The Hyundai Tucson is far from being considered a performance SUV offering. While it’s good at hauling people and cargo, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine has always been a sore spot, especially with its lack of oomph. Hyundai is out to change that reputation, and while it’s still not building a formal Tucson N model (for now…), the Korean automaker has decided to do the next best thing by unveiling the newly updated 2024 Hyundai Tucson N Line.
Sporty Styling Compliments Power Bump For Tucson N Line
Like other N Line models, the 2024 Tucson N Line is largely meant to be a styling package, and while the SUV’s core identity remains unchanged, the model continues to add sporty touches like bigger wheels and a new shade of grey called Amazon Grey. The interior gets new sport seats with N logos on the backrests and the steering wheel and a bold trim element on the dash that adds a pair of red stripes to the passenger side of the dashboard.
But these changes are mere appetizers compared to the biggest change lurking under the hood, a new engine. All N Line models swap out the 2.5-liter with a 1.6-liter 226-horsepower hybrid equipped turbocharged four-cylinder. This engine has seen duty in other Tucson trims (as well as several other Kia and Hyundai models) but its appearance in the Tucson N Line shows that Hyundai understands the market very well. However, while the extra power is always welcome in anything that has “N” in its badging, the main goal of this hybrid model is to promote improved fuel economy, with the model getting 37 mpg in combined driving and 36 mpg in freeway driving. For those that are still following along on their calculator or abacus, that translates to a 12 mpg gain in combined driving while the freeway rating gets a 4 mpg boost versus the 2.5 liter’s ratings. All-wheel drive is standard on the N Line, and buyers also get a six-speed automatic as well.
When Can I Buy One?
Hyundai didn’t reveal pricing for the 2024 Tucson N Line but look for the model to make its appearance in showrooms early next year. In addition to the performance on hand, the 2024 N Line will also benefit from other changes that were applied to the rest of the broader Tucson lineup, with the model getting newly standard haptic feedback tech in the steering wheel and rear side airbags. Hyundai also claimed they made revisions to the rear seat belts (including the tensioners to improve safety further.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.