Overview

What's New for 2021

The Tucson is available in six trim levels: SE, Value, SEL, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate.

For around $24,000, the SE model is the entry-level Tucson. Its standard features list would make it seem otherwise. Exterior highlights include automatic halogen headlights, manual-folding side mirrors, a shark-fin roof antenna, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Active safety technology includes lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Inside the cabin, the SE has cloth seating surfaces, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a dual-level cargo floor, a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, air conditioning, one-touch power driver window, remote keyless entry, and a trip computer.

The Value adds many popular amenities for around $25,500, with items like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, heated side mirrors, roof rails, heated front seats, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a Blue Link Connected Car System.

The SEL starts at about $26,500. It has a more powerful engine, 18-inch wheels, premium bumpers and side sills, a second-row USB outlet, and dual-zone climate control.

With an MSRP of about $28,500, the Sport trim gets LED headlights, LED taillights, fog lamps, a hands-free power liftgate, an Infinity premium audio system, eight audio speakers, wireless phone charging, and a leather steering wheel.

The luxurious Limited trim level has a starting price of around $29,500. It includes a surround-view camera, mirror-mounted turn signals, chrome exterior accents, leather upholstery, a power passenger seat, and a heated steering wheel.

There are two engines available for the Hyundai Tucson. The base engine powers the SE and Value models and it offers adequate if underwhelming power. The 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder makes 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. It uses a 6-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 1,500 pounds. The EPA estimates that this engine with front-wheel-drive should return 23/28/25 mpg city/highway/combined. That's below-average for the class.

The SEL and above get a 2.4-liter inline-four. It is a bit more powerful at 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, but that additional muscle makes the difference. This engine also links to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It can tow up to 2,000 pounds. Another argument for this motor is that EPA fuel economy estimates virtually match the smaller engine.

The Tucson has a 16.4-gallon fuel tank capacity.

The interior is similar to that of the smaller Hyundai Kona SUV and the Hyundai Elantra sedan. The dashboard is straightforward, with a two-tone color scheme and a wide central air vent. The infotainment screen sits atop the dashboard, which some drivers will appreciate for its easy accessibility. The Tucson's controls are simple and easy to operate. Likewise, the thick, compact steering wheel is one of the best in the segment. The rest of the interior feels clean and modern. Hyundai uses hard plastics that feel durable and have a nicer look than those of some rivals.

Interior space is good, with similar headroom and legroom to other top choices in the segment. Cargo capacity, at 31 cubic feet, is a bit small relative to rivals, but it should be more than enough space for most families. Folding down the rear seat expands that area to 61.9 cubes.