I have added 14 features of the Hyundai Tucson that you should know before buying it.
However, it has mixed reviews and feedback from automobile journalists and consumers with several recalls for different models.
Is Hyundai Tucson a Good SUV? Hyundai Tucson is a good SUV, and it is popular for its reliability and durability. Its latest model ranks among the top 5 SUVs for superior performance, high-quality interiors, tested safety features, and consumer reviews. However, the 2016 model is the worst version, with hundreds of complaints.
Is Hyundai Tucson a Good SUV?
Hyundai Tucson is a compact, value-oriented SUV packed with great options, roomy interiors, and comfortable off-road drive.
The latest version of 2022 has advanced electrified features that offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.
The crossover has huge purchase value among other models of Hyundai brand with an average sale of 100,500 units per year after 2017.
Brief history
In 2004, the company launched the first generation of well-equipped and smallest Hyundai Tucson.
It was an affordable alternative to high-ranking vehicles and started to gain popularity due to its impressive safety features.
In September 2020, the company will release its latest 2022 version, which they claim is the most advanced and exceptionally performing vehicle.
The manufacturers have improved several aspects throughout the years with enhanced interiors, exteriors and technologies.
However, the import of these vehicles started in the 21st century before that nobody even knew its name.
Where is the Hyundai Tucson Made?
Montgomery, Alabama, is the current manufacturing place of these SUVs under the company’s name Hyundai.
Earlier, South Korea was its production place which is the home country of the company.
Model 2022 is the first model to produce in the USA because of the country’s great ability to manufacture outclass automobiles.
However, the company is producing other Hyundai vehicles for more than 15 years, but Tucson is new here.
Is Hyundai Tucson a reliable SUV?
On a reliability scale, this SUV has a rating of 5/5 for the model 2019.
“Automobile rating association has given 2018 and 2019 models 90/100 scores for supreme quality and reliability. While models 2013 and 2015 also top the chart with an average score of 85/100”.
These are known as “best” and “great” for their extraordinary performance and reliability.
Performance
It has a 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower, 174 pound-feet torque.
The 2021 model has a 1.6 L 4-cylinder turbocharged with two varying horsepower options, 220 hp, and 255 hp.
It is available in FWD and AWD with 8-speed automatic transmission in model 2022 and 6-speed automatic transmission in 2019 variant.
It gives a composed ride and smooth handling on the highway and snow, making it a top-ranking off-road SUV.
The 2022 model offers three options: gas-only, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid.
Its plug-in hybrid option has a 13.5 kWh battery that is sufficient to drive up to 30 miles.
The battery charges fully between 2 to 3 hours with a level 2 charger of 7 kW.
The exteriors are daring and attractive, and the driving experience is pleasantly dynamic with 8 inches of ground clearance.
It comes with a leather-upholstered aluminum steering wheel, which has an attached power system that reduces friction by 25%.
The driving stability enhances with a large wheelbase and width giving better handling.
This moderate-size SUV is suitable for high traffic areas with a stiffer suspension that sinks all the bumps.
Warranty
The company offers a limited five years warranty or 59,500 miles for a usual drive.
There is ten years or 100500 miles warranty for the powertrain, which is way more than other SUV brands.
Comfortable and good quality interior
A well-equipped cabin, roomy seating, large cargo space, and comfortable ride is the short explanation of this vehicle. The feel is relaxing and calming yet modern and stylish.
The SUV is a two-row vehicle that offers five to six-person accommodation.
It has padded seats that are supportive and provide comfortable seating, while the first row seats have sufficient headroom and legroom and are suitable for taller persons.
The seats are spacious enough to accommodate at least two adults with 2 to 3 kids at a time on 2nd row.
It also has attached latches on the rear seats to ensure the kids’ safety with additional anchoring belts.
Heating and ventilating seats with manually adjustable and power-adjustable options are available in different trims.
The cabin has European designs and builds, with usually a monochromatic black theme, contrasted with beige seats.
The upholstery is standard, stain-resistant, and repels odor, while some expensive trims have leather upholstery.
All the materials used are high quality, soft-touch and user-friendly, typical in higher trims. The weight of the Hyundai Tucson is around 1.61 tons.
