The 2021 Hyundai Tucson in White

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson is a favorite for many drivers for many reasons. Because this SUV saw a more classic Hyundai look before being completely overhauled the following year, it has become a popular choice for those interested in a used vehicle. Between its IIHS awards, reliability, safety ratings, fuel economy, spacious design, and a long list of tech and infotainment features, this family car has become an icon in many regards.

In this post, we will cover everything from its engine to fuel economy to interior/exterior detailing. Stay tuned!

What's New for 2021?

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson saw few changes compared to its previous 2020 model. This SUV's updates included a new color palette, with Black Noir Pearl making way for Ash Black, Gemstone Red replacing Red Crimson, and Sage Brown swapping for Coliseum Gray. Besides the aesthetic changes, this would be the last old-style Tucson available from the brand. Again, the Hyundai Tucson continues to develop, so the 2021 nameplate was on trend for its time and exceeded the expectations of many drivers.

Interior and Cargo Space

Inside the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, we have plenty of space and comfort features. To start, drivers can expect stain-resistant seats, 60/40 split second-row seats with recline for storage, a 7-or 8-inch touchscreen display, depending on trim, and endless cargo room for bulkier items. Even in standard trims, a bonus feature is the cloth seating provided by YES Essentials, which promises resistance to stains, odors, and static. That is a major win for people with pets or children.

Its passenger space and seat configuration have always made the Tucson a fan-favorite SUV. For the 2021 model year, you have the following dimensions:

  • Headroom (Front/Rear): 39.6 inches/39.2 inches
  • Legroom (Front/Rear): 41.5 inches/48.2 inches
  • Shoulder Room (Front/Rear): 51.7 inches/55.5 inches
  • Hip Room (Front/Rear): 55.6 inches/54.5 inches

This class-leading passenger volume adds to Tucson's charm, especially for those needing a road trip-ready car. There's a clear intention in the Hyundai Tucson's design, and it's an all-around perfect family vehicle.

Moving onto cargo space, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson offers the following storage space depending on if the second row is up or down:

  • Tucson Cargo Space (Seats Up): 31 cubic feet
  • Tucson Cargo Space (Seats Down): 61.9 cubic feet

Pulling the back row down, you see enough space for up to 22 carry-on suitcases, while leaving the seats upright will still accommodate seven people. It's a win-win.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson Exterior rearview 

2021 Hyundai Tucson Exterior

Outside the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, you have a fairly traditional SUV concept, with features including projection headlamps, LED lighting, a silver radiator grille, angulated wheel arches, and an all-around adventure-ready feel. The Hyundai Tucson has always been a road trip SUV, with easily cleanable interiors and exterior detailing.

Although on the smaller side compared to a Palisade, the Tucson is a great middle-ground choice for anyone needing seating for up to seven and plenty of storage. 2021 saw the introduction of a few new colors, too, with Black Noir Pearl becoming Ash Black, Gemstone Red being replaced by Red Crimson, and Sage Brown swapped for Coliseum Gray.

The color palette for this model has always been extensive, and 2021 marked a new era for the visuals of the Tucson series. Its body is perfectly sporty and not overdone with detailing.

Performance and Powertrain

The engine and performance of the 2021 Hyundai Tucson is another standout feature of the model. For your engine, you have a 164-horsepower 2.0-liter or an 181-horsepower 2.4-liter, both being rated well for overall perkiness and response time. Again, this SUV is not a race car by any means, so at 164 horses, you see class-average speed. With the faster 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, you have 181 horses, which is competitive for the 2021 SUV market.

Your transmission with this model is a six-speed automatic, and the torque for the 2021 Tucson is either 150 pound-feet or 175 pound-feet. Depending on which model you choose, the towing capacity is 1,500 to 2,000 pounds, so that's another great detail for anyone making a cross-country move or trip.

  • Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder / 2.4-liter 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 164-181 horses
  • Torque: 150
  • Driveline: AWD or FWD

Final verdict: While Tucson's handling is competent, it leans more towards comfort than sportiness, offering a smooth and refined ride suitable for daily commutes and long-distance journeys.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

One reason people flock to the Hyundai Tucson is its safety and driver-assistance features. The Hyundai Tucson received the IIHS Top Safety Pick award in 2021 and the NHTSA rated it highly in crash testing. Because of its onslaught of technology, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson includes features like:

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (standard)
  • Pedestrian Detection standard (Ultimate trim)
  • Lane-Keeping Assist (standard)
  • Driver Attention Warning (standard)

This SUV model included Hyundai SmartSense as its safety suite, which comprises the above driver-assistance features plus a few others we'll cover below. It's incredibly safe and makes for the perfect family car.

