Hyundai Tucson: Hyundai has significantly raised the stakes in India’s premium SUV segment with the launch of the 2025 Tucson Horizon Edition. This new flagship variant of their globally successful mid-size SUV introduces.
a host of enhancements that further distance the Tucson from mainstream offerings while directly challenging luxury European marques costing substantially more.
After an extensive week with the Tucson Horizon across Delhi’s urban landscape and the challenging highways and mountain roads of Uttarakhand, it’s evident that Hyundai has crafted something special .
a vehicle that combines striking design, technological sophistication, and genuine capability in a cohesive package that feels worth every rupee of its premium positioning.
Design: Evolved Parametric Dynamics
The fourth-generation Tucson already featured one of the most distinctive designs in its segment, and the Horizon Edition builds upon this foundation with thoughtful enhancements that amplify its presence without crossing into excess.
The signature parametric grille – which seamlessly integrates the daytime running lights when illuminated – receives a dark chrome finish exclusive to the Horizon variant.
complemented by matrix LED headlamps that feature adaptive high beam technology capable of selectively “cutting out” portions of the light pattern to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers.
Along the sides, the complex surfacing that defines the current Tucson remains, though now complemented by new 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels in a diamond-cut finish with dark inlays.
A subtle body-colored side cladding with Horizon badging replaces the black plastic treatment of standard variants, lending a more premium appearance while maintaining the rugged character essential to an SUV.
At the rear, the distinctive “hidden” LED lighting signature has been enhanced with animation sequences during locking/unlocking, while a redesigned bumper incorporates genuine quad exhaust outlets (on diesel variants) that hint at the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
The hands-free power tailgate gains a memory function that allows the opening height to be customized – a thoughtful addition for those with low-clearance garages.
Available in six colors including the Horizon-exclusive Mystic Blue (a deep metallic blue with subtle purple undertones in certain lighting) and Aurora Bronze, the 2025 Tucson makes a confident statement that stands apart from both mainstream competitors and premium European offerings.
Interior: Luxurious Minimalism
Step inside the Tucson Horizon, and you’re greeted by an interior that balances technological sophistication with material quality in a cohesive design that feels genuinely premium.
The horizontal dashboard architecture features an integrated curved panel housing dual 10.25-inch displays – one for the digital instrument cluster and one for the infotainment system – framed by slim air vents that span the entire width of the cabin.
The Horizon Edition introduces Hyundai’s premium Nappa leather upholstery in a choice of Obsidian Black or two-tone Cognac Brown/Black, featuring a complex diamond-quilted pattern with perforation and contrast stitching.
The front seats offer 10-way power adjustment with memory function, ventilation, heating, and even massage functionality – features typically found in vehicles costing significantly more.
The panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light, while ambient lighting with 64 selectable colors subtly highlights the interior architecture after dark.
The center console features a shift-by-wire gear selector that enables a floating design with generous storage space beneath, flanked by capacitive touch controls for various vehicle functions.
Despite its focus on design and technology, the Tucson Horizon doesn’t sacrifice practicality. The rear seats offer excellent space for three adults, with reclining backrests, dedicated climate vents, and USB-C charging ports.
The boot capacity stands at an impressive 540 liters with all seats in place, expanding to 1,860 liters with the 40:20:40 split rear seats folded – figures that compare favorably with many larger SUVs.
Technology: Connected Sophistication
The Tucson Horizon showcases Hyundai’s latest-generation infotainment and connectivity features centered around the 10.25-inch touchscreen interface.
This system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, features natural voice recognition with conversational capability, and includes over-the-air update functionality to keep both maps and vehicle systems current.
The premium Bose audio system features 8 speakers and a subwoofer, delivering impressive sound quality across various music genres.
The system includes active sound design technology that enhances the driving experience by subtly amplifying engine sounds during spirited driving while suppressing unwanted noise during cruising.
Hyundai’s Bluelink connected car technology offers over 60 features, including remote engine start, climate control preconditioning, vehicle tracking, and geofencing.
A particularly useful addition for the adventure-minded is the “Last Mile Navigation” feature that transfers directions from the vehicle to a smartphone when parking away from the final destination.
The Horizon Edition introduces Digital Key 2.0, allowing the vehicle to be unlocked and started using just a compatible smartphone or NFC card – particularly valuable when sharing the vehicle with family members or during activities where carrying a traditional key might be inconvenient.