However, some lower-trim models have hard, cheaper plastic use in the interiors, which decreases their value.
Its latest models are ideal for large cargo because they have more space between the rows and at the backseat.
There is a space for placing 20 to 22 medium-sized luggage bags after folding the rear seat row.
Average cargo space is 30 by 37 cubic feet with the raised rear seat, while it measures 64 by 42 cubic feet with folded seat.
Is Hyundai Tucson SUV safe?
Hyundai Tucson is on top of the priority list of 80% population of the USA, based on safety features.
“An overall safety rating of latest models of this SUV is 5/5 stars by NHTSA because of standard driver-assistance features”.
The safety features include:
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane departure and lane-keeping assistance
- Cruise control system
- Forward and rear collision warning
- High-beam headlights
- Driving monitoring
- Rearview Cameras
- Kids alert
- Parking sensors
- Traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Smart parking assist
- Highway driving assist
- Optional cyclist detection
- Digital gauge cluster
Does Hyundai Tucson has a good entertainment system?
Like other features, entertainment systems have also improved in the SUV from 2011 models that vary in different trims and versions.
It offers the following infotainment, Bluetooth, and navigation features:
- 8 inches touch screen
- Apple car play
- Andriod auto
- 10 inches built-in navigation screen
- Satellite radio
- Bose stereo system
- WIFI hotspot
- Physical buttons for touch-sensitive panel
- Two USB ports
- Wireless device charging
- Climate control system
- Proximity keyless entry
- Push-button start
- Panoramic sunroof
Is Hyundai Tucson a durable SUV?
The durability of a vehicle is indicated by its mileage and strength of different parts throughout its life.
You can expect it to last around 14 to 15 years, but it depends upon the models and trims.
It can go up to 200500 miles, depending upon the maintenance and care.
Its average annual mileage is 14500 to 15500 miles with some repairs.
An owner posted online:
“My 2009 Tucson lasted more than 220000 miles with regular oil changes and maintenance, but I changed its belts at 150,500 miles”.
Another owner wrote:
“My 2.4 L Tucson of 2013 has already run up to 240000 miles and is still running smoothly”.
While there is an exceptional case where an owner claimed that:
“My 2015 Tucson lasted for around 460000 miles by changing oil every 6000 miles, and I change transmission three times”.
Its tires are strong and can live up to 3 to 4 years when maintained properly.
The tires can go long up to 55000 miles if they are high-performance tires in terms of mileage.
The latest models have improved transmission and electric systems so you can expect their life up to 100000 miles without any issues.
However, iridium plugs are more durable and can last for 150500 miles.
Is it an affordable SUV?
The vehicle is much affordable because of its low starting price of $26000 for the SE trim of the 2022 model.
The cost increases with the trims, which end up at $39000 of the most luxurious trim, and it is limited-hybrid.
Hyundai Tucson will cost you up to $8000 for maintenance for the beginning ten years of its purchase.
On a ground note, it will give $420 expense per year for the repair and maintenance.
Moreover, its high insurance package will come with $1300, which you can reduce by taking a medium insurance package.
4 Generations of Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Tucson has four generations starting from the year of production till today. These vary in infotainment and safety features, interiors, exteriors, powertrain, and cost.
First-generation (2004 to 2009): The first generation had simple designs with 2L to 2.5L V6 engines with horsepower ranges between 135 to 170 hp.
Second generation (2010 to 2015): The company redesigned their SUV with a more modern look and enhanced features from 2010 with a 2.4 L engine of 172 hp.
Third generation (2016 to 2021): These have bold appearances and look with 4WD and AWD, 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, or 2L 4-cylinder engine.
Fourth generation (2022): It starts with 2022, which is not yet launched but has the most technologies and high-quality features.
What are the trim levels of the Hyundai Tucson?
The 2022 model has four trims: SE, SEL, N line, and limited, while 2021 variant has six-time: value, limited, ultimate, sport, SEL, and SE.
All these trims are slightly different in features and looks, which makes them less or more pricey.
All trims are present in FWD and AWD options and are available in 5 to 6 colors.
Also, they vary in engine power, depending upon the turbocharges hybrid or gas options.
