I can relate. Supply is so limited during our recent car shopping we joked about asking random strangers in parking lots if we could test drive their cars. We were able to test drive most of the contenders at dealerships finally, but the Tucson HEV remained elusive. We were able to see and sit in a sold one, but couldn't drive it. We were able to actually drive a Santa Fe hybrid, so got a good idea how the engine, transmission, hybrid system worked. We were only able to test drive a non-hybrid Tucson around the dealer's lot as it wasn't PDI'd yet and they couldn't get it into the shop in time.
Thanks for that great reply! To be fair, we test drove a regular Tucson, it was really cold out, and the car was cold. It may have affected the entire experience. Plus the road, as most Sonoma County roads are subpar was “grainy”….
Thanks for reply. Interesting about the seat…I tend to want to ride high (🤭)
If I'm not mistaken the electrified Tucson's also have torque vectoring which will improve drive feel, all the HEV's are AWD and the gas may be AWD as an option but without torque vectoring. I am quite satisfied with the handling and ride of the Tucson HEV.
tech.hyundaimotorgroup.com
Also found this article which discusses suspension and the balance between performance and comfort then finally the HTrac is discussedYes, the e-handling is just another reason to buy the hybrid over the non-hybrid. We got a chance to try that out on a trip through the Smoky Mtns. on windy roads yesterday. I can't say I felt anything going on, other than the fact that the car handled the curves way better than expected. Totally seamless. The more I drive it the more impressed I am with the tech in this car.
Hyundai explains a bit about e-handling in the writeup below, but I'd like to find a better explanation of the system.
[Hyundai Turbo Hybrid SUV - TUCSON] EP4. E-Handling - Hyundai Motor Group TECH
Now, let's take a look at the E-handling technology first applied to TUCSON Hybrid. Through torque control of the electric motor, Hyundai TUCSON Hybrid ...
tech.hyundaimotorgroup.com
My wife and I test drove both. Fortunately the dealer here had both in stock. The Hybrid accelerates much better! To tell the truth I'm new to hybrids so to say it's the electric motor, the turbo or a combination - I don't know. I entertained the idea of the 2.5 but my wife wouldn't have it. The car is a retirement gift for her so.... As far as weight or stability they seemed about even, on our drive anyhow. So if you're looking to merge with traffic with authority, go for the Hybrid. If you drive regularly, go for the hybrid. If you drive distances or around town go...you get the idea. One thing to consider; I work from home and she's retired so we don't drive too often and everything we need is pretty close to home. This combined with sitting for a while can drain the 12v battery, I've heard, as it's not as robust as the lead acid batteries of my youth and constantly-on features pull from it. It's also cold winters here where we live and that can be a factor. We've had ours a month with no issues at all but I am looking into a trickle charger and a semi permanent hook up just in case. NOTE: it will still start using the 12v battery reset (it uses the hybrid battery battery to start it with the push of a button) but you will need to use the key to get in. Talk to the dealer about it. Good luck! All in all you should LOVE the car as much as we do!
