Hyundai Tucson (2015 – 2021) Review

Hyundai Tucson (2015 – 2021) At A Glance

3/5
Honest John Overall Rating
A bland interior and dull driving manner don’t detract from the Hyundai Tucson being a fundamentally very good family SUV.

+Cabin is spacious and comfortable. Lots of family appeal with affordable running costs and huge boot.

-Not the sharpest SUV to drive. Some cheap and scratchy plastics in the cabin. Ride can get a bit bumpy on poor roads.

Insurance Groups are between 12–25
On average it achieves 75% of the official MPG figure

Few people buy an SUV because they want the sharpest driving car, which is just fine where the Hyundai Tucson is concerned. You might be a little more aware of the bland interior design, but you’ll also notice the solid build, comfort and space. It all adds up to a car that wins more minds than hearts compared to the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan, the popular Ford Kuga or stablemate the Kia Sportage. Read on for our full Hyundai Tucson review.

Stylish outside and good value, the Hyundai Tucson is a family SUV that has lots of appeal. Much of that is down to its large interior, refined ride and affordable price.

The Hyundai Tucson offers more space and equipment than its Hyundai ix35 predecessor. It has a more purposeful look, with an aggressive design featuring an imposing front grille, large wheelarches and bulging bodylines. 

The Hyundai Tucson is well-equipped and all models came with alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights and steering wheel controls.

The cabin is durable and spacious, but slightly let down by the occasional splash of dull and scratchy plastics.

The large comfortable seats have lots of lower leg and upper back support though, while the wide base allows up to three adults to sit across the rear bench. There’s no shortage of legroom either, which means the driver can push their seat back a considerable distance without squashing the legs of those behind.

There are five engines to choose from – two petrols and three diesels – and the most economical option is the 1.7 CRDi with 116PS which returns a claimed 61.4mpg. If your annual mileage doesn’t warrant diesel power, then there’s an entry-level 1.6-litre petrol which is also front-wheel drive.

The Tucson is never involving or fun to drive, due to its overly light steering and lack of feedback in the corners. That said, the Hyundai Tucson is a good value choice that's practical and easy to live with.

What’s more, if you opt for one of the lower trim models – such as SE Nav – you’ll get a well-equipped car that will give all of the practicality, comfort and refinement of a premium car for much less money

If you’re looking for the newer version, check out our Hyundai Tucson review

Ask Honest John

Can I replace two Continental tyres with Michelins?

"I have a 2016 Hyundai Tucson and need to replace both front tyres. Presently all four tyres and the spare are Continental. The two rear tyres are okay so I am thinking to purchase two new tyres. Is it okay to purchase two Michelin Cross Climate type and having different brands? I have had some conflicting information given to me, i.e: the new ones should go on the back as they provide for better braking with the existing back ones placed on the front. Or just place the new ones on the front? The reason for introducing Michelin brand is less availability of Continental."
You don't mention the specific type of Continental tyre you currently have fitted, but Michelin Cross Climate are an all-season tyre, so unless your Continentals are also all-season you should not mix an all-season or winter tyre with summer tyres. Having different brands of tyre on your car is less of an issue if they are the same type and dimensions, although ideally you should avoid mixing brands on the same axle. If you are only changing two tyres, you should fit the new tyres on the back. Having more tread and therefore greater grip on the rear prevents oversteer and loss of control in wet conditions.
Answered by David Ross

How do I update the navigation on my Hyundai Tucson?

"My 2016 Hyundai Tuscon TomTom navigation no longer receives updates I am advised by a message on its screen. And I`m told there is not an option to renew. In particular via my portable plug in EE wifi unit which I pay monthly for which enables Tom Tom to receive speed camera alerts. Can you tell me if there is any way I can get back this service as it appears not? "
Hyundai offers online support for its navigation systems which you can explore here: https://update.hyundai.com/EU/E1/Main
Answered by David Ross

Is there a shortage of parts for car repairs?

"My Hyundai Tucson has been offroad for two months now, awaiting the final bit of kit - a replacement grille (to complete a repair authorised by insurance company). The garage tells me this part is on backorder everywhere and very much delayed. Is this true?"
Parts supply issues have been affecting the automotive industry for some time, so we are not surprised to hear that this part is on back order. However, it seems unlikely that nowhere in the world has this part in stock, but because this work is being carried out as an authorised insurance repair it is likely that only certain approved parts can be used, even though a replacement grille is non-structural. You could probably find one on the Internet in ten minutes, but this would probably not be an OEM or approved part.
Answered by David Ross

Which car has the best suspension system for comfort?

"Can you recommend a car for under £10,000 with a good standard of ride comfort? I am open to buying an older and cheaper model, but it must have good seats and low cabin noise. "
I'd recommend the seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf (launched in 2013). It's a very comfortable family hatch with excellent ride quality and impressive refinement from the 1.4-litre petrol engine. However, a number of owners have experienced issues with the DSG automatic gearbox, so check the good/bad section of our review before you start to test drive some examples: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/volkswagen/golf/2013/ Alternatively, if you'd prefer something a bit more upmarket, a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class could be a good choice. Avoid the sportier trim levels - an Executive SE with its standard suspension, regular seats and 17-inch alloy wheels will be more comfortable than an AMG Sport, for example. You could also look at an SUV - a Hyundai Tucson with small wheels will be another very comfortable choice.
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions

What does a Hyundai Tucson (2015 – 2021) cost?