Overview & Reviews

A compact crossover SUV, the Hyundai Tucson is aimed at buyers seeking the tall ride height and cargo convenience of a utility vehicle in a small, affordable package. Introduced for the 2005 model year, the Tucson has always offered a generous list of standard equipment and a lengthy warranty.

Although early versions of this Hyundai crossover have a decidedly budget feel, 2010 and later Tucsons have distinctive exterior styling and a slick interior to match. Acceleration and handling are also much better on the newer models, and fuel economy is significantly improved. Recent Tucson models are worth consideration if you're shopping for a used small crossover.

User Reviews:

• 

  My 2016 Tucson Limited Ultimate - 2016 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Mark Stubkjaer - October 22 - 1:18 pm

  I selected the Tucson primarily because it has all the safety features I wanted and because many reviewers said it is quiet. There are other good compact SUVs I drove and considered, but most of them did not have at least one of the safety features I wanted. My Tucson has only 500 miles on the odometer, so I cannot comment on reliability or maintenance costs. It drives very well. Its agile, peppy, has sporty steering, and rides well. I have not experienced the jerky transmission performance many reviewers have commented on. Perhaps its because I dont jump on thhe throttle when starting out and always pause a bit before shifting into drive from reverse. Unfortunately, it is also much noisier than I expected, even after the test drive. Perhaps its due to the 19 inch wheels and low profile tires. Im seriously considering but a set of 17 inch wheels and tires to address this issue, but I dont know if they would be much quieter. The cabin is all black with lots of plastic. The leather seats are comfortable and power adjustable, including the front passenger seat. The navigation/entertainment system works fine, but has a steep learning curve. Sadly, it does not have Apple Play. The BlueLink system has three components, Connected Care, Remote Package, and Guidance Package. All are subscription based extra cost. I have used them all during the 90 day free trial period. The Guidance Package allows the user to set the Navi destination remotely from Google. It works, but IMHO is far too expensive for the benefit. The Remote Package has the ability to start and stop the engine and climate system remotely for a smart phone and assist in stolen car recovery. For my purpose, living in Southern California, its not worth the cost. The main features of Connected Care are automatic collision notification and assistance, SOS emergency assistance, and enhanced roadside assistance. I may subscribe to it. I dont yet have the overall gas mileage. The amount shown under Car Details is just a guess because it is required to submit this review. We just drove from Santa Barbara over San Marcos Pass to Lake Cachuma and Solvang, returning on Hwy 101 along the coast. The indicated mpg at the end of the drive was 31.8. All in all, Im very satisfied with the Tucson and recommend it.

• 

  Comfort and Style - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Red - October 14 - 4:46 am

  Comfortable ride! Its like sitting at home on my sofa. The independent 4 wheel suspension, leather seats, and low noise all add up to a smooth driving experience. The V6 engines performance is fine! Nobody buys one of these for a race car. Also, as a previous original owner of a 1989 Jeep Wrangler, and current owner of a 2000 Mustang, I have experienced many bumpy rides down the freeway during long vacation trips. We no longer have this inconvenience!

• 

  Bought it for the Kids! It pays off! - 2006 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Greg from Philly - October 9 - 2:36 am

  I was weary about leaving the Honda family (5 cars bought) and trading in my Firebird, but now that Im a daddy twice over (not at once that God!), its time to think kids. I bought the Tucson (a 4-cylinder, FWD) thinking how can this compare to Hondas reputation...Well, with all the little great things about the interior for me and the kids, the gas mileage and air bags (one big interior balloon!), it was a no-brainer. The CRV is nice, but boxey and over- priced. Toyota, never liked. Anything American-made, lousy junk (sorry USA). Granted its not my Firebird, but the features, warranty, price, build, and SAFETY for my kids is worth every penny. It also looks nicer than the Sante Fe!

• 

  Fun New Tuscon 2010 - 2010 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Julie - September 28 - 1:20 pm

  I looked at a used Lexus hybrid, the Honda CRV and a used Mercedes M class and am delighted with the choice of the Tuscon. I love the way it looks and feels. We also have a Mercedes CLK in our household but needed a practical SUV but didnt want a gas guzzler. When I spotted the Tuscon I fell in love. Gas mileage, style and warranty tipped me in. I opted for the Limited, with leather but not the premium...I prefer using portable gps, and dont need a sunroof so the premium features arent important to me.

• 

  Disappointed - 2010 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Emily - September 26 - 2:10 pm

  My temperature gauge doesnt reflect the actual temperature until Ive been driving the car for 15 minutes. Hyundai tech support told me that was normal and that is because of sensor that "chose" to put in the car. In other words, cheap or low end in my opinion. That must be the case with the Bluetooth too, because it doesnt work well either. My mileage averages 18 in the city. I was told it would be better after 5,000 miles, geez. I fill up constantly it seems. I must say I am disappointed with these things. If I had it to do over, I would consider the Honda CR-V or would have kept my Toyota Highlander Im sorry to say.

• 

  I LOVE My Tucson! - 2011 Hyundai TUCSON
  By tswank24 - September 15 - 11:12 am

  I just bought my 2011 Hyundai Tucson GLS two days ago. I went to the dealer, not really looking to buy, just to test drive. I looked at the Tucson and the Sante Fe. Utimately, the final selling point on the Tucson was the EPA ratings. I traded my 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee (which I really loved, but it got terrible gas mileage at 17.4 mpg combined) for the Tucson. The dealer was wonderful, and gave me top dollar for my Jeep. I walked away with a fully-loaded Tucson, and my monthly payment only went up by $15. So far, I have put about 150 miles on the Tucson, and it says I am getting 25.6 mpg combined. I am so happy considering gas mileage was my deciding factor.

• 

  Great Car with a couple of annoyances. - 2012 Hyundai TUCSON
  By drjc3 - September 11 - 8:52 pm

  6 months & 4000 miles later ... All around performance is great. Gas mileage is a bit off the stickers EPA estimate, but not by much. I wouldnt hesitate in buying another Hyundai.

• 

  love my tucson - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By ellen s - September 10 - 7:10 pm

  had the santa fe 1st..traded in for the tucson as soon as i saw it in the dealership...love this vehicle,can use it as 4wd but handles like a car..cant say enough good things about it

• 

  My Wifes Intro to Hyundai - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Daniel R. Bruckner - September 6 - 10:23 pm

  I already owned a 2001 Hyundai Accent and I was impressed by its continuing reliability and economy. My wife was considering a small SUV and I suggested she look at the new 2005 Tucson from Hyundai. We took a test drive in a Nautical Blue Tucson and she was "sold" on its quality! Although we have been driving the Tucson less than one month, we are already impressed by its fuel economy and its sufficient (only 4 cylinder) power to access the Beltway ramps. Its like a small truck when we easily put down the rear seat (completely flat without having to remove the headrests) to carry lengthy cargo. You can truly do a tight U turn with this snappy little SUV!

• 

  Great buy! - 2010 Hyundai TUCSON
  By R E M - September 6 - 5:56 pm

  After reading up on many different models in this category and test driving them, the obvious choice for my needs was the Tucson. Great price with many standard features that I enjoy such as cruise, air, 4 disk ABS brakes, 6 air bags, Blue Tooth (hands free) cell phone paring with voice command....the list goes on. The ride is firm but not overly so, good headroom (Im 6 feet tall) and great fuel economy.