This is the current model, but it’s important.
In a recent crash safety testing, the Hyundai Tucson received a terrible zero-star rating. Before you get out your pitchforks, please note that the NCAP Latin America and the Caribbean tested the Hyundai Tucson compact crossover.
Latin NCAP has the answer to your question:
Latin NCAP bought the unit that was tested in February 2021. Official representatives from Hyundai in three countries confirmed that the new Tucson in Latin America was less than 2 years away. The situation changed and the new Tucson was delivered to Latin NCAP in 2021.
This test is still important, not just in Latin America but for other parts of the globe. The Latin NCAP points out that there are still markets that sell Tucsons. You can even purchase one ‘new’ in some. This is the case in the Philippines, where the Tucson is still sold…officially.
Latin NCAP also pointed out Hyundai’s delay in submitting the results. All cars will be tested for passive pedestrian safety starting in 2020. This means that the front end of the car must be crashed multiple times. However, it is necessary to replace frontal components with new ones. Therefore, many spare parts are required.
Latin NCAP stated that Hyundai required seven months to replace parts, which was longer than any other vehicle tested for passive pedestrian safety. Latin NCAP suggests that this is the likely explanation:
Two possible reasons could be behind this delay. One is a deliberate action by the car manufacturer to delay results and delay parts. The second reason could be that the spare parts system at Hyundai is slow, inefficient and slow, which would leave a consumer waiting for months to receive an original spare part. Consumers aren’t going to like either of these scenarios.
Latin NCAP’s Tucson was tested with only two front airbags. It also doesn’t have electronic stability control or other relevant technology. It was well-respected for adult protection against frontal and side impact, as well whiplash protection. The car did not score well in the side airbags.
Two factors contributed to poor child occupant protection performance: Hyundai did not select Child Restraint Systems for the tests and a lap belt was not available in the center back seat. Overall pedestrian protection was average. However, it scored poor for upper leg protection and high for head protection. This was also due to the absence of autonomous emergency brakes, which can help prevent pedestrian accidents.
Latin NCAP stated that it offered to test the new Hyundai Hyundai Tucson, but declined.