Hyundai Tucson Model Research

 

The Hyundai Tucson is one of Hyundai's most popular compact SUVs, with more than 7 million units sold globally, and was the inspiration for their pickup truck, the Santa Cruz. The Hyundai Tucson model was first introduced in 2004 as a smaller alternative to the Santa Fe and is now in its fourth generation and is also available as a hybrid.

From the time it was released, the Tucson has always been a popular choice for drivers looking for a smaller SUV that drives smoothly and has enough cargo space. The earlier models looked similar until the facelift in 2013, which introduced more sleek and sharp curves, narrow headlights and a new grille.

Inside the latest Tucson is a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic, and drivers have a choice of either front or all-wheel drive. While the Tuscon is not geared towards high speeds, seen in the average testing of 60 mph in 8.8 seconds, it is capable when it comes to smooth handling and responsiveness. Drivers looking for a car to take off-roading will be pleased with the performance of the Tucson thanks to the four-wheel independent suspension as well as a front and rear stabilizer bar that comes standard with the vehicle. For normal city and highway driving, the Tucson certainly delivers with a 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway rating.

Hyundai leans more into green energy by offering drivers a hybrid Tucson that comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine, electric motor, and a completely redesigned SUV. This is able to produce a combined 226 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. For those looking for faster acceleration, the hybrid is faster than the standard Tucson, with a 0-60 mph speed of 7.1 seconds. Drivers will smile when they learn that the Tucson Hybrid has better fuel economy, with 38 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.

Explore the Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson model is an affordable compact SUV that feels surprisingly luxurious, so much so that it was awarded the best compact SUV for families two years in a row.

Let's take a look more into what this model has to offer.

Safety

The driver's safety has been taken into careful consideration, which is why the Tucson comes standard with Hyundai's world-class safety system, Hyundai SmartSense. These safety features include blind spot and lane departure warnings, an accident avoidance system, front and rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, pre-collision safety system, Smart Cruise Control (SCC) that comes with Stop and Go as well as curve control, driver attention warning, surround view monitors and remote smart parking assist (RSPA). Some of these safety features are limited to certain trims.

For example, the blind-spot view monitor (BVM), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Ultrasonic rear occupant alert (Ultrasonic ROA), Parking distance warning - forward and reverse and Surround view monitor (SVM) are only available with the Limited trim.

As the Tucson is marketed by Hyundai to be taken off roads, the traction control, front and rear stabilizer bar, independent suspension and stability control ensure that this SUV can handle tough terrains while remaining safe. Other safety systems that come standard across all trims include the Vehicle stability management (VSM), Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with 4-wheel disc brakes, Downhill brake control (DBC) and an engine immobilizer.

 

Tech

In an exciting move, Hyundai has partnered with Disney to bring some magical tech features to this compact SUV.

These features include Hyundai's innovative Bluelink Connected Car Service, Bluelink Remote Package (3-year complimentary service) and Bluelink Guidance Package (3-year complimentary service). However, these are only available for SEL and Limited trims.

Keep your devices charged with the Tucson's front dual USB ports, 12-volt outlets, wireless device quick charging and a second row of dual USB ports only available with the SEL and Limited trims.

Drive comfortably in your Tucson at all times by making use of the comfort and convenient features like the Bluetooth hands-free phone system, remote keyless entry system with alarm and panic options and rear window defroster with timer that come standard across all trims.

Other features like the Multi-Air Mode with capacitive-touch HVAC controls and heated steering wheel are only available with the SEL and Limited trims.

The Hyundai Tucson also comes with Hyundai's digital key, known as the key fob of the future, that allows remote engine control, unlocking of doors and controlling windows all from your smartphone.

Colors and Trims

Drivers are certainly spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a trim for Hyundai Tucson. In total, there are eight trims available, but they're split across the different engine types. The Tucson is available as either a standard gas engine, a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid.

The gas engine, also known as the base model, is available in SE, SEL and Limited trims, while the hybrid engine is available in Blue, SEL Convenience, and Limited trims. The plug-in hybrid is only available with two trims, the SEL and Limited.

The gas engine Tucsons have a minimum of six colors to choose from, while the hybrid and plug-in hybrid have decidedly less.

Design

Over the years, the Tucson has undergone many facelifts, and now the latest Tucson shows off sleek and sharp edges that give it a futuristic look. The body color door handles and shark-fin roof antenna give the SUV a luxurious feel. The Limited trim comes with additional design perks like a dark chrome accent grille, gloss black pillars, silver-painted fascias and a panoramic sunroof that lets in plenty of natural light.

Hyundai Tucson vs. The Competition

There's no denying the market for compact SUVs in the North American market is saturated, which means there is high competition for Hyundai's Tucson model. So, how does the Tucson compare against its direct competitors?

We'll take a look at the Tucson engine and drivetrain, handling, fuel economy, safety and tech compared to other compact SUVs.

A full list of Tucson comparisons can be found below:

 

Learn About the Hyundai Tucson

Have additional questions or want more information on the Hyundai Tucson? Check out some of our other blogs and content below. You can also contact Granite Hyundai or stop on by during business hours. 

Find Your Hyundai Tucson at Granite Hyundai

Ready to drive away in your own Hyundai Tucson? Visit our friendly and expert staff at Granite Hyundai to take the Tucson for a test drive or check out our inventory online.

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