2015 Hyundai Tucson review
Hyundai Tucson highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Suspension makes for an enjoyable drive
- Among the most feature-rich compact SUVs for the price
Cons
- Lacks the interior space of most rivals
- Entry-level engine lacks get-up-and-go
Mileage (EPA estimate)
20 city, 25 highway, 22 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
The 2015 Hyundai Tucson is an easy-to-drive compact SUV
That the Tucson remains such a compelling buy, even so late in its model cycle, is testament to Hyundai’s focus on creating a fine-driving, value-packed compact SUV. And compact it is, as many rivals do offer more space—both for passengers and in the trunk. But if you don’t need that, the Tucson is a good choice, as well as a cinch to park. The Hyundai brand's pillar of value is difficult to ignore as the base GLS model comes with everything you could reasonably want as standard. The SE trim level above it borders on luxurious, and the top-of-the-line Limited comes fully loaded with equipment. Add a long warranty into the mix and the Tucson is difficult to ignore, even in its twilight years.
Two engines are offered. The base 2.0-liter can be sluggish; for more power, you'll need the 2.4-liter in the SE and Limited. Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic—front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is an option—and get reasonable EPA fuel economy estimates. If Hyundai can add some space to the new Tucson coming for 2016, this impressive package will get even better.
All Hyundai Tucson years
What is new for the 2015 Hyundai Tucson?
- Running Boards features are now available as options on select trims.
2015 Hyundai Tucson trims
GLS
Includes tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, USB auxiliary input jacks, rear-seat recline function, electronic stability control, traction control system, rear privacy glass, and more.
SE
Adds heated front seats, power driver's seat with lumbar support, floor console-mounted rear air vents, illuminated vanity mirrors and glove compartment, roof side rails, and more.
Limited
Unlocks proximity key entry with push-button start, dual automatic temperature control with ionizer, leather upholstery, Hyundai Bluelink® telematics system, retractable rear cargo cover, and more.
5 reasons to buy the 2015 Hyundai Tucson
1. Great on hills and mountains
The 2015 Hyundai Tucson ensures there are no limits to the roads you can take. Want to head to the mountains? Features like downhill brake control help maintain a steady speed while you circle down mountain passes. On top of that, hill-start assist minimizes backward roll when you release the brake on an uphill slope—handy for city inclines as well as country roads. Heading out of your comfort zone with an SUV that's got you covered is a great feeling.
2. Two available packages
Not only is the 2015 Tucson well equipped across its three trims, but it also offers two great packages. The base GLS trim has an available Popular Equipment Package that adds a 4.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with rearview camera, automatic headlights, and upgraded seating. The range-topping Limited trim's available Tech Package adds a larger touchscreen, premium audio, and panoramic sunroof. These packages offer significant upgrades that make everyday differences.
3. Bluetooth® capability
Because staying connected matters more than ever, the 2015 Tucson's Bluetooth voice command keeps you in control of your life so you can stay focused on the road. Its wireless audio streaming means your loved ones can also access their favorite playlists. Is the music too loud? No problem. Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls keep you in charge of the volume.
4. Comfortable passenger seating
The best SUVs deliver passenger comfort as a priority, and the 2015 Tucson does just that. Rear privacy glass is standard—a welcome essential for your youngest passengers on long trips. Your second-row passengers also benefit from two-stage reclining rear seats, while the available front heated seats and standard illuminated cup holders will keep you comfortable on your daily commute.
5. City-friendly features
The 2015 Tucson has highly responsive handling more akin to a hatchback, thanks to its rear multi-link suspension. Heading into the city? Take the Tucson—its turning radius of just 34.7 ft means parking maneuvers are a cinch, while 25.7 cubic feet of cargo space will take care of your shopping bags.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2015 Hyundai Tucson, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The BMW X1 is a compact SUV with upscale features, smart storage solutions, and passenger comforts. The 2016-2019 X1 has a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine that delivers 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This standard powertrain is paired to front- or all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2016-2019 X1 is a capable crossover with plenty of sporty excitement.
