Save-time (and perhaps money) with this comprehensive Hyundai Tucson review
finder score: 78.50%
| Website | Rating | Notable quotes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CarAdvice | 76% | "The 2022 Hyundai Tucson is in the top three in a sales sense in this country and with good reasons. It's a quality, well-specified SUV that puts forward a strong case in such a competitive environment." | Read more |
| CarsGuide | 78% | "The Hyundai Tucson cuts a fine figure and has a very interesting interior that is more practical and likeable than the existing model. But there are some elements of the range that don't stack up, like those old-school engines that certainly don't make it feel like 'tomorrow's car, today'." | Read more |
| CarExpert | 82% | "While the powertrains may not scream 'futuristic', the design, infotainment and safety tech definitely bring the Hyundai into line with the front-runners of the mid-size SUV segment." | Read more |
| Practical Motoring | 78% | "The 2021 Hyundai Tucson needs to stand out in a very competitive segment, and this fourth generation goes a long way to achieve that. It has stylish looks, a great cabin with lots of room to move and a raft of safety technology that sees it leading the pack, but the launch powertrain is underwhelming, and leaves us wondering what it could have been." | Read more |
Hyundai offers the Tucson in 3 different trims – Tucson, Elite and Highlander. The estimated driveaway price starts from $38,342.88.
Serving as the entry-level model to the Tucson range, this self-named SUV starts from $38,342.88 driveaway.
Standard features include:
The Elite Tucson costs $4,635 extra, for an estimated driveaway price of $42,977.88. This model comes with the choice of 2 engines – a 2.0-litre petrol and a 6-speed auto FWD, or a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol with a 7-speed automatic (and AWD).
Key highlights are:
The Highlander is the top of the range Tucson model. It starts from $50,245.88.
Adds to the Elite model with:
Click on a price to compare car loans for the Hyundai Tucson.
| Hyundai Tucson | Hyundai Tucson Elite | Hyundai Tucson Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0-litre, 6-speed automatic, FWD: $38,342.88 | 2.0-litre, 6-speed automatic, FWD: $42,977.88 | 2.0-litre, 6-speed automatic, FWD: $50,245.88 |
| 1.6-litre, 7-speed automatic, AWD: $47,263.88 | 1.6-litre, 7-speed automatic, AWD: $54,611.88 |
The Hyundai Tucson is available in 5 colours:
You can buy the Tucson Elite in the additional premium paint, Amazon Gray ($595) and the Highlander is available in Silky Bronze ($595)
It seems the Tucson manages to keep pace with its competitors and is a good all-rounder. The latest generation looks sure to remain competitive and you should definitely test drive one if you're in the market for a mid-size SUV. It has a unique design, excellent interior, a premium feel and is well-executed, according to motoring experts. You might want to opt for the 1.6- turbocharged petrol or wait for the diesel model, though, as most reviewers were left underwhelmed by the 2.0-litre non-turbo engine.
| Website | Pros | Cons | Notable quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| CarAdvice |
|
| "We're looking forward to driving the other engine and gearbox combinations, but on face value, the smart money looks to be higher up in the range, where you get real quality for your money." |
| CarsGuide |
|
| "Without driving the turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel models it's hard to make a definitive call on the pick of the range, but one thing's for sure – it isn't a Tucson with the 2.0L engine. We look forward to spending more time in the other Tucson grades, and giving you different perspectives." |
| CarExpert |
|
| "It also boasts a capable platform providing big car comfort, confident handling, and practicality levels at the top of the class." |
| Practical Motoring |
|
| "The Hyundai Tucson has been given an all-new appearance for its fourth generation, with edgy styling, smart technology and creature comforts bringing Australia a future-facing medium SUV for the 21st Century." |
There are 2 different engines available in the Hyundai Tucson. A 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol.
Hyundai uses this engine in the Hyundai Kona and some other ROW models like the Kia Optima.
The 4-cylinder, in-line 4 petrol engine is a non-force induction engine. The specs say it'll run on 91 RON petrol and that it is E10 compatible. Power reaches 115kW @ 6,200RPM, while torque maxes out at 192Nm, at 4,500rpm. Hyundai teams this engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The smaller engine, thanks to a turbocharger, puts out more power. While capacity is 1,598CC (compared to the 1,999CC atmo engine), peak power levels of 132kW open up at 5,500RPM. The maximum torque of 265Nm is available across a diesel-esque torque band from 1,500-4-500RPM. This engine uses a Hyundai Motor Group exclusive technology called Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD), which Hyundai claims translates to a 4% performance improvement, 5% better fuel use and a reduction in emissions by as much as 12%.
