2023 Hyundai Tucson

　　

2023 Hyundai Tucson Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　, rating written byMark TakahashiContributor

　　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.

　　The small SUV segment is one of the most hotly contested automotive classes, with manufacturers battling for your attention as if you were the hottest doorbuster deal on Black Friday. Among the contestants is the 2023 Hyundai Tucson. It's bigger than Hyundai's Kona but smaller than the Santa Fe and faces off against top models such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Rogue. Highlights include high levels of comfort, a generous warranty and undeniable value. You can also get the Tucson as a hybrid or even a plug-in hybrid to help save on gas.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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) - $26,900 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $28,400 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $28,500 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $30,000 MSRPBlue Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) - $31,350 MSRPXRT 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $33,725 MSRPXRT 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $35,225 MSRPN Line 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $33,775 MSRPN Line 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $35,275 MSRPSEL Convenience Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) - $34,310 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $36,160 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $37,660 MSRPLimited Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) - $39,110 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Hyundai redesigned the Tucson just last year, giving it more distinctive styling, a modernized interior and more of the latest technology features. This year, Hyundai has tinkered with the availability of Tucson's features and added a new XRT trim level that has an outdoorsy look to it. The 2023 Tucson still has a few drawbacks, but overall it's a very appealing choice in the class. Check out the categories of our test team's Expert Rating below to help you decide if the Tucson is the best small SUV 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