Bigger, Bolder, and Ready to Dominate 2025!
The Hyundai TUCSON Series II is rolling into town, and it’s not just here to turn heads; it’s here to set benchmarks. Hyundai New Zealand has officially introduced the newest iteration of their crowd-favourite mid-size SUV, and, spoiler alert, it’s packing enough upgrades to make even the pickiest car enthusiast stop and stare. This isn’t just a mid-life refresh—it’s a glow-up for one of NZ’s best-loved medium SUVs.
So, what’s the buzz? For starters, the TUCSON Series II now rocks a turbocharged 1.6L hybrid powertrain straight out of the efficiency playbook, proving you can have performance and eco-friendly credentials without breaking a sweat (or the ozone layer). It’s fast, it’s frugal, and it’s the automotive equivalent of drinking your oat milk latte while crushing a HIIT workout. For the adventure crowd, there’s even HTRAC All-Wheel Drive available on select models, so you can confidently veer off the beaten track without sacrificing style or traction.
From the outside, the Series II has undergone a bit of a makeover. It’s sharper, sleeker, and dare we say, sportier than ever. A bold new grille, redesigned LED headlights, and eye-catching dynamic lines ensure the TUCSON looks just as at home parked outside your favourite Ponsonby café as it does cruising through Tongariro National Park. It’s a proper Kiwi SUV—fit for work and play, or at least looking like you do either with style. Plus, thanks to its longer wheelbase, there’s now even more room for passengers and gear, so you won’t have to leave half your camping kit behind next time.
On the inside, it’s all about the tech and comfort. The TUCSON now sports an upgraded cabin complete with a larger 12.3” high-definition touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a brand-new graphical interface so straightforward, even your dad could work it. Say goodbye to the cluttered centre console; Hyundai has shifted the gear selector to the steering column, freeing up more space for snacks, coffee cups, or whatever else you throw in your car on busy mornings.
Tech-savvy drivers can rejoice, but safety is where the TUCSON Series II truly shines. Featuring Hyundai’s latest SmartSense safety suite, it includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), and more. In plain English, the TUCSON’s basically another set of eyes and reflexes keeping tabs on the road, ensuring you and your passengers are as safe as houses.
Now, for those who reckon “ordinary” just won’t cut it, may we introduce the N Line Limited model, the TUCSON with a sportier twist. With exclusive design elements, like a unique grille, aerodynamic upgrades, larger alloys, and premium touches on the inside (think Alcantara and leather trims, red stitching, and more tech than a Silicon Valley startup), this is the SUV that’ll make your neighbours very jealous. Add features like a panoramic sunroof, heads-up display, surround-view monitor, and a Bose premium audio system, and it’s clear this is the TUCSON for those who want a little bit more of… well, everything.
Hyundai NZ is understandably hyped. “The TUCSON Series II represents some significant improvements over its predecessor. With enhanced safety features, striking design, and cutting-edge technology, coupled with the introduction of the highly regarded 1.6T Hybrid powertrain as standard, we believe it sets a new standard in the medium SUV space,” says Hyundai New Zealand’s CEO, Scott Kelsey. Translation? They’re really proud of this one—and with good reason.
The TUCSON Series II officially hits Hyundai dealerships across New Zealand this April, with pricing starting at $54,990 + on-road costs. And there’s a bonus that early birds will love. Place your deposit before March 31st, and Hyundai’s throwing in a five-year/150,000 km warranty, a three-year service plan, and an optional 7.9% finance rate, making it as much a win for your wallet as it is for your driveway.
