2021 Hyundai Tucson vs Jeep Compass

What's the difference?

The Hyundai Tucson 2021 range has arrived, and it follows the well-trodden path of its predecessor. Sure it’s much more high-tech inside, has more advanced safety technology than ever, and is also roomier and better packaged, too. But has it stuck too close to the traditional formula for an all-new car in 2021?

The new Tucson retains the choice of a couple of petrol engine and a diesel powertrain, and there is no sign of electrification in any form whatsoever - no mild hybrid, no hybrid tech at all, no electric version and no chance of any such car in the near future, either. Hyundai says there are insurmountable barriers to introduce such cars at viable prices.

“Imagine tomorrow’s car, today”. That’s the marketing tagline for this all-new Hyundai Tuscon, but if I think about tomorrow’s car, it certainly doesn’t have zero electrification as part of its model strategy. 

And the market clearly isn’t thinking that way either, with the Toyota RAV4 accounting for more than one-in-four sales in the medium SUV segment (of which, more than 60 per cent are hybrid).

That may not matter to you, and mid-size SUV sales suggest that about 85 per cent of current mid-size SUV customers are buying petrol and diesel models. 

But with new competition coming soon with electrification as part of their arsenals, like the all-new Nissan X-Trail and the new-generation Mitsubishi Outlander, and established rivals like the RAV4 Hybrid and Subaru Forester Hybrid playing alongside challengers such as the MG HS PHEV, has Hyundai really brought us a glimpse of tomorrow with the new Tucson? Or is it more like yesterday’s tech in a present-day package?

Jeeps have some of the best names in the car business. There’s the Gladiator, Renegade, and the Wrangler. Then there’s the Compass Night Eagle which is what this review is on. Night Eagle is the name of the grade, and it sounds terrifying. 

Yup, they’re all great outdoorsy names that suggest these are tough go-anywhere vehicles with adventurous and brave owners who build fires, pitch tents and eat the elk they hunted with a bow that morning. 

So, how does a Jeep Compass Night Eagle handle an urban jungle, full of tight streets, shopping centre carparks and school runs? It was also driven by me – and I'm someone who thinks ordering a double-shot cappuccino is adventurous.