Rankings and awards
Ranking and awards are the most reliable criteria to access the superiority of a vehicle, and Hyundai Tucson has this favor.
The 2022 model ranks on number 1 with a score of 9/10, while model 2021 has got 85/100 scores, evaluated from 10 online types of research and ports.
2022 model has ranked on number 1 in the following categories:
- Compact SUVs
- Crossover SUVs
- Two-rows SUVs
In addition, it lies on number 4 in cheapest new SUVs and best SUVs under $25000 categories.
Its vehicles in 2018, 2019, and 2020 rank among the top ten safety pick and quality reports.
Does it have any recalls?
A recall is the repaired and corrective version of a model relaunched by the company against which owners and NHTSA register complaints.
In general terms, the company has had around 95 recalls since 2005 and 25 recalls since 2010, which is a huge number.
The number of complaints registered against Hyundai Tucson after 2010 are as follows.
| Year | Complaints |
| 2010 Hyundai Tucson | 15 |
| 2011 Hyundai Tucson | 55 |
| 2012 Hyundai Tucson | 50 |
| 2013 Hyundai Tucson | 24 |
| 2014 Hyundai Tucson | 26 |
| 2015 Hyundai Tucson | 34 |
| 2016 Hyundai Tucson | 220 |
| 2017 Hyundai Tucson | 100 |
| 2018 Hyundai Tucson | 20 |
| 2019 Hyundai Tucson | 7 |
| 2020 Hyundai Tucson | 0 |
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson | 0 |
Most recalls occurred due to 2019 models, and some of them are:
- In addition, a recall was in 2019 for 2011 to 2013 models due to leaks and damage in the engine.
- A recall was in 2016 for 2017 and 2018 models due to a fault in electrical wiring.
- Two recalls occurred in 2016 for the 2016 model due to a fault in automatic transmission and latches.
- Another was in 2016 for the 2016 model due to a fault in exterior lights.
- One was in 2016 for the 2011 model due to a powertrain and transmission fluid problem.
- A recall was in 2013 for 2006 to 2009 models due to faulty brakes and exterior lights.
- A recall was in 2014 for 2011-2014 models due to problems in airbags.
What are customers saying about Hyundai Tucson?
Based on the online rating, Hyundai Tucson has an average rating of 4.5/5, of which 70% of owners gave it 5/5 stars.
We recently conducted a survey on 300 US people in which 85% were males and 15% were females and got 90% positive results with a total scoring of 8/10.
The results are as follows:
| Specifications | Rating out of 10 |
| Interior | 9 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Performance | 8 |
| Exterior | 8 |
| Price | 9.5 |
| reliability | 10 |
| Long-lasting | 10 |
The consumer reviews were surprisingly pleasant for this SUV with the following comments:
“It is a very nice SUV with 100% comfort level and luxurious features. I like it so much and enjoy driving it. The safety features are too much helping me with the assistance”.
Another owner commented:
“It has more features than other SUVs, and it came outstanding and much more than my expectation. Also, the contemporary styling and feel makes it worth buying”.
One owner wrote:
“I purchased Hyundai Tucson 2021 a month ago, and I like its extra roomy interiors and smooth drive off-road. The leather trim and heated seat add 50% more to the SUV”.
Despite the top ranking, few variants of Hyundai Tuscon have several problems which failed some models.
These problems occur in the engine, electric wiring, and technologies. The complaints are:
Engine failure after few months was most disappointing for the owners, and they had to replace it.
In 2016, some owners complained that the vehicle did not accelerate after stopping, and it was not shifting correctly.
In the same year, there were issues with AC which suddenly started to blow warm air.
The transmission was also causing many problems in most of the years, especially in 2016.
Other problems were in the touch screen, battery, audio players, and emergency braking.
An owner complained:
“I bought Tucson 4 months ago and experienced problems with its ignition system. After examining it, I found that it has a faulty battery. It is very frustrating”.
Another wrote:
“My SUV of 2016 is not accelerating properly, and when I press the gas pedal, it stops suddenly. I think there is an issue in transmission control”.
All these problems declared the 2016 model as the worst year of Hyundai Tuscon.
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