Best Years for Hyundai Tucson to Buy

There have been plenty of great years for the Hyundai Tucson, especially in its most recent generations. If you're here to see which is the best year for the Hyundai Tucson and want to explore our pre-owned and new inventory at Granite Hyundai in Somersworth, NH, our team is happy to help. 

Overall, most drivers prefer the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023+ model years of the Hyundai Tucson, with strong ratings attributed to things like reliability, technology, and value. Of course, we're here to break this down even further, so stay tuned.

• The 2018-2021 and 2023+ Hyundai Tucson models have the best average ratings.
• The third and fourth generations of the Tucson are considered the best to buy.
• Granite Hyundai in Somersworth, NH, sells pre-owned and brand-new Tucson models.

Which Hyundai Tucson Year Is Best?

If you are looking into a Hyundai Tucson and want the best year for Hyundai Tucson ownership based on overall ratings and performance, go with a model from the third or fourth (current) generation. Most people agree that the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023+ models are among the best to buy used, with 2024-2026 models being a great choice if you don't mind paying closer to retail pricing. 

Like any car, the newer the Tucson, the better tech and safety you get to experience. Hyundai has incorporated plenty of now-standard equipment into the Tucson as it enters its fourth and soon-to-be fifth generation, so there will be plenty to enjoy even if you shop pre-owned here in Somersworth, NH.

Generations of the Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is currently in its fourth generation. That means we have cycled through three previous generations of this iconic family SUV, and there is no sign of slowing down. If you want the best year for the Hyundai Tucson, look to its post-2017 models. With these SUVs, you get everything from wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and Hyundai SmartSense safety tech (Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Keeping Assist), to name a few standouts. Again, this can vary based on the exact year and trim level, but the Tucson does offer quite a lot even at a base level.

First Generation (2005-2009)

As the first or intro years of the Hyundai Tucson, you can expect anything released between 2005 and 2009 to be fairly basic. However, that does not mean you have to avoid these releases altogether, but there will be more maintenance and repair work needed to keep the first-gen Tucson driving smoothly. Some of the features of these cars included air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker CD stereo, and comprehensive safety equipment. Not SmartSense, but safety, including Electronic Stability Program (ESP), traction control, and four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Second Generation (2010-2015)

The second generation of the Hyundai Tucson also had major changes in standard features, design, and performance. When you are looking at the best year or years for the Hyundai Tucson, none of the highest-rated models come out of the second generation, but again, not a dealbreaker. You have various improvements to the first generation of this family-friendly SUV, including Bluetooth, a USB port, satellite radio, remote keyless entry, and a six-speaker stereo system, standard 17-inch alloy wheels, a 2.0L or 2.4L four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed automatic transmission. You can see the brand put a lot of design into this generation and worked to improve its engine options, which is a huge bonus.

Third Generation (2016-2021)

Next, we have the third, and one of the favorite generations of the Hyundai Tucson. Because this generation came over a decade after the release of the iconic Tucson, you can bet on higher ratings, better details, and much-improved design, performance, safety, and infotainment in the 2016 through 2021 releases. 

There are many notable additions and upgrades to the third-generation Hyundai Tucson, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (standard by 2018), Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and an expanded safety suite. This is one reason many shoppers consider these models the best year for Hyundai Tucson ownership. It is also worth mentioning that Hyundai SmartSense debuted during this era, so you can expect 2017+ models to have elements of it.

Note: The best years of the Hyundai Tucson include 2018-2021, so the third generation is one to look for if you plan to shop for a pre-owned Hyundai with our local team here in Somersworth, NH.

Fourth Generation (2022-Present)

The present generation (fourth gen) of the Hyundai Tucson is arguably the strongest. If you're searching for the best year for Hyundai Tucson, the latest fourth-generation models deserve serious consideration. That is not just because it is the newest; according to safety and reliability ratings and general driver feedback, you can bet on a 2023-2026 Tucson to be truly class-leading. 

Some of the more standard features you can expect in a fourth-gen Tucson include a 2.5L engine, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, an 8-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen, and advanced safety tech like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. These SUVs are also designed to feel more modern than previous releases and offer the best of Hyundai engineering from the front seat to the trunk.

Top Recommended Model Years

If you're wondering about the best year for Hyundai Tucson, some of the top-rated and recommended model years include 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023+. This is between the third and fourth generations of the SUV, with more recent releases being safer, better-designed, and equipped with standard technology. According to outlets like J.D. Power, the 2018 Tucson scores an 85/100 overall, one of its highest score tiers. 2019 went up a point to 86, so those are two very strong years in terms of scoring from the agency.

2018 Hyundai Tucson

The 2018 Hyundai Tucson remains one of the best-rated overall. This would mark its third-generation release cycle, plus with near-perfect scores in certain categories, you can expect this to be your best bet for a used model.

2019 Hyundai Tucson

With overall ratings from agencies including J.D. Power above those of 2018, the 2019 Hyundai Tucson marked one of its strongest years ever. As we said, this SUV scored a whopping 86 out of 100 in overall reliability and ownership, a huge win for the brand.

2020 Hyundai Tucson

The 2020 Hyundai Tucson saw a slight dip in J.D. Power's scoring, with an 83/100 overall, but that is not cause for concern. You had impressive quality and reliability scores of 85+ from drivers, and this is a solid choice if you plan to buy used.

2021 Hyundai Tucson

Similar to 2020, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson does not outperform the 2018 and 2019 models, but it does score 81/100 overall according to critics and drivers. It is still a great option for anyone in Somersworth, NH, wanting a pre-owned Tucson SUV.

2022 Hyundai Tucson

The only new-era Tucson that didn't score well due to engine and overall quality issues was the 2022 model. Outlets, including J.D. Power, handed it a 78/100 score, with reliability and quality being 76. It is worth noting that the 2022 edition of the Tucson suffered from unstable transmission shifts, engine stalling, and unreliable driver-assist sensors. Steer clear of these if possible.

2023 Hyundai Tucson

Last but not least, we have the 2023 Tucson. What was great about this model was all of the improvements Hyundai made following that lower-scoring year in 2022. J.D. Power gave it a score of 80/100, a two-point rise from the previous release cycle.

What Year of Hyundai Tucson to Stay Away From?

Although the Hyundai Tucson never really had a "bad" year, its more "average" rating came from the 2022 model release. This was still much higher than competitors, but was not as impressive as its own standard set in previous and later years. The good and not-so-good thing about being one of America's safest and most reliable models is that anytime things aren't better than before, you take a hit. Hyundai has done a great job improving its fourth-generation SUVs, and the current 2026 ratings are closer to the 2020-era peaks.

Key Factors Behind Reliability

If you are trying to determine the best year for Hyundai Tucson, reliability should be one of the biggest factors you consider. Engineering, build quality, and long-term durability all play an important role when comparing different model years. The better a manufacturer designs and produces a vehicle, the better ratings it will receive from drivers and official agencies. Hyundai is a top-rated brand for reliability because of its high manufacturing standards, and with models like the Tucson continuing to perform above average, it's worth investing in.

Why Get Your Hyundai Tucson at Granite Hyundai

The next time you want to purchase a new Hyundai Tucson in Somersworth, NH, trust our local experts at Granite Hyundai. Whether you're looking for the best year for Hyundai Tucson or want the latest model, our team can help you choose the right SUV for your needs. 

We are the area's top-rated dealership and service center because we really care about our customers' experience, and we have plenty of new and used Hyundais to browse and test drive. Whether this is your first Tucson or your third or fourth, we want to be the team you trust to make your next big purchase. Come see us today, and let's find you a great car.