Standard features of the 2016-2019 BMW X1 include:
Power liftgate
18-inch wheels
6.5-inch infotainment screen
With the five-seat Jeep Compass, you get a lifestyle-led SUV that can take you from weekday errands around town to adventurous trips on weekends. The 2016 Compass is available with either a 2.0L or 2.4L four-cylinder engine and plenty of standard and optional features to enhance your ride experience, such as the available Freedom Drive II off-road package. The second-generation Jeep Compass was introduced in 2017, dropping the 2.0L engine and adding more passenger-friendly technology, including the Uconnect® infotainment system.
The 2016-2019 Jeep Compass Sport base trim includes these standard features:
Bluetooth connectivity
16-inch alloy wheels
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility (from 2017)
A rugged crossover that enjoys the urban sprawl and dirt roads in equal measure, the Subaru Crosstrek is a no-nonsense SUV that delivers ride comfort and an ever-evolving roster of standard features. The 2016 Crosstrek is available in five trims, powered by a 2.0L BOXER® four-cylinder engine with 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. A 2016 hybrid Crosstrek is also available, pairing the same engine with an onboard electric motor.
The Crosstrek was reimagined for 2018, though it still offers the same 2.0L engine and standard AWD. Notable changes include improved interior finishing and more tech features as standard, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
The 2016-2019 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i base trim includes these standard features:
Rearview camera
17-inch alloy wheels
Rear privacy glass
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Hyundai Tucson an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Hyundai Tucson 10th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Hyundai TucsonHyundai Tucson features and specs
GLS 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Power Seat(s)
- Rear View Camera
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
164
Torque (ft-lbs)
151
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
15.3
Wheelbase
103.9"
Overall length
173.2"
Width
71.7"
Height
65.2"
Leg room
F 41.2"/R 38.7"
Head room
F 39.4"/R 39.1"
Front tires
P225/60HR17
Rear tires
P225/60HR17
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
100/1000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2015 Hyundai Tucson FAQ
Many factors can affect the reliability of a Hyundai Tucson, including its driving history, maintenance records, and mileage. However, according to RepairPal® reliability data, which are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2006-2020 vehicles, the Tucson receives a 4.5/5 (Excellent) rating. Learn more at repairpal.com/reliability.
All 2015 Tucson models have a six-speed automatic transmission.
Yes. The 2015 Tucson SE and Limited trims have heated front seats.
More about the 2015 Hyundai Tucson
Exterior colors:
Ash Black
Diamond Silver
Garnet Red
Graphite Gray
Kona Bronze
Laguna Blue
Shadow Gray
Winter White
Interior colors:
Beige
Black
Brown
Interior details
The 2015 Tucson is a crossover SUV that's superbly detailed for everyday use. Seating up to five passengers, standard cloth upholstery makes way for simulated or natural leather upholstery as you move up the three trim levels. Standard features such as rear privacy glass, four cup holders, air conditioning, and reclining rear seats will set you up nicely for longer road trips. Happy passengers make your driving duties more enjoyable, so choose the SE trim or above for extras that make a difference, like heated front seats and automatic climate control.
Child seat details
The 2015 Hyundai Tucson has two full sets of LATCH restraints (upper tether and lower anchors) in the second-row outboard seats. The middle seat also has an upper tether restraint. Lower anchors have visible indicators that can help line up your seat for installation. Two child seats can be installed in the 2015 model, accommodating booster, infant, and convertible (front/rear) seats comfortably, with little to no impact on front seat legroom.
Performance
The 2015 Tucson has two engine options: the GLS base trim has a 164-hp 2.0L four-cylinder engine, while the upper trims (SE and Limited) drive on a 184-hp 2.4L four-cylinder engine. Both engines pair with a six-speed automatic transmission. Two-wheel drive is standard on all three trims, and all-wheel drive is available.
The 2015 base trim Tucson GLS can achieve a zero-to-60-mph time of 8.1 seconds, with the upper trims marginally faster, at 7.9 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). Fuel economy figures are pretty even across the trims—the Tucson GLS with standard 2WD and the 2.0L engine gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined.
Emissions
According to EPA estimates, the 2015 Hyundai Tucson has the following tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions:
2WD and 2.0L engine — 351 grams per mile
2WD and 2.4L engine — 376 grams per mile
AWD and 2.0L engine — 395 grams per mile
AWD and 2.4L engine — 402 grams per mile
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