brand’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design language, highlighted by a bold 3D parametric grille with jewel-like LED daytime running lights seamlessly integrated into it. Sharp creases and geometric patterns along the bodywork create a futuristic look that really stands out on the road. The Tucson’s aggressive front fascia, crisp character lines, and eye-catching LED headlamps give it a confident presence in Dubai’s mix of modern cityscapes. It sits with a muscular stance on the road, and an aerodynamic shape that isn’t just for show – the sleek profile helps reduce drag and even contributes to improved fuel efficiency. In a parking lot full of generic crossovers, the Tucson’s daring design ensures it won’t be mistaken for anything else.

Interior and Comfort

Step inside the Tucson and you’re greeted by an opulent, roomy cabin that’s a cut above the usual compact SUV interior. Hyundai has outfitted the Tucson with quality materials and a clean, modern dashboard design. High-end touches – like available digital instrument displays, a push-button gear selector, ambient lighting, and dual-zone climate control – create a near-luxury ambiance. The seats are ergonomic and nicely cushioned, offering plenty of legroom even for taller passengers in the rear. In fact, the latest Tucson’s wheelbase stretch means rear-seat space and cargo room are larger than the outgoing model, translating to more passenger comfort and practicality for family use. The versatile seating (split-folding rear seats) and a generous boot make it easy to accommodate luggage, groceries, or strollers. Clever storage cubbies and cupholders are sprinkled throughout for convenience. Technology is another strong point – even base models come with a sizable touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and higher trims offer a 10.3-inch display with built-in navigation and premium Bose audio. Notably for Dubai’s climate, the Tucson’s powerful air conditioning and climate control system ensures the cabin stays comfortable even in extreme heat, so you and your passengers can ride in comfort year-round. Overall, the Tucson’s interior nails the trifecta of comfort, space, and technology, making it a pleasant place to be for both daily commutes and long road trips.

Safety Features

Safety is a key selling point of the Hyundai Tucson, and the newest model is packed with advanced driver aids and protective technology. Every Tucson comes standard with Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite – a comprehensive set of features that includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (with pedestrian detection), Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go functionality. As you move up the trims, you get even more: Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Safe Exit Warning, a Surround-View 360° camera, and even Remote Smart Parking Assist (where the Tucson can park itself while you stand outside) are available. This SUV has earned top marks in crash tests – notably, the 2022 Tucson earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, underscoring its excellent crash protection and headlight performance. With multiple airbags, stability control, and robust build quality added to the mix, the Tucson provides peace of mind for drivers and families. Whether you’re navigating busy Dubai traffic or cruising on the highway, the Tucson’s safety tech is constantly working in the background to keep you and your passengers safe.

Versatility for Dubai Driving

One reason the Tucson is so well-suited to Dubai is its impressive versatility across different driving conditions. In the city, the Tucson’s compact footprint and responsive steering make it easy to maneuver through traffic and park in tight spots. The elevated driving position provides a good view of the road, and features like parking sensors and available blind-spot cameras help in crowded urban environments. For daily commutes, the Tucson’s comfortable ride and quiet cabin shine – it smooths out rough pavement and isolates road noise, turning the grind of Sheikh Zayed Road traffic into a relatively relaxed experience. The excellent fuel economy also means you won’t be draining your wallet at the pump despite long distances between Dubai and Sharjah or Abu Dhabi.

For families, the Tucson’s spacious interior and flexible cargo area make school runs and weekend outings a breeze. You can easily fit car seats (the Tucson has ISOFIX anchor points), and rear passengers enjoy their own air vents to stay cool. The ample boot can handle grocery hauls or luggage for a family trip, and if you need more room, folding the rear seats opens up a cavernous space for bulky items. Safety features like the ones mentioned above are particularly reassuring for family use, keeping your loved ones protected on the road. It’s no surprise U.S. News named the Tucson as a “Best Compact SUV for Families” recently, given this balance of space, comfort, and safety features.

Finally, the Tucson isn’t afraid to venture beyond the city. While it’s not a hardcore off-roader, its sufficient ground clearance and available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system give it the ability to handle light desert or off-road excursions. Hyundai’s AWD Tucson models come equipped with Multi-Terrain modes (Mud, Sand, Snow) that optimize traction for different surfaces. This means if you’re headed for a weekend campout in the desert or driving on gravel tracks, the Tucson can adapt and maintain stability where a normal sedan might struggle. In fact, testers have taken the Tucson over sand dunes and found it plowed along admirably – especially when equipped with the dedicated Sand mode in the terrain selector. Of course, for serious dune-bashing or deep desert adventures you’d want a specialist 4×4, but the Tucson is more than capable of reaching desert campsites, beaches, or navigating unpaved roads in the UAE. This all-terrain versatility, combined with its civility on-road, underscores the Tucson’s dual nature as both an urban runabout and a weekend adventure vehicle. Whether you’re exploring the bustling city streets or going on an adventure in the desert, the Tucson feels at home in both settings.

Why the Tucson Is a Smart Rental Choice in Dubai

All the qualities discussed above make the Hyundai Tucson a practical rental choice for Dubai visitors and residents alike. This SUV’s blend of comfort, safety, and versatility means it can fulfill many roles – from a business travel companion to a family vacation hauler. The Tucson is easy to drive even for those unfamiliar with Dubai’s roads, thanks to its user-friendly tech and driver aids. It’s also fuel-efficient and reliable, which helps renters save on fuel costs and avoid breakdown worries during their trip. The interior offers ample space for passengers and luggage, which is ideal for travelers or families on holiday. Moreover, the Tucson’s capability to handle different terrains (city streets, highways, or packed sand) gives renters flexibility to explore beyond the city limits without needing to swap for a larger, more expensive SUV. In Dubai’s hot climate, features like a strong air-conditioning system and ventilated seats (on some trims) will be much appreciated by anyone renting the vehicle. In short, the Tucson delivers a well-rounded package that caters to the typical needs of Dubai drivers – it’s comfortable in traffic, roomy enough for family and cargo, safe and tech-equipped, and even adventurous when you need it to be. No wonder it’s one of the most popular models in local rental fleets. Those looking to rent Hyundai Tucson Dubai will find that this SUV offers an excellent balance of style and substance for the price. Whether you’re a tourist aiming to sightsee across the UAE or a resident needing a temporary ride, the Hyundai Tucson stands out as a sensible and enjoyable choice for getting around Dubai.