Used Hyundai Tucson 2021-present review

The Hyundai Tucson has, with a seemingly complete disregard for the laws of entropy, been getting better as it's gotten older.

The first-generation 2004-2010 Tucson was merely practical and good value, while the second-generation 2009-2015 model, known as the ix35 in Europe, was better to drive and more competitive generally. The third-generation 2015-2020 model took up the Tucson nameplate again and proved a commendable effort. However, it was with this fourth-generation version that the Tucson really burst out of its shell.

Engines & Performance: There aren't any diesel engines for the Tucson, just a range of 1.6-litre turbocharged petrols. The entry-level unit is the 148bhp 1.6 150, which comes with or without 48-volt mild hybrid technology (badged MHEV). There’s also a 178bhp 180 48V MHEV version.

Further up the range is a full hybrid – the 227bhp 1.6 230 Hybrid – and finally there's the range-topping 261bhp 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV).

The 148bhp 1.6 150 has pace that is more than adequate, but the automatic gearbox needs a moment of thought before it gives you a decent slug of acceleration. The 178bhp 1.6 180 MHEV is decently punchy and comes with the auto 'box and four-wheel drive as standard.

The 227bhp 1.6 230 Hybrid has a battery that is big enough for short bursts of electric driving in stop-start traffic, while it’s no slouch away from the lights with the petrol engine and electric motor working together. Its six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox is hesitant, though, taking a moment to decide on a gear when you put your foot down.

The 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid can officially travel for up to 38 miles on electricity alone. That’s one of the best electric-only ranges you’ll find in a plug-in hybrid SUV of this size, although the Ford Kuga PHEV runs it close. It’s fast enough to be fun and is super-slick to drive in EV mode, but, again, that six-speed gearbox is a bit hesitant

Ride & Handling: The Tucson is more jarring over sharper potholes and ridges than cars such as the Skoda Karoq and Volvo XC40. It also tends to rock about over uneven surfaces and struggles to settle down on a motorway. On the plus side, it rides over gentler undulations with reasonable aplomb. Entry-level SE Connect models are the most pliant, because they come with smaller, 17in wheels.

The relatively small steering wheel and light steering create an early sense that the Tucson will be a spry thing, but it’s not. When you’re driving sedately, it flows along happily enough, but if you push harder, the steering doesn’t feel particularly reassuring.

The ability of the 1.6 230 Hybrid to run in electric mode makes it hushed in town, and it's also quiet when the petrol engine is running. The MHEV is similarly hushed, and while it can’t run on electricity alone, it can turn off its engine when it's coasting. The Hybrid’s automatic gearbox changes smoothly, but the one fitted to the MHEV and Plug-in Hybrid can be a little jerky when manoeuvring.

Interior & Practicality: A 10.3in digital instrument cluster is standard and is easy to read at a glance. All the buttons on the dashboard are positioned closely around you, too, although most are touch-sensitive rather than being press buttons, and as such, they can be tricky to operate by feel. You might need to take your eyes off the road to find and use them.

All Tucsons get an infotainment system with a 10.3in touchscreen that’s as crisp as the best flatscreens and has smart graphics. The menus are straightforward and the software is generally more responsive than in the Peugeot 3008 and XC40. There is a little delay on some of the functions, so it’s not as snappy as the best touchscreens, including the ones you get in the Karoq and the VW Tiguan.

The Tucson’s front and rear seats are great for taller folks, so if your family SUV will be used regularly for ferrying adults as well as youngsters, it’s definitely one to check out. It will take two six-footers in the back comfortably, even with the front seats slid well back.

Its boot is also one of the biggest in the class. You do lose a little space to the batteries if you go for the Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid models, but even in the Plug-in Hybrid (which has the smallest boot in the Tucson range) we managed to squeeze seven carry-on cases beneath the tonneau cover. That’s up there with rivals including the XC40 and the BMW X1.

Trims & Equipment: Tuscons are all well equipped, too. Entry-level SE Connect models come with 17in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control and cruise control, plus electrically adjustable lumbar support for the driver. Premium trim gives you niceties that include larger 18in wheels (19in on Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Premium models), a black two-tone roof, adaptive cruise control, an eight-speaker Krell premium sound system and additional safety features.

Luxurious range-topping Ultimate trim completes the line-up, with 19in alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, three-zone climate control, an electric tailgate and much more besides.

If you're interested in finding a used Hyundai Tucson, or any of the other SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

You can buy a used Hyundai Tucson for around £16,000 and, for that, expect a 2021 model in SE Connect trim. Up your budget to around £22,000 if you'd like a hybrid one, or rather £26,000 if you'd like a plug-in hybrid one.

Nearly new Tucsons will currently set you back at least £25,000.

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MPG and CO2 emissions: The Plug-in Hybrid has the lowest CO2 of 31g/km and a very competitive 38-mile official electric range. When the battery is empty, you should expect around 36mpg from the 1.6-litre petrol engine, which is what we returned over a varied test route in the PHEV. The 1.6 T-GDi 230 Hybrid version produces as little as 127g/km (it varies depending on the spec) and has an official fuel consumption of 49.6mpg. The MHEV automatic isn’t bad, either, at 144g/km and 40.5mpg.

Road tax: Any Tucson built after 1 April 2017, which all of this generation are, will be subject to the new flat rate of road tax applicable to every model, currently £180 per year for pure petrol-engined cars and £170 for the hybrid models. There is also a luxury car tax for Tucsons that cost more than £40,000 new, and this is currently £390 per year, from years two to six.

Insurance and servicing: Insurance groups waver around 15, depending on your chosen variant – that's very reasonable for this kind of car.

Servicing costs on the Tucson are reasonably good value, and will drop once the car is outside of warranty and can take advantage of fixed-price essential servicing. There are three levels of service: basic from £99, interim from £169 and full from £229. The Tucson comes with a transferable five-year warranty from new.

Reliability

The Hyundai Tucson boasts a commendable reliability record, as evidenced by our annual What Car? Reliability Survey. Owners report minimal mechanical failures and some electrical issues, including infotainment glitches, which, while not affecting drivability, led to dealer visits. The response from Hyundai's dealer network is widely lauded for its efficiency and customer service quality, with most repairs covered under warranty, thus reducing costs for owners. However, some have experienced delays in service appointments and part availability, likely due to supply chain challenges. Despite these issues, the majority of Tucson owners remain satisfied with their vehicle.

Discover more about used Hyundai Tucson reliability and common problems on our dedicated reliability page.

The 1.6 T-GDi 230 Hybrid is our pick; it's pretty parsimonious, clocking up 49.6mpg according to official figures. We managed just over 40mpg in a real-world test.

If you want goodies, it’s well worth taking a look at Premium trim. A relatively small jump up in its used price gives you niceties that include 18in wheels (19in on Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Premium models), a black two-tone roof, adaptive cruise control, an eight-speaker Krell premium sound system and additional safety features.

Our favourite Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDi 230 Hybrid Premium

The Seat Ateca is one of our favourite used SUVs in this class, and while it’s more expensive to buy than the Hyundai Tucson, the more pleasurable driving experience it offers makes it worth the extra cost.

If you want an interior with more class than the Tucson's, you should also look at the Peugeot 3008. Its swish dashboard, with high-quality plastics and lots of neat styling touches, makes it a far nicer place to spend journeys.

If a long warranty is what you’re after, you could also look at the Kia Sportage, which is similar beneath the skin to the Tucson but has a slightly smarter interior and comes with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty.

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If you're interested in finding a used Hyundai Tucson, or any of the other SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.