Hyundai Tucson Review
Spacious, Reliable and Built for the Road
Mid-size SUV appeal with surprising comfort and capability
The mid-size SUV sector has exploded in popularity over the last couple of decades, and it’s easy to understand why. For families needing more room than a hatchback can offer — but without the bulk of a full-size SUV — models like the Hyundai Tucson strike a fine balance between comfort, practicality and value.
Now in its third generation, the Tucson brought a sharper design, much-improved build quality, and clever technology when it launched in 2015. It was a clear statement of intent from Hyundai — a car built for European roads and families, without losing its rugged, off-road-ready charm.
So how does it hold up as a used buy in 2024? Here’s everything you need to know.
Pros & cons
- PComfortable and spacious
- P Good value used
- PSimple, reliable engine range
- OTurbo petrol thirsty
- OHigh boot lip
- OCentre rear seat a bit compromised
Styling and Design
Previous versions of the Tucson were practical but a bit forgettable. That changed with the third generation. This Tucson arrived with bold, confident styling: slim headlamps, a wide front grille, sharp daytime running lights, and plastic cladding that hinted at its 4×4 potential. It finally looked like a serious contender against more established European rivals.
The facelift in 2018 refined the look further, with updated lighting and slight tweaks to give it a more premium feel — especially in higher trims.
Interior and Build Quality
One of the most significant improvements in this generation was found inside. Hyundai had been criticised in the past for poor cabin quality and confusing layouts — but the Tucson showed they’d learned fast.
The layout is now logical, with solid-feeling buttons and a dash that’s both functional and attractive. Materials used throughout the cabin feel more upmarket than before, although they’re still not quite at Audi or BMW levels.
Comfort is where the Tucson really shines. The driver gets plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment (tilt and reach), making it easy to find the perfect driving position. The seats themselves are impressively supportive, meaning long motorway journeys can be completed without aches or fatigue
Key stats
Model
S, S Connect, SE, SE Nav, Premium, Premium SE
Body type
SUV
Available fuel types
Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
Acceleration (0-60 mph)
Here’s a list of typical 0-60 mph acceleration times for the third-generation Hyundai Tucson models:
1.6L Naturally Aspirated Petrol: around 11.5 seconds
1.6L Turbocharged Petrol (174 bhp): approximately 8.5 seconds
1.7L Diesel (113 bhp): about 11.5 seconds
2.0L Diesel (134 bhp): roughly 10.5 seconds
2.0L Diesel (181 bhp): close to 9.0 seconds
Times can vary slightly depending on gearbox choice and trim.
Boot space:
- 513 litres (seats up), 1,503 litres (seats down)
Number of seats
5 seats
Exterior dimensions (L x W x H)
4,475 mm x 1,850 mm x 1,650 mm
CO₂ emissions:
- Around 120 g/km (for lower-powered diesel engines)
- Approximately 130–140 g/km (for mid-range petrol and diesel variants)
- Up to about 160 g/km (for turbocharged petrol and higher-powered diesel models)
Fuel economy
- Petrol (1.6L naturally aspirated): Mid-40s mpg
- Petrol (1.6L turbocharged): Around 37 mpg
- Diesel (1.7L and 2.0L lower-powered diesels): Up to 60 mpg
- Diesel (2.0L higher-powered diesels, automatic): Around 43–44 mpg
- Diesel (2.0L higher-powered diesels, manual): Around 47–48 mpg
Insurance group
- Insurance groups for the third-generation Hyundai Tucson typically range between 14 and 23, depending on the engine size, trim level, and optional extras. Lower-powered petrol and diesel models fall in the lower end of this range, while the more powerful turbocharged petrol and high-spec trims are towards the higher end.