Powertrains: Performance with Efficiency
Under the hood, the Tucson Horizon offers two advanced powertrains that balance performance with reasonable efficiency. The 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine produces 186 horsepower and a robust 416 Nm of torque, driving all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
This combination delivers brisk performance with 0-100 km/h dispatched in approximately 9.1 seconds, while returning a respectable 15.8 km/l in mixed driving conditions.
Alternative powertrain options include a new 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 48V mild hybrid assistance, generating 180 horsepower and 265 Nm of torque.
This unit comes paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and offers the choice of front-wheel drive or HTRAC all-wheel drive systems.
The mild hybrid system provides torque assist during acceleration, enables extended start-stop functionality, and contributes to impressive fuel efficiency of approximately 14.2 km/l for the AWD variant.
The HTRAC all-wheel drive system features multiple drive modes – Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Snow – that adjust power distribution, throttle response, and transmission behavior to suit varied driving conditions.
The system can send up to 50% of available torque to the rear wheels when needed, providing genuine capability in challenging conditions while defaulting to front-wheel drive for improved efficiency during regular cruising.
Driving Dynamics: Refined Capability
The Tucson has always prioritized comfort and refinement, and the Horizon Edition continues this tradition while introducing subtle improvements to the dynamic package.
The suspension – MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear – features electronically controlled dampers that automatically adjust based on road conditions and driving style.
During our testing across varied terrain – from Delhi’s potholed streets to the winding mountain roads near Mussoorie – the Tucson demonstrated impressive versatility.
In Comfort mode, it absorbs urban imperfections with aplomb, while Sport mode tightens body control noticeably when tackling a sequence of corners.
The steering offers progressive weighting and reasonable feedback, though it prioritizes comfort over outright sportiness in keeping with the vehicle’s premium positioning.
Ground clearance of 181mm proves sufficient for typical SUV duties including light off-road trails, though the Tucson makes no pretense of being a hardcore off-roader.
That said, the Hill Descent Control and various terrain modes provide genuine assistance when conditions deteriorate beyond regular tarmac.
Safety: Comprehensive Protection
The 2025 Tucson Horizon introduces Hyundai’s most comprehensive safety package to date, centered around their SmartSense suite of advanced driver assistance systems.
These include autonomous emergency braking with junction turning function, blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, and Highway Driving Assist.
a level 2 semi-autonomous system that combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering to reduce driver fatigue on long journeys.
The Horizon Edition adds Remote Smart Parking Assist, allowing the vehicle to be moved forward or backward from outside using the key fob or smartphone app – particularly useful in tight parking spaces.
A 360-degree camera system with 3D view function provides excellent visibility during low-speed maneuvering, while front and rear parking sensors deliver audible proximity warnings.
Passive safety features include six airbags, a reinforced body structure utilizing high-strength steel, and a comprehensive suite of electronic stability and traction control systems.
ISOFIX child seat anchors, three-point seatbelts for all occupants, and a tire pressure monitoring system round out the safety package.
Variants and Pricing
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is available in four distinct variants:
Signature: The entry-level offering with essential features
Premium: The mid-range variant adding comfort and convenience features
Ultimate: A well-equipped variant with most luxury and technology features
Horizon: The new flagship variant with all available premium features
Pricing starts at Rs. 29.99 lakh for the Signature petrol, ranging to Rs. 42.99 lakh for the fully-loaded Horizon diesel with HTRAC all-wheel drive (ex-showroom).
While this positioning places the Tucson Horizon at the premium end of the mainstream SUV segment, the comprehensive feature set, sophisticated design, and genuine capability make it a compelling alternative to European luxury SUVs costing significantly more.
Conclusion: Redefining Premium
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Horizon Edition accomplishes something remarkable – it credibly challenges the notion that a premium SUV experience requires a European badge and corresponding price tag.
By combining distinctive design, technological sophistication, genuine capability, and material quality in a cohesive package backed by Hyundai’s improving reputation and extensive dealer network, it presents a compelling proposition for discerning buyers who prioritize substance over badge prestige.
In a market increasingly defined by vehicles that follow similar formulas, the Tucson Horizon stands out through its unique design language, thoughtful features, and balanced approach to the premium SUV concept.
It may not be the most obvious choice in its segment, but for those willing to look beyond established luxury nameplates, it delivers an ownership experience that satisfies on multiple levels without demanding the premium typically associated with European alternatives.