HyundaiTucson

　　

2024 Hyundai Tucson Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　, rating written byDan FrioContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　Hyundai has built its reputation on value and bang for the buck. But we'd argue that its designs are an unsung contributor to the brand's popularity. From the sleek Sonata of a decade ago to the quirky, swept-back Veloster hatchback, Hyundai's design leaps may be as important as its abundant features and attractive prices. For a compact SUV, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson is a pretty striking leap.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Hyundai Tucson SE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$136/mo  for Tucson SE

　　Tucson SE

　　SE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $27,500 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $29,000 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $29,650 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $31,150 MSRPBlue Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) - $32,575 MSRPXRT 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $34,325 MSRPXRT 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $35,825 MSRPSEL Convenience Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) - $35,155 MSRPN Line Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) - $36,655 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $36,760 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $38,260 MSRPLimited Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) - $39,715 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: A stylish design and a superior hybrid powertrain

The Tucson, Hyundai's small crossover SUV, was redesigned in 2022, and its doors pop with bulges and wedges, and sharp lines extend from the front doors to the rear taillights. A wide-slatted grille is complemented by segmented LED accent lights, and the roof tapers to the back for a sporty look. Exciting design won't save a bad car, though, and fortunately the Tucson isn't a bad car. It's roomy and comfortable, with good headroom in front and rear rows, a minimal and classy interior, and abundant cargo space that's among the best in the class. The Tucson's standard four-cylinder engine is painfully slow, but fortunately an available turbocharged hybrid powertrain gives the Tucson plenty of punch plus an EPA-estimated 37 mpg in combined driving. There's also a Tucson Plug-in Hybrid that we review separately on zzdcar.

　　

Competitors to consider

The Tucson's wild style and ample interior space make it a top consideration among competitors such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-50, Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4. Kia's Sportage, which is related to the Tucson, is another excellent pick. Be sure to read our Expert Rating below to see if the Hyundai Tucson is right for you.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Tucson drive? Unfortunately the Tucson's engine struggles to get the SUV moving with authority. Around town and on the highway, it's OK to drive, but if you're in a hurry the sluggishness is apparent. The Tucson accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 10.2 seconds during our testing, making it one of the slowest crossovers we've measured in some time.

　　The rest of the driving experience is unremarkable. We like the easy, direct steering and the way the Tucson remains composed around corners. The transmission upshifts smoothly, but downshifts can feel abrupt and crude when you quickly mash the gas.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Tucson? The Tucson approaches luxury-level quality when it comes to comfort. It has a supple suspension that provides an excellent ride, and bumps and cracks in the road are absorbed very well. It's among the best rides in the class.

　　We found the front seats on our Limited trim test vehicle to be excellent. They featured plush and supportive cushions covered in nice material and provided good lateral support and power lumbar adjustments. We also appreciate the level of quiet and insulation provided while the Tucson's in motion. It keeps noise outside of the cabin out better than most rivals, and you won't strain to hold a conversation or enjoy the radio even when the wind kicks up.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below