Following up on last year's full redesign, the 2017 Hyundai Tucson receives a few updates to technology and interior quality. Most notably, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration debuts on the Tucson's top trim levels.
Pros Turbocharged engine delivers peppy acceleration and good fuel economy Plenty of advanced safety and infotainment features are available Comfortable ride on rough roads Top safety scores.
Cons Slow acceleration from the base trim's engine Clumsy low-speed shifting from the turbo engine's transmission Certain desirable items are offered only on the Limited Less total cargo space than top rivals.
The 2017 Hyundai Tucson doesn't live on the cutting edge, but it's an attractive, economical crossover SUV that's worth a spot on your shopping list. The Hyundai Tucson was recently redesigned for the third time in the compact crossover's history last year, and for 2017 it largely stands pat aside from adding some technology updates inside that are, at least for now, relegated only to the higher-dollar trim levels.
Pros Classy looks inside and out Quiet cabin and refined ride quality Innovative automatic liftgate at upper trim levels
Cons SE and Eco interiors feel low-buck Cargo space still a little tight Navigation, emergency braking are costly options
The 2017 Hyundai Tucson ranks 3 out of 18 Compact SUVs. The 2017 Hyundai Tucson's spacious cabin and expansive list of standard and optional features highlight the crossover’s ability to provide a comfortable and safe ride. Its graceful handling and high safety scores should put both drivers and passengers’ minds at ease.
Pros Quiet cabin Spacious back seats High safety ratings
Cons Some low-rent cabin materials
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a company car tax marvel. Although it’s based on the regular diesel-engined version of the Outlander, this PHEV model is a petrol-electric hybrid, which means ultra-low CO2 emissions and low benefit-in-kind car tax. Essentially it can be driven by either its naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine, or its electric motors powered by its batteries alone, or a combination of the two. Those batteries can be charged on the move, or the PHEV can be plugged into the mains. As a result, against conventionally powered rivals such as the Skoda Kodiaq and Nissan X-Trail, the Outlander will potentially save company car taxpayers thousands of pounds in tax payments over their ownership. Because it can run on pure electric too, many people will be able to charge at home and travel to work and back using no fuel at all.
The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has been revised to provide better driveability, better handling, increased fuel efficiency and, with the high-grade Exceed, all the safety kit you need.
Pros Country ride and bump absorption is now excellent Cabin retains a premium, yet value-for-money feel Seamless transition between power modes under all driving conditions
Cons Urban ride can be a little sharp at times Price has crept up, putting it even further away from regular Outlander No seven-seat option is an opportunity missed
The Mitusbishi Outlander PHEV is more than just a flag waver for plug-in hybrid vehicles. It is a marker in the sand for the Japanese car maker. Though the on-road experience may not be thrilling, the Outlander PHEV is very much the equal of other medium SUVs: comfortable to ride in, quieter than most traditional internal combustion competitors, and missing none of the space and flexibility that make SUVs so popular. Day-to-day running powered by electricity and the freedom to venture well beyond city limits on petrol power make the Outlander PHEV a flexible family choice, and the lack of oddball aero styling means there's no chance of being branded a fanatical eco-warrior - all of which makes the Outlander PHEV an enticing, if slightly pricey, prospect.