Verdict
Both Tucsons use the same 178 hp/264 Nm 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine and seven-speed wet dual-clutch, so the RM20,000 gap does not buy extra straight-line pace. It buys all-wheel drive, Autonomous Braking System, steering-correction lane keeping and power adjustment for both front seats. The Prime counters with a larger 582-litre boot against 539 litres and 18-inch wheels that should cost less to replace than the Prestige AWD’s 19-inch set. For most Malaysian buyers, the Prime is the sensible pick unless the added driver-assistance kit and AWD are priorities.
Pick the Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Prime if you want the larger 582-litre boot and do not need AWD or the extra active-safety functions.
Pick the Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Prestige AWD if you want all-wheel drive, Autonomous Braking System and steering-correction lane keeping.
Key differences
- Price: Prime RM159,800; Prestige AWD RM179,800.
- Driveline: Prime front-wheel drive; Prestige AWD all-wheel drive.
- Autonomous Braking System: Prime no; Prestige AWD yes.
- Lane-keeping assist: Prime no; Prestige AWD steering correction.
- Boot space: Prime 582 litres; Prestige AWD 539 litres.
- Wheels: Prime 18-inch alloys with 235/60R18 tyres; Prestige AWD 19-inch alloys with 235/55R19 tyres.
1.6T Prime
- 582-litre boot, 43 litres larger
- 18-inch wheels and tyres
- 63 kg lighter at 1,521 kg
- Front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive
- No Autonomous Braking System
- No lane-keeping steering correction
1.6T Prestige AWD
- All-wheel drive
- Autonomous Braking System and lane-keeping steering correction
- Power-adjustable driver and passenger seats
- RM20,000 higher purchase price
- 539-litre boot is 43 litres smaller
- 63 kg heavier at 1,584 kg
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM159,800✓ | RM179,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with turbocharger, variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with turbocharger, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,598 cc | 1,598 cc |
| Horsepower | 178 hp at 5,500 rpm | 178 hp at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 264 Nm at 1,500 rpm | 264 Nm at 1,500 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 75.6 mm × 89 mm | 75.6 mm × 89 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission | 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission |
| Gears | 7 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Top Speed | 201 km/h | 201 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,630 mm | 4,630 mm |
| Width | 1,865 mm | 1,865 mm |
| Height | 1,665 mm | 1,665 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,755 mm | 2,755 mm |
| Weight | 1,521 kg | 1,584 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 54 litres | 54 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 582 litres✓ | 539 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/60R18 | 235/55R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/60R18 | 235/55R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 19" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 19" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 6 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three Point | 5 Three Point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2nd Row Seats | Available for 2nd Row Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Driver's Seat, Manual Passenger Seat | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-fold | 60:40 Split-fold |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 Front USB, 2 Rear USB | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 Front USB, 2 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 12.3" Curved Widescreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | 12.3" Curved Widescreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 160,000 km | 160,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 8 years | 8 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
1.6T Prime vs 1.6T Prestige AWD FAQ
Is the Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Prime or Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Prestige AWD better?
The Prestige AWD is better equipped, adding AWD, Autonomous Braking System and steering-correction lane keeping. The Prime is the better-value choice if those additions are not essential, as both have the same 178 hp and 264 Nm turbo powertrain.
What is the price difference?
The Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Prestige AWD costs RM20,000 more than the Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Prime.
Which Tucson has the bigger boot?
The Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Prime has the bigger boot at 582 litres. The Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Prestige AWD has 539 litres, a 43-litre deficit.
