Head to Head

Buyers are now spoiled for choice in the compact SUV/crossover segment with many entries serving various income demographics, models, trim levels.

And lately choice of country-brand also comes into play.

Let's check out how a Chinese brand SUV/crossover-the GAC Emkoo- stacks up against the Hyundai Tucson GLS AT from the South Korea.

Dimensions

The GAC Emkoo is 4680mm long, 1901 mm wide and 1670mm tall, with a 2750mm long wheelbase.

Hyundai lists the Tucson sold locally at 4,630 mm long, 1,865 mm wide and 1,665 mm tall, with a 2,775 mm long wheelbase.

Exterior Features

The GAC Emkoo 1.5T+7WDCT GL features a 12-bar V-shaped grille with titanium-tungsten alloy strips, LED Automatic Headlights with Intelligent High Beam Control System, Height Adjustment, Alarm for Headlights On, and Follow Me Home Function; LED Daytime Running Lights; Heated Side Mirrors that Power Adjust and AutoFold, and Lightsaber-inspired Taillight design with 126 embedded LEDs.

It also features Electric Hidden Door Handles, Mecha-style spoiler, Roof Rails, that leads to the roof rails, and Induction Electric Tailgate, a Sunroof with Electric Sunshades, and 19-inch Alloy Rims wrapped by 55 Series tires.

The Hyundai Tucson GLS AT features Multi-Face Reflector Headlamps with auto light function, LED daytime running lights, LED position lamps, LED rear combination lamps, and rear fog lights

It also features 3D parametric-style grille with jewel like surfaces in dark chrome, beefy fenders, rear spoiler with high mount stoplight, body colored outside rear mirrors that are heated and power fold and come with turn signals, roof rails, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Interior Comfort & Convenience

The GAC Emkoo has one of the roomiest cabin in the segment with a futuristic design highlighted by the twin tablet-like displays including a seven-in LCD Multi-Information Display.

The seats in the Emkoo GL are upholstered in posh leatherette material.

The driver's ventilated seat power adjusts six way while the front passenger seat manually adjusts four-ways manually.

The rear seat backrest split-folds 60/40.

The multi-function steering wheel tilts and telescopes.

The center console features beverage holder and tray for phone, the engine start/stop button, hazard lights, the electronic parking brake button, and the gear shift lever with the crystal motif.

Other comfort and convenience features include automatic airconditioning that comes with second row vents and air quality sensor in the GL, power doors and windows, and Keyless Start System.

The Tucson GLS AT is a roomy five-seater with leather upholstery for seats and the steering wheel which tilts and telescopes and comes with buttons and switches for the audio and cruise control, as well as paddle shifters.

The front seats adjust manually. The rear seat for three splits and folds 60:40.

With the backseat folded fully flat there's 1,903 liters of space for luggage and other cargo.

The Tucson GLS comes with Smart Key and Push Button Start and Electronic Parking Brake with Autohold function.

Standard comfort and convenience features include overhead console with lamp, room and mood lamps, sun visors with mirror and illumination, center console with cupholders, power windows and door locks, luggage net and screen, wireless charger and two charging USB ports and 12-volt accessory socket.

Infotainment

The Emkoo infotainment system features 10.1-inch Multi-Functional Touchscreen and comes with CarPlay and Android Phone Screen Mirroring, Bluetooth, Speed-Based Volume Adjustment, and 6 Speakers.

Type C and Type A USB ports are also available.

The Tucson GLS is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Customizable Voice Recognition, six Speakers that include two tweeters, and Blue Tooth.

Powertrain & Chassis

Underneath the hood of the Emkoo 1.5T+7WDCT GL is a 175 horsepower turbocharged 1475cc gasoline engine that generates 270 Newton-meters of torque.

This is mated to a 7-speed Wet Dual Clutch Transmission system that drives the front wheels.

The suspension system features front McPherson struts and a multi-link system in the rear.

The brake system uses discs on all four wheels.

The Hyundai Tucson 2.0 GLS 6A/T is powered by a Smartstream G2.0 1,999cc gasoline engine generating a max 156ps and 192 Nm of torque, and mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels.

The Tucson features push buttons for selecting drive, neutral, reverse, park, as well toggle switch for selecting the four drive modes -Eco, Normal, Sport, and Smart.

The Tucson rides on a suspension featuring front McPherson Struts and rear Multi-Link combo.

The brake system uses 16-inch discs on all four wheels, ventilated in front.

Driver Assist & Safety

GAC Motor has crammed the Emkoo GL with new driver assist and safety technologies that include Rear Parking Sensors, Surround View Camera System; Adaptive Cruise Control with Integrated Cruise Assist; Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and Traffic Sign Recognition System.

Tthe GL is also outfitted with Automatic Emergency Braking-Vulnerable Road Users Protection, Forward Collision Warning, Hill-Start Hold Control, Hill Descent Control, Electronic Stability Program; Electronic Parking Brake with Autohold, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Added for safety are Dual Front, Side, and Curtain Airbags, Front Row Seatbelts with Pretensioner and Force Limiters with Unfastened Reminders, Second Row Seatbelts with Reminders, Electronic Child Lock, ISOFIX child Safety Anchors.

Hyundai has loaded the Tucson GLS with tons of driver assist and safety tech that include Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Downhill Brake Control, Hill Start Assist Control, Trailer Stability Assist, Manual Speed Limiter, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and Immobilizer.

The Tucson GLS is also equipped with Rear View Monitor with dynamic guidance and front and rear Parking Distance Warning.

Added for safety are six airbags, child safety rear door locking, anchors for child seat, and electro chromic rear view monitor.

After this Head-to-Head, Spec-to-Spec comparo, which would you rather have in your garage, the Chinese GAC Emkoo GL or the Korean Hyundai Tucson GLS.