All reviewers drove a 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine Tucson press car. It's fair to say that it didn't win them over. It was described as tolerable, slightly stagnated and sufficient. Most longed to drive the 1.6-litre turbo petrol or upcoming diesel.
One tester was shocked – in a positive way, though. After peeping at the performance specs, they admitted they weren't expecting the 2.0-litre to be all that assertive. However, it proved to be a reliable performer and they acknowledged that this level of power was ample for everyday drivers. However, that same tester did decide that the engine was a little stretched by higher-speed journeys. Another dubbed the 2.0-litre as the chink the Tucson's armour. They spoke of how they thought it was down on power and was a bit of a lazy engine.
Almost all of the testers wished to drive the more powerful 1.6 turbocharged petrol or the incoming diesel. Many also questioned why there would be no hybrid option for such a progressive and edgy looking car. According to some sources, Hyundai has ruled out a hybrid or PHEV vehicle for Australia, despite an RHD model already selling in the UK. In fact, in the UK, it appears you can't even buy a non-hybrid Tucson.
As part of a phased introduction of the Tucson, more engines are coming. A 1.6 turbo has already gone on sale since the initial launch and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel is due, according to some media outlets in July.
| SmartStream G2.0 | SmartStream G1.6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine type | Naturally aspirated, Multi-Point injection (MPi) 16 valve | Turbocharged, direct injection, 16 valve |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Engine size/displacement | 1,999cc | 1,598cc |
| Fuel type | ||
| Cylinders | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | ||
| Max power | 115kW at 6,200rpm | 132kW at 5,500rpm |
| Max torque | 192Nm at 4,500rpm | 265Nm at 1,500-4,500rpm |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.1L/100km | 7.2L/100km |
| Acceleration (0-100km/h) | ||
| Emissions standard | ||
| Top speed (km/h) | ||
| Security | ||
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 7-speed automatic |
| Towing capacity (unbraked/braked) | ||
Here's what each Hyundai Tucson model uses on fuel.
According to the brochure, the 2.0-litre Hyundai Tucson uses the following amounts of fuel:
The Green Vehicle Guide, a Government-backed fuel economy website, estimates driving 14,000km per year would cost approximately $1,630 in fuel. That's if you spend two-thirds of the time around town.
The turbocharged Hyundai Tucson engine has the following fuel economy figures:
So, what was the Hyundai Tucson like on fuel at the hands of car reviewers?
It's quite normal for fuel economy figures recorded by car reviewers to be higher than the brochure figures. A 1.0L/100km variation is not uncommon. One tester (driving the 2.0L Tucson) logged a fuel use of 8.9L/100km (versus 8.1L/100km). Another review commented they managed to get pretty close to the brochure figures and labelled the Tucson as on par for the class, without excelling.
Another registered high 6s on a freeway while one other expert saw numbers within 1.0L/100km. So the Tucson is very much in line with the wider car industry.
Most Australian market Hyundais go through local R&D to create a specific tune for Aussie roads (you can see the Hyundai localisation workflow here). For the Tucson, Hyundai instead opted to run the Tucson in an international set-up (though it has been tested locally). How did car reviewers judge this global tune then?
One reviewer said the Tucson holds up nicely here, in a hotly contested segment. They liked the steering sensation, which they described as communicative (meaning you can get a sense of what's happening under the wheels and on the road surface) and nicely balanced (meaning it didn't demand too much effort at low speeds or become too light at higher speeds). Another motoring expert backed this notion up when they said it met their expectations. They said it was comfortable to ride in and a competent handler. They commented that the Tucson held its composure at all times, even when driving over aggressively rutted ground. They said the Tucson soaked up what Australian roads threw at it admirably.
