Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson sits at the top of the brand's SUV range in India, slotting above the Creta as a genuinely premium five-seater. The current generation brought sharp, parametric-jewel styling, a tech-heavy cabin and a choice of refined turbo-petrol and torque-rich diesel engines. It rivals the Jeep Compass and Citroen C5 Aircross, offering Hyundai's polish and feature load. It is positioned for buyers wanting space and equipment without stepping up to luxury German badges.

The Tucson makes its strongest case the moment you step inside. The dashboard is dominated by twin 10.25-inch screens, the touch-sensitive climate panel looks futuristic, and material quality is a clear notch above the Creta. Space is generous for four adults, the rear seat reclines, and the panoramic sunroof brightens the cabin. It feels like a junior luxury SUV, which is precisely the slot Hyundai wants it to occupy in the gap below the Germans.

On the road, the 2.0-litre diesel is the pick of the range. With 184 bhp and 416 Nm channelled through an eight-speed automatic and available all-wheel drive, it pulls cleanly and stays hushed at cruising speeds. The 2.0 petrol is smooth but feels less muscular given the Tucson's weight, and it drinks more fuel. Ride quality is plush over broken roads, though body control can feel slightly soft if you push hard through corners.

Equipment is where the Tucson piles on value. Ventilated front seats, a powered tailgate, a Bose audio system, a full ADAS suite with adaptive cruise and lane-keep assist, multiple airbags and 360-degree cameras are all on the menu. The ADAS calibration can be over-eager on Indian roads, occasionally braking or beeping at phantom hazards, which some owners switch off in dense traffic.

The catch is price and packaging. The Tucson is expensive for a five-seater when several rivals and even some Hyundai stablemates offer three rows for similar money. There is no manual gearbox and no seven-seat option, so it appeals to a specific buyer who values cabin quality and tech over outright seat count. Service costs and resale are reasonable for the segment, helped by Hyundai's wide network.