Hyundai Tucson Review 2024

Hyundai Tucson At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Hyundai Tucson has gone from being dull but worthy to striking and sophisticated in one generation. The latest SUV is still practical and dependable, but with a unique look, impressive technology and upmarket cabin. Frugal hybrid engines also make it bang up to date, and only the slightly firm ride disappoints.

+Bold styling. Upmarket cabin with loads of standard tech. Spacious cabin and big boot. Wide choice of hybrid engines to suit most needs.

-Not the best ride and handling in the class. Rear seats don't slide. No diesel option.

New prices start from £30,940, brokers can source from £26,725
On average it achieves 0% of the official MPG figure

Sometimes car companies feel the need to make a statement, particularly if they have an unwanted image to shake off. Hyundai has clearly decided that its midsize SUV, the Tucson, just wasn't interesting enough to look at in the face of competition from the Peugeot 3008, Ford Kuga and Mazda CX-5. Enter the new version, which seems to have a point to prove. Read our Hyundai Tucson review to find out everything you need to know.

The previous Tucson followed the old Nissan Qashqai's template by ticking many rational boxes, but also being totally uninteresting to look at, sit in and drive. Nothing particularly wrong with that: it was a huge success in terms of sales, just like the ubiquitous Qashqai. 

Clearly that wasn't enough for Hyundai. Or, the Korean brand felt there was just too much competition in the family SUV sector, so the new generation had to be bold to stand out. And, well, it isn't exactly subtle, is it? 

That angular shape, huge grille festooned in LED lights and mass of creases may put some of Hyundai's more conservative customers off, but it'll surely bring in buyers wanting to stand out from the crowd. And the Tucson has plenty more strings to its bow than design. 

The interior, for example, is a huge step forward. Though less 'out there' than the exterior, it's very plushly trimmed for this end of the market, and comes with plenty of advanced technology. It's also well equipped whichever model you go for. Hyundai hasn't forgotten the important SUV qualities, though, so it's spacious for passengers and offers a sizeable boot. 

Although diesel used to be a huge chunk of Tucson sales, Hyundai no longer offers the new model with a diesel engine. That's perhaps no surprise in the current climate, though, and the Tucson is well catered for in the fuel efficiency department with mild-hybrid petrols, a full ('self-charging') hybrid and a plug-in hybrid available.

The latest Tucson is a bit more sporty in its dynamic make-up. It's a fair bit sharper in the bends, although it isn't as enjoyable to drive all-round as a SEAT Ateca. Where it does fall down a little is the ride quality: it's far from uncomfortable, but there are softer-feeling rivals. 

Still, with keen pricing and equipment levels, Hyundai's typically generous warranty and loads of space, there's a lot to like with the new Tucson. 

Looking for a second opinion? Why not read heycar's Hyundai Tucson review.

Ask Honest John

Why does the clock in my Hyundai keep going wrong?

"I have a 72 reg Hyundai Tucson and the time and date on display, for no apparent reason, are incorrect. This has happened lots of times, and when I mention this to the Hyundai dealership, they say this also happens on other Hyundai cars. I've had this checked when car has been serviced & was told no fault has been found. I'm fairly sure that this is also happening on many other Hyundai cars. Surely Hyundai as a motor company are aware of this issue and are looking into reason for this fault?"
This fault does appear to be happening on a range of Hyundai cars, and one suggestion is that it is caused by the car switching off certain systems when parked in order to preserve the charge of the 12V battery. We would suggest running a software update, which you can find here: https://update.hyundai.com/EU/E1/updateNoticeList
Answered by David Ross

What should we replace our Audi Q5 with?

"We will replace our Audi Q5 (2019) this year and want to switch to either petrol or hybrid. We like the quality and style of the Audi but were thinking of something slightly smaller - our daughter has a Nissan Qashqqai which she loves and which we are considering. Any other makes/models?"
We'd recommend a Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson. Both are excellent family SUVs available with hybrid power. They feel just as upmarket as premium alternatives, too, especially in the higher trim levels.
Answered by Andrew Brady

What is the best SUV for transporting two large dogs?

"I currently have a Mercedes-Benz GLA, which I love no longer accommodates my needs. I'm now looking for an SUV with a large boot to fit my two large dogs in. It needs to have a good MPG (as far as SUVs go) and be petrol. I have a budget of £15,000. Do you have any recommendations? "
We'd recommend a Skoda Karoq. It's a very versatile family SUV with a big boot and versatile load area which makes it great for transporting pets. The 1.0-litre petrol engine has plenty of poke and is very efficient. Alternatively, consider a Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Can you recommend a ULEZ compliant hybrid car?

"I have a top of the range 4x4 2014 Skoda Yeti. When the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) in London is extended in August I will have to replace it. My main concern is that I like the height and the comfort as I have mobility issues. I would be happy with either a petrol or hybrid. What would you suggest?"
We'd recommend a Toyota Yaris Cross. It's a brilliant hybrid small SUV that'll be cheap to run and well suited to driving around town. It's got a high seating position, too - much higher than other small SUVs like the Ford Puma. Alternatively, consider a Volkswagen T-Roc or bigger family SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage.
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions

What does a Hyundai Tucson cost?

Buy new from £26,725(list price from £31,500)