2021 Hyundai Tucson Doesn’t Get Off The Mark In Latin NCAP

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson has scored zilch in the Latin NCAP safety test. Please remember that the crash-tested model is the one sold in India and not the next-gen SUV, which, by the way, has smacked it out of the park, scoring a full five stars in the Euro NCAP assessment. 

As standard procedure in crash tests, the 2021 Tucson was tested in its basic form with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat mounts in the rear seats. The SUV fared poorly, scoring 51 percent in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), five percent in Child Occupant Protection (COP), 50 percent in Pedestrian and Vulnerable Road Users, and seven percent in Safety Assist Systems. 

During the frontal impact test, the SUV’s body and footwell were rated stable, with the latter considered capable of bearing more load. It offered good protection to the front occupants’ chest, tibia, and neck regions. However, the driver’s chest got ‘adequate’ protection while the knees, it is thought, could come in contact with structures behind the dash. However, the co-driver was shown to be safe and well-protected in these areas. 

Coming to the side impact test, the Tucson offered ‘good’ protection to the passengers’ head, abdomen, and pelvis while the dummy's chest received adequate shielding. The side pole impact test wasn’t performed as the SUV didn’t have side airbags as standard. However, it offered ‘good’ protection to the neck and met the necessary requirements for rear impact structure.  

The Tucson seems to have failed the safety test for offering inadequate safety equipment. Side and curtain airbags were optional. Also, the model tested didn’t feature Advanced Driver Assistance Systems like autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist. These are considered crucial for returning a higher Latin NCAP score.  

In India, the Hyundai Tucson is currently priced between Rs 22.69 lakh and Rs 27.47 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). The carmaker has begun testing the next-gen SUV, expected to be launched in 2022. It will renew its rivalry with the Citroen C5 Aircross, VW Tiguan, and Jeep Compass.