The Hyundai Tucson is a compact-to-mid-size family SUV that was first introduced back in 2004 and has been in continuous production ever since. With more than 7 million units sold worldwide, the Tucson is one of the most successful SUVs in the history of mankind. So, is Hyundai Tucson a good car?
Yes, the Hyundai Tucson is indeed a really good car because it offers a really well-rounded experience at a price tag that is truly hard to beat in this segment. The engines on offer are all sophisticated, efficient, and relatively powerful. The exterior design is really futuristic with cool-looking design touches throughout the car.
The interior is also well appointed with all you need to be comfortable and safe. Reliability seems to be really good, as is the case with most Hyundai models these days. There are some issues worth talking about, especially those related to the engine, the transmission, the electronics, the equipment, and the A/C system.
When it comes to outright value, it is really difficult to beat the Tucson with its sub $30,000 starting price. Used examples are also selling really well and they do manage to keep their value favorably. Practicality is also really good thanks to four large seats, lots of interior space, and really large trunk space.
Hyundai Tucson – The powerplant
The Hyundai Tucson is available with a single gasoline option, but that engine can be mated to an electric motor as well. This engine measures 1.6L in displacement and is a 4-cylinder engine. This is enough for the Tucson to push out 150hp and 184lb-ft of torque. With almost 40PMG combined, the Tucson is extremely efficient for what it is.
You can also get the Tucson as either a conventional hybrid or a plug-in hybrid. The conventional hybrid gets the 1.6L engine and an electric motor for a combined output of 230hp and 258lb-ft of torque. The plug-in version gets the same setup but is able to offer 265hp and 260lb-ft of torque. Both of these offer upwards of 40MPG combined.
FWD is standard across the board, and the only transmission option is the 6-speed automatic gearbox. All in all, the Tucson powertrain is nothing special, but adequate.
Hyundai Tucson – Design and chassis
When it comes to design, the Tucson manages to look really well. Hyundai stepped their game up in the last few years which means that Hyundai models now look really futuristic and eye-catching. The interior of the Tucson is also really well appointed with a good-looking layout and enough technology even for tech-savvy owners.
The driving experience is bland for most people, but that is what you expect from a car like this. It is a comfortable family SUV that does not try to be an off-roader, or a sports SUV. All in all, if you are used to cars like this, the Tucson is not going to be any different.
Hyundai Tucson – Reliability and common issues
When it comes to reliability, the Tucson manages to be a really reliable car as far as most owners are concerned. Hyundai is known for making dependable cars for decades and the Tucson is no different. There are some issues worth talking about, but all in all, the Tucson is at the top of the reliability game in this segment.
The most common issues include problems with the engine, the transmission, the A/C system, the electricals, and the equipment. Hyundai did do a few recalls for the Tucson and most of those recalls solved a bunch of issues.
Hyundai Tucson – Value and practicality
The Hyundai Tucson starts at $25,350 for the entry-level SE model while top-spec models tend to go for over $37,000. For that price, you really can’t find many cars that can compete with the Tucson. Used examples are also really popular which means that the Tucson manages to retain its value really well, especially in the US market.
Practicality-wise, the Tucson is also really good thanks to a large interior seating space, lots of storage spaces, and clever practicality solutions that make the car really good for family use. Visibility is excellent thanks to a higher center of gravity which also benefits getting in and out of the car.
FAQ Section
Is the Hyundai Tucson worth it?
Under $30,000, your compact-to-mid size SUV options are fairly limited which means that you can’t really find a package that is going to give you everything. However, the Hyundai Tucson is the closest thing you can get to everything in this price range, especially the newest Tucson model which improved over the last one quite a bit.
As such, it is indeed worth it to consider buying the Hyundai Tucson as it truly is a really good all-around SUV. Many families all around the world pick the Tucson as their primary means of transportation because it gives you a lot, but still does not cost all that much.
Is the Hyundai Tucson a luxury SUV?
No, it is not. It is true that economy-level brands are narrowing the gap between high-end luxury cars and affordable cars because the latest advancements in luxury car technology are mostly underneath the skin where you can’t notice it with your eyes. Therefore, a luxury SUV does not always have to look the best as was the case a decade ago.
The Hyundai Tucson is a really well-designed car and it makes sense why people believe that it bridges the gap between luxury SUVs and affordable economy-level SUVs.
Is the Hyundai Tucson an off-roader?
Given the fact that the Tucson does not offer AWD and the fact that it does not offer any off-roading options, it is safe to say that it isn’t an off-roader by any means. Long gone are the days when all SUVs were designed to be utilitarian because most of them aren’t.
The Tucson really isn’t anything better than a Hyundai Sonata, except for the slightly higher ground clearance. You are not going to get a whole lot of use from the Tucson on the beaten path which means that 99% of owners buy these for other purposes.
