The Tucson is fundamentally a pleasant, well rounded small SUV but originally, neither powertrain did it justice, until spring 2018.
Three powertrains are available: a lackluster 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic transmission; a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic; and a conventional 2.4-liter four-cylinder.
In terms of engine performance, the 2.0-liter is saddled with a poky 11-second 0-to-60 mph time as well as an underwhelming 24 mpg overall that's matched by other, quicker competitors. Shifting is not particularly smooth and the engine can get buzzy often.
The 1.6T is quicker than the 2.0 yet gets commendable fuel economy at 26 mpg overall. However, the dual-clutch transmission it comes with suffers from pronounced idle vibration at parking and stop and go speeds.
The 2.4-liter is coupled to a conventional six-speed automatic, a powertrain it shares with the Kia Sportage. We think this combination suits the car best. With the Sportage, the Tucson’s sister vehicle, we measured 0-60 mph performance in 9.6 seconds and 23 mpg overall.
Handling is nimble, and secure, with only subtle differences among the trim lines. The Tucson's ride is settled, and it absorbs most bumps and ruts quite well. Braking is excellent.
The Tucson feels especially roomy and spacious for a compact SUV, with an open and airy cabin that offers easy access and a family-friendly rear seat. Head and knee room are generous; even short drivers can sit up high with a good view out the front. The interior is one of the quietest in this typically not-so-hushed category.
The seats are sufficient for urban romps, although there were some complaints about bottom cushioning needing more support on longer trips. Lumbar support adjustment comes on most versions. The cargo area can swallow three large suitcases; a cargo cover costs extra.
In an era when infotainment systems are becoming inscrutable, the Tucson's controls are a model of simplicity. The cabin trim is rudimentary but neat. All of the door-panel plastics are hard; the dashboard has some soft-touch material, but much of it is far away beneath the windshield, where no one will ever touch it. Components fit together well, with minimal gaps. Again, not flashy, just competent.
The Tucson is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick, thanks to good crash-test results and an available slate of crash-avoidance features.
Most trims come equipped just one way, with only a choice of color and front- or all-wheel drive. Our test car with the 2.0-liter, which cost almost $26,000, was quite spartan and lacked a power driver's seat and lumbar adjustment. Heated seats and a power tailgate were appreciated on the 1.6T, but at nearly $29,000, it lacked a sunroof and automatic climate control.
The most appealing combination would be the Sport because of the more pleasant powertrain. We would also stick to the 17-inch wheels.