The Hyundai Tucson has developed a strong reputation as a dependable choice in the family SUV sector. This fourth-generation model offers an upmarket and visually exciting alternative to the Nissan Qashqai.
This is a hugely competitive marketplace, with the Hyundai Tucson pitched against the well-equipped Peugeot 3008, the sporty Seat Ateca, the comfortable Skoda Karoq and the closely-related Kia Sportage. Such is the ‘premium’ approach of Hyundai’s latest model, it could even take aim at the Mercedes-Benz GLA or Audi Q3.
With fresh styling and plenty of innovative equipment, the Hyundai Tucson is certainly worthy of your attention. Read on for all the information you need before buying a used one.
With bold looks and a luxurious interior, the latest Hyundai Tucson has positioned itself as a key player in the SUV world. If you want your family vehicle to make a bold statement, but still be dependable day-to-day, the Hyundai Tucson is worthy of your attention.
Look beyond the arresting exterior and the cabin of the Hyundai Tucson actually feels like a bigger deal. It has the quality to compete with premium-badged models, which should make Volvo, Audi and BMW a little worried. Nothing you touch feels made to save money, with plush leather upholstery on almost every model.
Adding to this upmarket image is a wealth of standard equipment. Even the entry level SE Connect has a huge digital instrument cluster. This sits within a dashboard that also houses a 10.25-inch multimedia screen, and has touch-sensitive buttons to control functions such as heating and ventilation.
Hyundai hasn’t forgotten the basics when it comes to a family SUV, however. This upmarket cabin is still spacious, with more than enough room to carry four adults in comfort. A fifth can be squeezed into the middle of the rear bench, too. The boot is practical, and the interior has numerous useful storage spaces.
On the road, the Hyundai Tucson is not the sportiest SUV to drive, although its steering is sharp and responsive. The ride can feel firm on bigger wheels, and the weight of the hybrid models is noticeable. Despite this, the engine range is commendable, with mild-hybrid technology to boost fuel economy.
Granted, the Hyundai Tucson is not quite the bargain it used to be, but there is still plenty to like. That interior does feel genuinely plush, and presents a challenge to upmarket brands like Volvo and Audi. It is a cut above rivals like the Peugeot 3008, and even the related Kia Sportage. A large boot and plenty of standard equipment, plus multiple engine options to suit your needs, make it an attractive option for used buyers.
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We reckon the 'self-charging' Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is probably a good choice for a lot of buyers. It's very efficient, without the need to plug it in, and it's also cheaper to buy than the plug-in hybrid.
Some might like the look of the sporty Hyundai Tucson N Line or N Line S models, but we think they're a bit try-hard... the Hyundai Tucson Premium appeals, if only for its smaller 18-inch alloy wheels (on non-hybrid models) that offer a cushier ride.
The Hyundai Tucson is offered with a choice of six different petrol engines. These all build on the same core 1.6-litre engine, but with varying degrees of power and hybrid assistance. Depending on the model, a manual or automatic transmission is fitted.
Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDI 150: The core engine in the Hyundai Tucson is a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol. It produces a respectable 150PS, allowing a 0-62mph time of just over 10 seconds. It can deliver an official 42.2mpg and is only offered with the six-speed manual transmission.
Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDI 150 MHEV: Moving up the ladder adds 48v mild-hybrid technology to the same 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It still has 150PS, but fuel economy improves a little. Buyers can pick a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDI 180 4WD MHEV: For more power and four-wheel drive, you can turn to the 1.6 T-GDI 180 4WD. It increases output to 180PS, with the 0-62mph time falling to nine seconds. Offered solely with the seven-speed automatic gearbox, it can return 39.8mpg.
Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDI 230 Hybrid: Hyundai’s self-charging hybrid technology is offered with this engine, leading to a substantial 230PS output. This extra power sees a 0-62mph time of eight seconds, yet it can return fuel economy of up to 50.4mpg (depending on the trim level). This engine comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDI 265 Plug-in Hybrid: Topping the Hyundai Tucson range is the plug-in hybrid version. With the most power of all – at 265PS – it also features four-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. The 13.8kWh battery allows potential for up to 38 miles on electric power alone.
The hybrid-powered models have rapidly become the most popular on the used market. Trim levels are split fairly evenly across the range, giving buyers plenty of choice.
The Hyundai Tucson offers a choice of five different trim levels. The Hyundai Tucson has a Y-shaped range line-up, with buyers able to pick between sporty or luxurious specifications.
Hyundai Tucson SE Connect: The entry-level trim comes with all the equipment needed for a family SUV. This includes dual-zone climate control, a rear-view camera, 17-inch alloy wheels and a 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen.
Hyundai Tucson N Line: For those who want a Hyundai Tucson with sportier styling, the N Line offers various exterior upgrades and 19-inch alloy wheels. It builds on SE Connect spec with heated front seats, suede and leather upholstery, and wireless smartphone charging.
Hyundai Tucson N Line S: Adding more equipment with the racy N Line styling, the ‘S’ boasts a heated steering wheel, Krell premium audio system, panoramic glass sunroof, and three-zone climate control.
Hyundai Tucson Premium: Chrome bumper trims, front and rear parking sensors, interior ambient lighting, heated front seats and the Krell premium audio system are included with the luxurious Premium trim.
Hyundai Tucson Ultimate: For the top Hyundai Tucson, the Ultimate model does what it says on the tin. It comes with leather seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, a smart electric tailgate and Highway Drive Assist autonomous driving tech.
The Hyundai Tucson’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 4,500mm
Width: 1,865mm
Height: 1,653mm
Ground clearance: 172mm
The Hyundai Tucson’s boot space is:
620 litres (577 litres for hybrid versions)
1,799 litres with rear seats folded (1,756 litres for hybrids)
The plug-in hybrid version of the Hyundai Tuscon is counted as an alternative fuel car when it comes to road tax and it emits 31g/km. As a result, it qualifies for a £10 discount on its road tax, so you'll pay £170 per year until it's five-years old. The rest of the Tuscon range will see you stump up the standard £180 per annum charge.
As a family SUV, the Hyundai Tucson should prove relatively affordable to insure. The entry-level Hyundai Tucson SE Connect, with the 150hp 1.6 T-GDI engine, falls into insurance group 12 (out of 50). Moving to N Line lifts this rating to group 13. Opt for the range-topping 265hp plug-in hybrid in Ultimate trim and the Hyundai Tucson is in insurance group 21.
Read our full Hyundai Tucson review
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