However, one reviewer longed for more from the Tucson's ride and handling. They felt, because of the global suspension set-up, it was a bit squishy and less optimised than it could have been. That tester stated they'd driven all the locally-tweaked Hyundais. They said it just wasn't as taught or quite as enjoyable as the others which have been given a workover by Hyundai's Australian engineering wing. According to the same reviewer, the quirks were most noticeable on country roads. They also suggested the steering wasn't direct and didn't offer as much feedback as they would like. They deemed the Tucson's turning circle to be on the wider end of the mid-size SUV market. In fairness, the motoring journo went on to say that even with these idiosyncrasies, they'd still buy the Tucson rather than a Nissan X-TRAIL or Mitsubishi Outlander.
The final motoring expert on the panel said the Tucson was reasonably comfortable and that the car handles well, but that it was on the firmer end of the spectrum. They surmised the steering was accurate and the handling was more than acceptable. Obviously, due to the nature of an SUV body, they said it wasn't sporty but that the steering was precise and immediate. The handling, according to this motoring press expert, was assuring.
Overall, the Tucson is not bad, but most testers said they were looking forward to trying the N-Line version of the Tucson, believing it would improve the good points further and minimise the imperfections. Another perhaps summed things up most effectively when they said that the Tucson was capable of more than any typical buyer would ever extract from it.
What's the interior of the Hyundai Tucson like?
According to one car reviewer, whichever trim you go for, the Tucson's interior is well built and charming. They also expressed that there were a few, miniscule cost-cutting measures, but overall, the passenger cabin was planned out admirably, felt comfortable and was well laid out. Some went as far as saying it can compete for best-in-class levels of quality. The 2021 model was labelled a major advancement over the last generation Tucson.
Reportedly, the dashboard and controls are simple and intuitive.
The Tucson reputedly is quiet and hushed, thanks to effective noise insulation. Wind noise and tyre roar are both kept nicely in check – one tester said there wasn't any up to a speed of 110km/h. That tester suggested the cabin ambience was another attribute that made the Tucson an ideal vehicle for long-distance journeys.
Another tester said the interior styling was in a different universe to the older car, with an air of luxury and the use of plenty of luxurious-feeling materials. However, this journo had some issues with the infotainment system. They said the entry-level screen was a little troublesome. Their smartphone (iPhone XS) wouldn't connect to Apple CarPlay wirelessly, but when they tried an iPhone 12 Pro, things worked exactly as they should.
Another tester commented that the UI was snappy and the infotainment screen was responsive. They also said it was well-designed, with the operator kept in mind throughout.
The larger screen fitted to Highlander-spec Tucsons was apparently more impressive to look at. One tester didn't like the larger screen, though, as it has an array of touch-sensitive switches which they said were tricky to use on bouncy roads.
The interior is reportedly very comfortable. The seats have ample padding and provide generous support. Ostensibly, there's ample seat adjustment too. Seats in the rear are also reputedly very accommodating. Testers described the dimensions as generous, meaning the cabin has plenty of room for passengers of all sizes. One writer went as far as saying there was an extraordinary amount of room for rear passengers. Another reviewer liked how open the cabin felt.
Practicality is a huge selling point for a mid-size SUV, a market that is popular with family buyers.
Recognising this, Hyundai has incorporated storage pockets, bins and cubbies throughout the cabin. Testers found there was more than enough room to store everyday items and essentials, with sufficient cup and bottle holders too. Those compartments and storage areas should help you keep the cabin looking smart and organised, even when heading off on a road trip.
The boot is another key consideration for family buyers. Boot volume measures 539-litres according to the brochure (with the seats in place). When you drop the seats forward, there are 1,860-litres at your disposal. That'll be handy for IKEA trips or visits to the garden centre.
That compares well to rivals like the Mazda CX-5, which has 442L (seats raised) and 1,342L (seats down), while the market-leader RAV4 boasts 580L.
A special mention was made for the Highlander-spec's Smart Tailgate. All you need to do is stand behind the car for 3 seconds and the boot opens, hands-free. That'll be extremely handy if you're carrying a kid and want to put some shopping in the back or allow your dog to jump in. Very convenient.
