The facelifted Hyundai Tucson is also incidentally available with naturally aspirated and turbocharged ICE-only options.
Hyundai Motor Malaysia has officially introduced the facelifted Tucson to Malaysia, joining alongside the new Santa Fe and refreshed Staria as part of the automaker’s recent direct entry onto our shores. This latest update to the SUV arrives just over a year after the pre-facelift model, which quietly made its local debut in November 2023.
The local facelifted Tucson line-up now comprises four variants, spanning three powertrain types: naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and hybrid. Prices are positioned to compete squarely with rivals like the Honda CR-V:
- Tucson 2.0 Style – RM143,888
- Tucson 1.6T Prime – RM164,888
- Tucson 1.6T Prestige AWD – RM186,888
- Tucson HEV Prestige – RM197,888
Now starting first under the hood, the entry-level 2.0-litre MPI naturally-aspirated four-banger in the refreshed Tucson sends paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox puts out 156 PS and 192 Nm. Stepping up the performance ladder, the turbocharged 1.6-litre TGDi unit sends 180 PS and 265 Nm through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission to either the front wheels on the Prime variant or all four wheels on the Prestige trim.
Topping the powertrain hierarchy is the new full hybrid (HEV) variant, featuring a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor rated at 65 hp and 264 Nm, powered by a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery. Combined output of this electrified system is rated at 235 hp and 367 Nm, with power sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox.
In terms of changes with the facelift, things aren’t too drastically different from the outgoing model (on the outside at least). Among the changes up front for instance includes a slight reprofiling of its bumper for a mong looks more angular, with a reduction of its LED DRL array on either side of the reworked front grille from four aside to three.
Round the side meanwhile are redesigned wheels – 17-inch alloys as standard on the 2.0 Style variant, going up to 18-inch on the 1.6T Prime, while the two Prestige variants get 19-inch alloys. At the back, the skid plate is now integrated into the bumper moulding, while the Hyundai emblem on the tailgate is now integrated into the rear windshield.
Dimensionally, Malaysia gets the Tucson in long-wheelbase guise, similar to that sold in the US. At 4,630 mm long, 1,865 mm wide, and with a 2,755 mm wheelbase, the SUV maintains the same generous proportions as before. There is 582 litres of boot space, expandable to 1,903 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Moving inside, there’s a comprehensive interior revamp with a new dashboard layout leading the way. A new 12.3-inch Panoramic Curved display takes centre stage, while a new three-spoke steering wheel replaces the previous design. The gear shift lever has also been replaced by a new column-type gear shift knob, positioned behind the steering wheel.
Standard equipment across all Tucson variants includes a dual-zone auto air-conditioning system controlled from a 6.6-inch digital panel, fingerprint recognition with engine start, powered tailgate, and wireless mobile charging. Electrically adjustable and climate controlled seats and a 12-speaker BOSE sound system are among the niceties reserved on higher-end variants.
Safety-wise, Hyundai SmartSense ADAS is available on Prime and Prestige variants, bringing key features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Lane Keeping and Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance, and Surround View Monitor. Prestige trims also bring with them Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, as well as the rather snazzy Remote Smart Parking Assist.
As for exterior colours, five are available for the SUV: Phantom Black Pearl, Creamy White Pearl, Titan Gray Metallic, Ocean Indigo Pearl, and Amazon Gray Metallic, the latter only available for the Prestige variants. The Prestige also gets a moss gray interior colour option, with black mono being the standard interior finish.
All Tucson variants will initially be available as fully imported (CBU) units before local assembly begins at Hyundai’s new plant in Kulim, Kedah come Q3 2025. Each model comes with an eight-year/160,000 km vehicle warranty. Hyundai Malaysia is also offering a special promotion of eight free service sessions for the first 100 customers who purchase the new Tucson, Santa Fe or Staria.
