2020 Hyundai Tucson Review

　　

2020 Hyundai Tucson Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　Small SUVs are so popular that some automakers offer two distinct crossovers in that one segment. The 2020 Hyundai Tucson is one of Hyundai's dual entries in the class. Less expensive and marginally smaller than the Santa Fe, the Tucson nevertheless offers competitive interior accommodations for passengers. Anyone shorter than 6 feet will find ample headroom and legroom, and thoughtfully designed storage cubbies mean you can bring small items with no problem.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Hyundai Tucson SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A) 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 $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$150/mo  for Tucson SE

　　Tucson SE

　　SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A) - $23,550 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A) - $24,950 MSRPValue 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $25,000 MSRPValue 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A) - $26,400 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $25,950 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $27,350 MSRPSport 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $28,100 MSRPSport 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $29,500 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $29,250 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $30,650 MSRPUltimate 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $31,900 MSRPUltimate 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $33,300 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　The primary difference between the Tucson and other compacts — including the Santa Fe — is its cargo capacity. It may be roughly on par with modestly sized choices such as the Mazda CX-5, but the Tucson offers far less ultimate storage than the spacious Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V and others. And while many rivals have optional engines for extra oomph, the Tucson has two modestly powered four-cylinders. These downsides, however, are not enough to detract from the Tucson's overall competence. With a comfortable ride, above-average handling abilities and a lengthy list of intuitive tech features, the Tucson is truly one of the most well-rounded small crossovers available.

　　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

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Tucson drive? If the Tucson had a bit more horsepower, it'd be very difficult to find fault with how it performs. Braking and handling are more than competent and impart a better feeling of control than you find in other SUVs. It even has well-balanced steering — light at low speeds but with enough heft to give you confidence on the highway.

　　Despite a well-calibrated transmission, the engine's lack of power is noticeable. Small SUVs aren't known for rip-roaring acceleration, but even with this in mind, the Tucson feels sluggish. The standard 2.0-liter has even less oomph.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Tucson? If a smooth ride and comfortable interior are what you seek in a compact SUV, the Tucson needs to be at the top of your list of test-drive candidates. It easily equals the best vehicles in the class and is head and shoulders above the others. Indeed, the Tucson is a relaxing place to be during a long drive. It handles road irregularities exceptionally well, suppressing dips and seams without jarring the occupants.

　　Neither overly bolstered nor too flat, the front seats support a wide range of body types. The upper trim offers heating and ventilation — a rarity in this class — and the rear seats are heated too. Though wind noise is present at higher speeds, road and engine noise is controlled. This Hyundai has one of the quieter cabins in the segment.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? There's a good sense of room, and anybody 6 foot tall or shorter will have plenty of legroom and headroom. Taller occupants will want a bit more of each, especially with the headroom-gobbling panoramic sunroof. There's good outward visibility all around with minimal blind spots. That said, the rearview camera is low-resolution and the details are often blurry when backing up.

　　It doesn't take long to get familiar with the Tucson. Every interface is straightforward, and its controls are clearly marked. It seems simple, but as vehicles get more and more complicated, that itself is turning into a bit of a luxury.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? Hyundai's infotainment system is one of the more straightforward and easy-to-use systems on the market, let alone in the class. Its display isn't the prettiest, but it's darn functional. Voice controls are similarly easy to operate and don't require exact syntax.

　　Other highlights are a powerful optional Infinity-branded audio system, smart advanced driving aids and an intuitive navigation system. Drawbacks include a small touchscreen with dated graphics, but even this is a minor complaint.

　　

Storage

7.5/10

　　How’s the storage? The Tucson is hardly impractical, even though it trails some of its competitors in outright cargo capacity (31 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, compared to leaders such as the Honda CR-V with 39.2 cubes). With an agreeable liftover height and quick-folding rear seats, it's at least easy to load the cargo area. The cabin also offers plenty of room throughout to store small items.

　　The Tucson carries a tow rating of 2,000 pounds, which is more than the CR-V or the Subaru Forester. The modestly powered engine means it'll be a little slow when doing so.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? Rated at 25 mpg (22 city/28 highway), the Tucson is thirstier than the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester. A 16.4-gallon fuel tank goes some way toward extending the range, but we were not able to break 20 mpg over a tank of fuel in our time with the Tucson. All-wheel drive would lower the mileage even further.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the Tucson a good value? Value for the money has always been a strong point for Hyundai. And while the Tucson does lag behind in fuel economy and horsepower, its high level of build quality, generous warranties and feature content keep it just ahead of the competitive pack. As with sister company Kia, Hyundai offers a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Roadside assistance is covered for five years/unlimited miles, which is similarly excellent.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　Compact SUVs score points for being so simple to drive and free of frustration that they nearly become transparent in normal use. That's exactly what the Tucson does. With its mix of electronic and comfort-oriented features, the Tucson helps to take the edge off even the toughest daily drives. It's not particularly fun, but it can handle a few bends or on-ramps without falling on its door handles.

　　

Which Tucson does zzdcar recommend?

While the Value level packs tons of features for a modest price increase over the base SE, we think the SEL is the trim to choose. It doesn't cost much more and adds the larger, more powerful four-cylinder engine along with a handful of other upgrades. In particular, its rear air vents and rear USB port make life better for backseat passengers.

　　

2020 Hyundai Tucson models

The 2020 Hyundai Tucson is a compact crossover sold in six trim levels: SE, Value, SEL, Sport, Limited and Ultimate. The SE and the Value are reasonably well-equipped. Moving up to the other trims gets you added luxury-oriented features and a more powerful engine.

　　The SE and the Value come standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (161 horsepower, 150 lb-ft of torque). The SEL, the Sport and the Limited get a 2.4-liter engine (181 hp, 175 lb-ft). Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims, and all-wheel drive is optional.

　　The Tucson SE comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a 60/40-split folding back seat, a 7-inch touchscreen, and a six-speaker sound system with a USB port and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Standard advanced safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist.

　　The Value adds roof rails, heated mirrors, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, keyless entry and ignition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, satellite radio, and Hyundai's Blue Link communication services. You get similar features with the SEL but with the 2.4-liter engine, 18-inch wheels, exterior styling enhancements, dual-zone climate control (with rear-seat vents), and a second-row USB port.

　　From there, the Sport adds 19-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, foglights, a hands-free liftgate, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, wireless smartphone charging, and an eight-speaker premium audio system. The Limited includes all these features — though it reverts to 18-inch wheels — plus leather upholstery, upgraded door trim, a heated steering wheel, a 360-degree parking camera and a power passenger seat.

　　At the top is the luxe Ultimate, which further adds a panoramic sunroof, automatic high-beam headlights and wipers, an upgraded forward collision mitigation system, adaptive cruise control, an upgraded driver information display, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen display with navigation.

　　

2020 Tucson Highlights

Trim: SEValueSELSportLimitedUltimateSE

　　

Base MSRP	$23,550
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$150/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	31.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles