Verdict
This is a straightforward trim-versus-traction call. The Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Prime is RM164,888, the Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Prestige AWD is RM186,888, so the RM22,000 gap buys All Wheel Drive and auto emergency braking, but not more shove: both use the 1,598 cc turbo petrol with 178 hp, 264 Nm, a wet dual-clutch auto and a 201 km/h top speed. The Prime even has the larger boot, 582 litres against 539 litres. For most Malaysian buyers, the Prime is the cleaner value play unless AWD and AEB are must-haves.
Pick the Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Prime if you want the same 178 hp turbo powertrain, lower price and the bigger 582-litre boot.
Pick the Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Prestige AWD if you specifically want All Wheel Drive and auto emergency braking, and can accept the smaller 539-litre boot.
Key differences
- Price: Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Prime RM164,888; Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Prestige AWD RM186,888
- Driven wheels: Front Wheel Drive in the Prime; All Wheel Drive in the Prestige AWD
- Auto emergency braking: not fitted on the Prime; fitted on the Prestige AWD
- Boot space: 582 L in the Prime; 539 L in the Prestige AWD
- Power and torque: 178 hp/264 Nm in the Prime; 178 hp/264 Nm in the Prestige AWD
- Top speed: 201 km/h in the Prime; 201 km/h in the Prestige AWD
1.6T Prime
- RM22,000 lower buy-in
- Same 178 hp and 264 Nm as the Prestige AWD
- Larger 582-litre boot
- Front Wheel Drive only
- No auto emergency braking
1.6T Prestige AWD
- Gets All Wheel Drive
- Auto emergency braking is fitted
- Same 201 km/h top speed as the Prime
- Costs RM22,000 more
- Boot space drops to 539 litres
- No extra power over the Prime
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 164,888✓ | RM 186,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| 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 | 178 hp |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 75.6 mm | 75.6 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 | Korea (CBU) | Korea (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 19" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 19" Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Discs | Solid Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side, Front and Rear Curtain | 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 |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 120 | RM 120 |
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.
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 Prime is better value; the Prestige AWD is better if you want All Wheel Drive and auto emergency braking. Both have 178 hp and 264 Nm, while the Prime has the bigger boot.
What is the price difference?
The Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Prestige AWD costs RM22,000 more, at RM186,888 versus RM164,888 for the Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Prime.
Do both Hyundai Tucson variants have the same engine and performance?
Yes. Both use a 1,598 cc petrol engine with 178 hp, 264 Nm and a wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, and both have a 201 km/h top speed.