Summary

The Hyundai Tucson is a medium-sized SUV/crossover. It replaced a model called the Hyundai ix35 (which, ironically, replaced the original Hyundai Tucson…). This model was launched in the middle of 2015, and was given a major mid-life facelift in the middle of 2018. Production ended in 2020 ahead of an all-new model launching in 2021.

The Tucson received average to good reviews from most of the UK motoring media during the course of its life. It scored particular praise for its value for money and good levels of standard equipment, but its driving dynamics were not considered to be up to the standards of the best cars in its class.

As of November 2024, the Hyundai Tucson holds a Used Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 62%. It scores top marks for its excellent reliability record but it gets marked down for its safety rating, which is well out of date, and its poor media review scores.

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price when new: From £22,060 on-road

Launched: Summer 2015
Last updated: Summer 2018
Replaced: Spring 2021

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert+

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual SE Nav
“The Tucson won’t attract keen drivers, but ought to be a hit with families thanks to its super-practical interior and comfortable drive.”
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Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Hyundai Tucson comes with a long kit list, family-friendly practicality and good looks.”
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Model reviewed: N Line 1.6 T-GDi 177ps 2WD DCT
Score: 7 / 10
“While the petrol is nippy but thirsty, the new mild hybrid diesel’s low CO2 ratings will make plenty of sense to company car drivers and private buyers alike.”
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Autocar+

Model reviewed: 1.6 CRDi N-Line
Score: 6 / 10
“With the diesel engine, it’s frugal and quiet enough, too.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7 / 10
“It doesn’t matter which specification of Hyundai Tucson you choose, be reassured it comes with plenty of standard kit.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel 48-volt mild hybrid
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s a car that, despite the modernity of its powertrain, has aged more quickly than rivals. And, despite a facelift, the Hyundai Tucson still feels a little geriatric. In this class, it’s towards the bottom end for being fun to drive, outgunned by the Nissan Qashqai, SEAT Ateca and Skoda Karoq.”
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Car+

Model reviewed: 1.7-litre diesel manual
Score: 6 / 10
“There are many things the Hyundai Tucson does well, and objectively there’s nothing the rest of the current mid-sized SUV set does that it can’t, interior visuals and plastics notwithstanding. The main issue is character. The Tucson’s not a bad car, just a curiously forgettable one. And in a sector that’s never been more competitive, that could be a real problem.”
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Car Keys+

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol automatic N-Line
Score: 8 / 10
“The N-Line is a fantastic addition to the Hyundai Tucson range – bringing added style and an improved driving experience to what is already a well-rounded crossover, which excels in terms of value and practicality.”
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Hyundai Tucson offers families a functional and desirable SUV at a sensible price.”
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Hyundai Tucson is a small family SUV that’s roomy inside and comes with lots of kit, but it doesn’t look particularly stylish and alternatives have more spacious boots.”
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Evo+

Score: 6 / 10
“The light, easy clutch and gear lever in the manual-equipped diesel is equally appropriate for the car’s target audience. It’s just a shame the dynamic quality found in premium crossovers hasn’t yet permeated their equivalents in the value sector.”
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Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Stylish, spacious and sensible SUV”
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Honest John+

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Hyundai Tucson is a good value crossover that’s practical and easy to live with. What’s more, if you opt for one of the lower trim models – like SE Nav – you’ll get a well-equipped car that will give all of the practically, comfort and refinement of a premium car, but for a fraction of the price.”
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Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Dependable mid-size SUV, but it lacks the wow factor”
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The Sun+

Model reviewed: (range review)
“The Hyundai Tucson has returned in fine style and it will do wonders for raising the Korean car brand’s image to quality SUV wanting Brits. So get used to Hyundai’s confident new face as you will be seeing it around a lot.”
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The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel manual Premium SE
Score: 6 / 10
“The Hyundai Tucson is competent and capable but a touch overstyled and never likely to be a landmark in automotive history. The Audi Q3, Nissan Qashqai, Mazda CX-5 and Ford Kuga are all a better bet.”
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The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual (mild hybrid) N-Line
Score: 6 / 10
“There’s a bit too much “this will do” in this otherwise likeable family SUV, but for all that, the way it drives and just gets on with the job, together with that five-year unlimited mileage warranty, will gain it a lot of friends. While not completely loveable, this practical workhorse does rather grow on you.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“About as painless to drive and own as a family car gets. The Hyundai Tucson ain’t interesting, but it’s very good all the same.”
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What Car?+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“Alongside the new look, the Tucson’s engine range has also been refreshed; one of the most significant changes being a mild-hybrid system that’s fitted to the diesel engines – it uses an electric motor to improve fuel economy or to give you a small boost when accelerating.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“The Hyundai Tucson offers decent value for money, a long equipment list and roomy interior, but its ride and handling are lacklustre at best.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2015
Date expired: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 86%
Child protection: 85%
Vulnerable road users: 71%
Safety assist: 71%

Notes on safety rating

The Hyundai Tucson was originally tested by Euro NCAP back in 2015 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2022 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

Although the rating has now expired, the score is still useful if you are comparing a used Tucson to vehicles of similar age – whose ratings will have probably also expired.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Hyundai Tucson was not tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 65
Average repair cost: £752.10
Last updated: October 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Hyundai Tucson has an average reliability score, according to warranty data provided by our partners MotorEasy.

The most common claims made by Tucson owners are for braking system repairs, which are relatively inexpensive with an average repair bill of less than £400. Gearbox repairs are the most expensive problems, with an average repair cost of £1,200.

If you are looking at buying a used Tucson, make sure any used car warranty you are offered – or choose to purchase yourself – covers all the potential problem areas shown above.