Hyundai SmartSense

Explaining how Hyundai SmartSense works further, this is a system of sensors and monitoring systems inside select Hyundai models that help with driver attention, collision protection, avoidance, and general alerts on the road. Starting with the last few generations of Tucson and many favorite Hyundai models, the brand has included the Hyundai SmartSense standard to amp up the overall safety of its cars.

Here are a few of the features this system offers:

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Blind Spot View Monitor
  • Lane Following Assist
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Driver Attention Warning
  • Highway Driving Assist
  • Rear Occupant Alert
  • High Beam Assist

Again, certain driver-assistance features are available in higher Tucson trims, but forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention warning are standard.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson SUV's infotainment and connectivity include a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility as standard. Higher trim levels offer an upgraded 8.0-inch touchscreen with in-dash navigation, guaranteeing seamless connectivity and entertainment options for all those inside your car. Before the 2022 overhaul, the Hyundai Tucson offered basic media and a smaller touchscreen display.

Of course, now, in 2024, this model sees a 10.25-inch touchscreen display and plenty of bells and whistles, but for a few generations ago, Tucson still beats the competition. Most models in 2021 had 7-8-inch screens, so this is competitive for the pre-owned market. One standout feature for 2021 was Tucson's digital cockpit, which helped modernize the driver's experience.

Fuel Economy and MPG

Because the 2021 Hyundai Tucson has four technical engine/drivetrain configurations, the EPA estimates vary slightly between them. First, the standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder FWD model gets 23/28 city/highway MPG, and a combined rating of 25 MPG.

Your next option is the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder AWD Tucson, which has an EPA rating of 22/25 city/highway MPG and a combined fuel rating of 23 MPG. With the front-wheel-drive configuration, you see better fuel economy between AWD and FWD Tucson.

Next, the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder FWD Tucson boasts 22/28 city/highway estimates, and a combined rating of 25 MPG. Your AWD version sees 21/26 city/highway MPG, and a combined EPA rating of 23 MPG.

  • Best fuel economy for Tucson: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder FWD

2021 Hyundai Tucson Trim Levels and Pricing

Moving to the trim levels and their price for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, this vehicle starts with its base SE trim ($23,700) and goes up to its fanciest 'Ultimate' configuration ($32,050).

SE - $23,700 MSRP

This is your entry-level 2021 Hyundai Tucson and has the following specs:

  • 161 horsepower 2.0-liter GDI 4-cylinder engine
  • 23 MPG city and 28 MPG highway
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • 7-inch touchscreen
  • Apple CarPlay® and Android Autoâ„¢
  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Automatic headlights

Value - $25,150 MSRP

Next, the Value trim of the Hyundai Tucson has these SE specs plus:

  • Satellite Radio
  • Roof rails
  • Keyless entry and ignition
  • Heated front seats
  • Blind-spot monitor
  • Rear cross-traffic alert

SEL - $26,100 MSRP

For the SEL trim, your 2021 Tucson sees the Value specs plus:

  • 181-horsepower 2.4-liter GDI 4-cylinder engine
  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Dual exhaust outlets
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • 2nd-row USB port

Sport - $28,250 MSRP

The Sport trim of the 2021 Hyundai Tucson has the SEL specs plus:

  • Hands-free liftgate
  • Wireless charging
  • 19-inch wheels
  • Eight-speaker Infinity audio system
  • LED headlights

Limited - $29,400 MSRP

Your Limited Hyundai Tucson sees the above features plus:

  • Heated steering wheel
  • Power control for the passenger seat
  • 18-inch wheels
  • Leather upholstery
  • Surround-view camera system

Ultimate - $32,050 MSRP

This is your top-tier and most expensive Hyundai Tucson and will feature the Limited specs plus:

  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Heated rear seats
  • 8-inch touchscreen
  • Adaptive cruise control

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson 

Get Your Hyundai Tucson at Granite Hyundai

With these fantastic features in mind, there is no better time to swing by your neighborhood dealer, Granite Hyundai, in Somersworth, NH. Although it's been a few years since the 2021 Tucson hit dealerships, this model remains a favorite among second-hand shoppers and makes for the perfect family vehicle. See us and test drive one out today!