The interior is perhaps best summed up by one reviewer, who said it was a pleasant space to occupy.
| Tucson | Tucson Elite | Tucson Highlander | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANCAP rating | Not tested | Not tested | Not tested |
Airbags:
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Hyundai SmartSense:
| ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
Hyundai SmartSense:
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Advanced Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Roll-over sensor | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Brake Assist System (BAS) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Downhill Brake Control (DBC) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-Collision Braking (MCB) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Traction Control Systems (TCS) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 4 sensor Park Assist System (PAS) - front | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 4 sensor Park Assist System (PAS) - rear | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dynamic guidelines Rear View Camera (RVC) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Speed limiter | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Impact sensing auto door unlock | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Back door child safety locks | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Front & rear seat belt reminder | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear outboard seats ISOFIX child seat anchors | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Anti-theft alarm | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Central locking | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Engine immobiliser | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 2x keyless entry remote | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| 2 x Smart Key remote | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rain-sensing wipers | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tucson | Tucson Elite | Tucson Highlander | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.25-inch touchscreen | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 8-inch touchscreen | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| 4.2-inch LCD trip computer and digital speedo | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| 10.25-inch digital speedometer and trip computer | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless) | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Bluetooth® phone connectivity & audio streaming | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Satellite navigation with live traffic updates | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 6-speaker sound system | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Bose™ premium 8 -speaker sound system with external amp | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| AM/FM radio | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Digital radio (DAB+) | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| USB multimedia input | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi Bluetooth® phone connectivity | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Leather-appointed gear knob (2WD petrol only) and steering wheel | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Leather-appointed seats | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Height-adjustable driver's seat | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Driver's seat manual adjustment with power-adjustable lumbar - 2 way | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat (2-way lumbar support) | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 8-way power-adjustable passenger's seat | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Air-ventilated front seats | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Heated front seats | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heated rear seats | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Dual-zone climate control, with auto dehumidify and defog function | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Manual climate control with auto dehumidify and defog mode | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Front cabin air diffuser | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear centre console cooling/heating vents | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear floor cooling/heating vents | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Front centre console:
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Rear centre console:
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heated rear windshield | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Acoustic laminated windshield | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Solar control windshield and front glass | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear privacy glass | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Panoramic glass sunroof - dual panel (tilt and slide panel), with power sunblind | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Front and rear power windows | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Front-row one-touch window up and down | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Second-row one-touch window up and down | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Driver and front passenger sunvisor extensions | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cargo area 12V outlet | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Hands-free Smart power tailgate | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Electro-Chromatic Mirror (ECM) | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Heated steering wheel | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| LED ambient interior lighting | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Front map and room lights | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| LED - Front map and room lights | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Vanity mirror lighting | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Glove box light | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| LED Outboard map lights | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Centre room light | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Deluxe centre console | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cargo area light | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Retractable cargo cover | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Underfloor side-storage recess | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Premium cloth dashboard centre trim and door centre trim | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Paddle shifters (AWD only) | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Alloy effect steering wheel insert, transmission knob insert (2WD petrol only), air vent surrounds and door handles | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tucson | Tucson Elite | Tucson Highlander | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-inch alloy wheels | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| 18-inch alloy wheels | ✖️ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| 19-inch alloy wheels | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Full-size spare wheel | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Automatic dusk-sensing headlights | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Projector-beam headlights | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| LED low/high beam headlights | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| LED positioning lights | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| LED - High Mount Stop Light (HMSL) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| LED rear combination lights | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| LED courtesy lights in front door handles | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| LED side repeaters integrated into side mirrors | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Roof rails | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dark chrome front grille | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Front grille - glossy dark chrome with hidden DRL | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Chrome H Badge on front grille | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Dark chrome gloss H badge | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Silver lower front bumper grille insert | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Front lower bumper dark chrome gloss insert | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Silver painted skid plate | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Chrome door frame & beltline moulding | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Gloss dark chrome rear bumper insert | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
The Hyundai Tucson is probably the most futuristic-looking mid-size SUV on sale right now. That styling might appeal to many, but reviewers seemed to suggest that the car wasn't quite as cutting-edge as the wrapper implies. However, the Tucson does everything to a very good level and it surpassed the expectations of testers in key areas. They described it as a real contender in a hotly contested segment.
If you're looking for a mid-size SUV, then you're definitely going to want to try the Hyundai Tucson – if not just to learn how it stacks up against rivals like the RAV4 and CX-5.
You just saved time by reading one of our comparison reviews, so why not save money by taking a few moments to compare car loans and car insurance? You can save hundreds of dollars and end up with a deal that best suits your finances.
Pictures: Hyundai
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