HYUNDAI CROSSOVER SERIES

Interestingly, the post-resonator exhaust hanger attaches to the subframe, meaning exhaust vibrations at that point are isolated by a rubber hanger then further isolated by the rubber subframe bushings. There’s also plenty of insulation on tap including extensive underbody paneling and a popular flat muffler to smooth out underbody airflow.

General body construction of the Tucson Plug-in seems really nice, with tight panel gaps, beautifully-applied seam sealer, and plenty of paint pen quality assurance marks under the hood. That’s right, the electric motor itself is integrated into the gearbox so that this compact crossover can put torque to all four tires when in EV mode. What’s more, this Rube Goldberg contraption spins an actual rear differential using a driveshaft, extremely uncommon among mass-market plug-in hybrid compact crossovers. Yes, those really lovely metallic paddle shifters on the steering wheel control actual gears. So what sort of gearbox is on tap here? Perhaps some sort of power-split CVT like most hybrids? Absolutely not, the Tucson PHEV uses a six-speed automatic, the hottest technology of 2005. However, the high-tech vision sort-of stops when you get to the gearbox. Those aren’t shabby numbers, and they’re made possible thanks to a 13.8 kWh battery pack located under the floor. While numbers like these would normally be enough to be extremely competitive in the compact crossover segment, Hyundai’s juiced things a little by throwing a 66.9 kW electric motor into the mix for a combined output of 261 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,500 rpm all the way to 4,500 rpm. It’s a 1.6-liter four-cylinder unit that’s been turbocharged to produce 180 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a stout 195 lb.-ft. While a plug-in hybrid compact crossover doesn’t sound like the most exciting thing on the face of the planet, the Tucson Hybrid packs one of the most incredible drivetrains in the segment. Let’s start with the engine. The Hyundai Tucson Plug-in is a cyberpunk-influenced, smartly-electrified departure from anything else on the market, and I’m really glad Hyundai made it that way.

HYUNDAI CROSSOVER SERIES

Thankfully, Hyundai rolled with it, and we’re seeing the result in the latest series of Hyundai products. New tech’s silver luster had tarnished to reveal a thin undercurrent of dread, pop music had lost its pop, the Blade Runner aesthetics of the ‘80s were back in fashion, and the world was starting to hold a mood of unease. While a risky gamble, the foundations of solidity were there. Case in point: Several years ago in a design center, someone at Hyundai had the bright idea that cyberpunk would be the styling direction for the company’s next Tucson Plug-in hybrid. An Everclear cleansing of the palate, scorching off the tang of the automotive zeitgeist in favor of something new. While many automakers move in lock-step with the evolutionary status quo, Hyundai and Kia have a habit of throwing everything in the bin and starting completely over again. It’s difficult to carry expectations for new generations of South Korean cars, especially in an era when the vibe has definitely shifted.

Hyundai crossover