2021 Hyundai Tucson review
Hyundai Tucson highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Smart styling inside and out
- Value-laden package that's thousands less than many rivals
Cons
- Not quite as spacious as the roomiest compact SUVs
- EPA estimates fall short of best in class
Mileage (EPA estimate)
21 city, 25 highway, 23 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Value-rich 2021 Hyundai Tucson shouldn't be overlooked
The Tucson has quietly been selling against rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. While it’s not quite as spacious as its roomiest compact SUV rivals, it counters with a value-rich package that's difficult to match. All trim levels—SE, Value, SEL, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate—offer extensive standard equipment.
The SE and Value make do with a 2.0-liter engine, which is adequate rather than exciting. The 2.4-liter of the SEL and above adds some useful performance into the mix, even if it’s not exactly a fireball when it comes to acceleration. Instead, enjoy the Tucson’s fine steering and sharp suspension, which make it among the more enjoyable compact SUVs to drive. It's an impressive package. As the Tucson heads toward a redesign, don't rule out the 2021 model. Unlike so many, the Tucson manages to bow out on a high.
All Hyundai Tucson years
2021 Hyundai Tucson trims
SE:
Includes the 2.0L GDI four-cylinder engine, forward collision-avoidance assist, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, seven-inch color touchscreen, and more.
Value:
Eight-way power-driver seat, proximity key with push-button start, Blue Link® connected car system.
SEL:
2.4L GDI four-cylinder engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual automatic temperature control, 2nd-row USB outlet, chrome-tipped dual exhaust.
Sport:
19-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlights, hands-free liftgate with auto open, Infinity® premium audio system.
Limited:
Surround-view monitor, leather seating surface, heated steering wheel.
Ultimate
Pedestrian detection, eight-inch color touchscreen with navigation, adaptive cruise control, panoramic sunroof.
Hyundai Tucson photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Hyundai Tucson
1. A well equipped base model
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson comes well-equipped from the base model. Not only does it include plenty of standard creature comforts, but it comes with some upgrades that would be considered optional or upgrades in other cars—features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a seven-inch color touchscreen infotainment system. This means you can stay connected during even the longest drives.
2. Versatile interior
One of the primary reasons to purchase a crossover SUV is for the flexibility of interior space. Equipped with a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson can be used to transport up to five passengers or a combination of increased cargo space, all while retaining space for rear-seat passengers. Folding the second row all the way down will provide you with an ample cargo area of 61.9 cu-ft of space. If a road trip with the whole crew is in order, the Tucson has 31 cu-ft of cargo space behind the rear seat.
3. Available AWD
Another common attraction to SUVs is that they are often offered with all-wheel drive. The versatility of AWD coupled with the confidence it inspires in the driver are just a couple of the reasons you might be after an SUV with that feature. While the 2021 Hyundai Tucson comes standard with 2WD, all six of the Tucson's trim levels are available with all-wheel drive as an option. The AWD in the 2021 Hyundai Tucson is available with either 2.0L or 2.4L engine options as well.
4. Driver assist features
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson comes well equipped with the latest in driver-assistance aids. Standard driver-assist tech includes driver-attention warning, lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision avoidance. Stepping up to the Value trim further adds blind-spot collision warning and rear cross-traffic collision warning. Both the Limited and Ultimate trims are equipped with a surround-view monitor to help you keep an eye on your complete surroundings while the Ultimate adds pedestrian detection to its forward-collision avoidance assist feature.
5. From standard to luxurious
Whether you're looking for something more utilitarian or packed with all of the creature comforts that you'd expect from a modern luxury vehicle, one of the six available trim levels on the 2021 Hyundai Tucson is bound to meet the criteria of what you're looking for in a crossover SUV. The six available trim levels include the SE, Value, SEL, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate. While the SE is well equipped as base models go, you'll find plenty more options in the higher models too. The Ultimate, as an example, comes standard with a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a larger eight-inch color touchscreen infotainment system.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a study in options for all. From 2017 through 2019, there are several variants of the Santa Fe. The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is the smaller option for 2017 and 2018, offering seating for five passengers while the standard Santa Fe for those same years is slightly larger and offers seating for up to seven passengers, benefiting from a third-row seat. For 2019, the Hyundai Santa Fe XL is the one to go with if you want three rows of seating, while the Santa Fe Sport received a complete redesign and is called just the Hyundai Santa Fe. If you're after cargo space, folding down both rows in the 2017–2019 Santa Fe (XL for 2019) will provide you with 80 cu-ft of cargo space. Standard features on the 2019 Santa Fe XL include:
Remote start
Heated mirrors
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
The Mazda CX-5 received a refresh both inside and out for 2017 and has handsome yet sporty styling and a luxurious interior. All CX-5s for 2017 and 2018 are powered by a 187 hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine while the 2019 CX-5 gets an additional engine option, a turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were also introduced to the 2019 Mazda CX-5 as well. 2017 through 2019 CX-5s have 30.9 cu-ft of cargo space behind the rear seat while folding it down provides 59.6 cu-ft. The 2019 Mazda CX-5 Sport comes standard with the following options:
17-inch aluminum wheels
Seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
The new-for-2021 Kia Sorento brings a daring contemporary look to the world of seven-seat crossovers. With a choice of two 2.5L four-cylinder engine options (one turbo, the other not) connected to a quick eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Sorento has plenty of passing power. You'll also love the Sorento's interior room and ergonomics, making it a comfortable and practical SUV.
The 2018 Kia Sorento SX features:
Eight-inch infotainment with built-in navigation
Panoramic sunroof
Hands-free liftgate
Rain-sensing wipers
Shop with your budget in mind
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
SE 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Cloth Seats
- Full Roof Rack
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
161
Torque (ft-lbs)
150
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
16.4
Wheelbase
105.1"
Overall length
176.4"
Width
72.8"
Height
64.8"
Leg room
F 41.5"/R 38.2"
Head room
F 39.6"/R 39.2"
Front tires
P225/60HR17
Rear tires
P225/60HR17
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
100/1000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Hyundai Tucson FAQ
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Ultimate: 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- SE: 23 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Value: 23 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- SEL: 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Sport: 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Limited: 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
The Hyundai Tucson received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Hyundai Tucson as 9 out of 29 among Compact SUV
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson has received an average 4.5 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Hyundai Tucson, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Hyundai Tucson Reviews.
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson has a maximum towing capacity of 1000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
More about the 2021 Hyundai Tucson
Color options
Exterior colors
Aqua Blue
Black Noir Pearl
Dusk Blue
Magnetic Force
Stellar Silver
White Cream
Winter White
Interior details
31 cu-ft of cargo space behind the rear seats and 61.9 cu-ft of space with the rear seats folded down.
Seating for up to five passengers.
Seven-inch color touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An eight-inch system is standard on the Ultimate trim package.
Wireless device charging (Sport, Limited, and Ultimate trims)
NHTSA Safety Ratings
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson received an overall 5/5 rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Find out more about this rating and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles.
Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
Research other vehicles
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.