As Impressive or More So as My BMW X3
Over the last 10 years I've leased an Acura RDX, a BMW X3 and currently the Tucson PHEV. Given that all 3 are in the luxury category, I expected them to be similar in numerous ways re: driving performance, cabin comfort/appointments and reliability. The Tucson was/is up to the challenge in those categories, but where it scores higher in my opinion is the lease payment. While similar in pricing to the Acura RDX, the monthly payment vs the BMW X3 is MUCH more favorable. Yes, BMW is everything you'd think it would be re: road handling, cabin comfort, styling and durability, but (so far) the Tucson easily measures up. There are a few nit picks vs the X3 (i.e. the rear door opening feature only requires a leg kick vs standing for 8 seconds to wait for the Tucson's door to lift)...and the X3's having hydraulic pistons vs the manual stick on the Tucson to hold up the hood, but those are minor concessions. Having taken a few long road trips, the Tucson PHEV proved comfortable w a smooth ride and very little road noise. Its gas/electric range was/is slightly less than the Acura RDX and X3, but, again, a minor concession. Around town, the Tucson's been great vs the Acura RDX, which seemed to register every seam in the pavement, so I'd give the Tucson and the X3 higher marks for in town driving in terms of comfort. I live in a climate that gets 4 seasons w snow in particular Dec - April. The Tucson has performed on par w the Acura RDX and X3 handling wise. A slight ding would be a reduced battery charge 'e' wise, but cold temps affect every EV, so again, not a big deal. I'm happy I chose the hybrid and NOT the full electric as the charging still takes a good 6 - 11 hours overnight on a regular house current charger. Plus I never wanted to be in a position where I had to stop during a longer road trip to charge up for 3 hours or longer or worry about running out of juice (which has happened to friends of mine driving full EVs). I do miss the leg extension piece in the driver's seat that I had in the X3 as I'm tall and I liked the extra support, but it's a minor concession. The rear cargo area has approx the same as the RDX and X3...tho it's still pretty cramped to toss in 2 sets of golf clubs (the RDX and X3 had the same issue). Hyundai is really good about mailing and or emailing me service reminders, including discounts on maintenance. I've not had to use its roadside assistance, but I know it's available to me. Before leasing it I test drove the Honda CRV Hybrid, the Toyota RAV4 Prime, the KIA Sportage Plug In and the Mitsubishi Highlander Hybrid, finding the KIA and Tucson the most impressive (pretty much because they are manufactured by the same companies). Tho the RAV 4 Prime got the highest ratings on Consumer Report (89) vs Tucson PHEV (82) I preferred the Tucson...and was able to actually get one in my time frame. So far, I've really enjoyed the Tucson PHEV.
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