Efficient and versatile petrol and diesel options
- Range of petrol and diesel engines from 1.6L to 2.0L
- Petrol: naturally aspirated 1.6L (133 bhp) and turbo 1.6L (174 bhp)
- Diesel: 1.7L (113 bhp), 2.0L (134 bhp and 181 bhp)
- Mild hybrid technology available on later 1.6L diesels
- Smooth engines but not the most refined in class
- Turbo petrol and newer diesels offer better performance
Well-equipped trims with modern features
- Base S/S Connect models include air conditioning, Bluetooth, DAB radio
- SE trim adds climate control, heated front seats, rear parking sensors
- SE NAV includes satellite navigation and touchscreen infotainment
- Premium trim offers heated rear seats, all-round parking sensors
- Touchscreen infotainment is intuitive with clean graphics
- Off-road settings available on some trims
Moderate insurance groups suited for families
- Typically falls within moderate insurance groups for its class
- Insurance group varies by engine size and trim level
- Generally affordable for family-sized midsize SUVs
A used bargain with solid build quality
| Model | New Price (2015–2021) | Used Price Range (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Tucson S / S Connect | £18,995–£21,000 | £7,000–£11,000 |
| Tucson SE / SE Nav | £21,500–£24,000 | £9,000–£13,500 |
| Tucson Premium | £26,000–£29,000 | £11,000–£16,000 |
Prices can vary based on mileage, condition, and dealer location.
Comfortable ride with confident handling
- Comfortable ride with well-controlled body roll
- Steering lacks detailed feedback but is light and easy
- Firm suspension can feel bumpy over uneven surfaces
- Four-wheel drive models provide extra grip and confidence
- Larger 19-inch wheels may worsen ride quality—best avoided
Spacious interior and practical storage
- Spacious cabin with plenty of headroom and legroom
- Rear seats accommodate three; middle seat has transmission tunnel
- ISOFIX mounts on rear outer seats for child seats
- Boot capacity: 513L, expandable to 1,503L with rear seats folded
- High load lip typical for midsize SUVs but manageable
Common faults to watch for when buying used
- Electric handbrake failures common on later models (£226 repair)
- ABS wheel speed sensor faults reported (£168 repair)
- Exhaust temperature sensor replacement can be costly (£93)
- Some interior materials not quite premium compared to rivals
- Minor quirks in button layout require acclimatisation
Equipment and Infotainment
Even entry-level Tucson models are surprisingly well-equipped. Earlier S and S Connect trims come with Bluetooth, DAB radio, air conditioning, and LED daytime running lights. Later versions gained touchscreen infotainment systems, including sat-nav.
SE models are a smart buy on the used market, offering climate control, heated front seats, and rear parking sensors. When SE Nav replaced SE in 2018, it added navigation as standard.
At the top of the range sits the Premium trim, which brings heated rear seats, upgraded interior finishes, and full surround parking sensors.
The infotainment system on models that have it is among the better ones in the class, it’s easy to use, with crisp graphics and quick response times.
Space and Practicality
This is where the Tucson really earns its keep. Space inside is excellent. There’s loads of headroom and legroom up front, and the rear seats are spacious enough for adults or growing teens. The outer rear seats have ISOFIX mounts, making it a strong choice for families with young children.
There is a slight compromise for whoever draws the short straw and ends up in the middle rear seat — a transmission tunnel eats into their legroom — but it’s still more generous than many rivals.
The boot is a healthy 513 litres, expanding to 1,503 litres when you fold the rear seats down. The only slight gripe is a fairly high load lip, which can make lifting heavy items in and out a bit more awkward, though it’s no worse than most competitors.
the small engine.
On the Road
Despite the SUV image, the Tucson is very much road-focused — and it does a fine job of it. The suspension is soft enough to soak up poor surfaces, yet it still feels stable and controlled through corners.
Visibility is excellent, and the light steering makes it an easy car to pilot around town. On motorways, it cruises effortlessly, with a quiet, relaxed driving manner.
Some models include off-road drive modes and all-wheel drive, and while it’s no Land Rover, it can handle gravel paths or wintry conditions better than many of its rivals.
Reliability and Common Problems
The Tucson has a strong reputation for reliability. Hyundai’s five-year unlimited mileage warranty means many used examples will still be covered.
Interior trim holds up well, and mechanical issues are rare. A few owners have reported infotainment glitches on earlier models, so ensure all software is up to date and working as expected.
As with most modern diesels, city-driven examples can suffer from diesel particulate filter (DPF) blockages — especially if they’ve never had a proper motorway run. Check for warning lights and a smooth idle on test drives.
Final Verdict
The third-generation Hyundai Tucson is one of the best family SUVs you can buy used. It combines generous equipment, solid build quality, spacious practicality, and comfortable driving — all for a very reasonable price.
While it doesn’t quite match premium rivals for outright polish or brand appeal, it more than makes up for it in value, dependability and comfort. Whether you’re running errands, heading to work, or packing up for a family trip, it’s a dependable and versatile all-rounder.
