Name: Hyundai Tucson (2021 – present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Hyundai Tucson
Rating: 73.0

Summary

The Hyundai Tucson is a medium-sized SUV/crossover and one of the brand’s longest-serving nameplates – the first generation arrived back in 2004, with the all-new fourth-generation model launched in late 2020.

The Tuscon is available in petrol, mild-hybrid and regular hybrid variants, while a new plug-in hybrid joined the range in early 2021. The Tucson range was facelifted in Spring/Summer 2024.

Reviews for the Tucson have been universally positive to date, with Auto Express dubbing the latest version: “… the model that realises the company’s ambition of not being a value-led budget brand but a proper mainstream player like VW.”

The aerodynamic and distinctive styling has come in for praise, as has the interior quality, which has been described as a major step up over previous Hyundais. Space is also improved, including a boot that’s much bigger than the one found in the rival Toyota RAV4.

The Tuscon comes with a high level of standard equipment, with even entry-level models including reversing cameras and large digital touchscreen displays, as well as extensive accident avoidance technology. It has a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.

Out on the road, the Hyundai earns praise for its smooth powertrains and its fuel economy figures, even when not aided by hybrid technology.

Such advances do mean that starting prices are higher than with previous versions, but reviewers conclude that the Tucson will appeal to buyers who have never previously considered a Hyundai.

As of December 2024, the Hyundai Tucson holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 73%. It scores top marks for its low CO₂ emissions, while its safety rating is also good. Reliability and running costs are only average, however.

Tucson highlights

Striking design stands out from the pack
Interior quality much improved over previous model
Plenty of boot space
Good level of standard safety tech

Tucson lowlights

Prices are higher than previous model
Driving experience is pretty bland
Touchscreen can be sluggish to operate

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £30,140 on-road

Launched: Winter 2020/21
Last updated: Spring 2024
Next update due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

The Car Expert+

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tucson merges Hyundai’s futuristic design with a range of accessible engine options and heaps of practicality as a safe family SUV.”
Author: Trinity Francis
Read review

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Hyundai Tucson combines refinement, space, style and hybrid technology to create a mid-size SUV that’s proving hard to beat.”
Author: Ellisw Hyde
Read review

Score: 9 / 10
“The Hyundai Tucson is impressive – solid dynamically, properly practical, usefully efficient in hybrid form, and with a well-finished cabin that oozes tech in all the right places.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid Ultimate
Score: 9 / 10
“This is another example of Hyundai moving from mid-table mediocrity to real championship challenger. It looks great, it drives brilliantly, is well made and is loaded with kit. We hope monthly costs won’t rise too much, which will be a treat given how much more this Tucson gives you.”
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Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Hyundai Tucson combines practicality with a new-found sense of style and quality.”
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Autocar+

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol (mild hybrid) automatic Ultimate AWD
Score: 8 / 10
“The Hyundai Tucson is a nicely made and cleverly modernised replacement for an already good car, with styling that will be a talking point and road manners plenty good enough to enjoy.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol automatic Premium SE
Score: 8 / 10
“The Hyundai Tucson is a car that’s more pleasing to sit in than it is to drive. But given it’s a pretty relaxing, harmless, easy car to drive, you can get an idea of how good a car it is to sit in.”
Read review

Business Car+

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid Ultimate
Score: 9 / 10
“You do get a lot for your money in the Hyundai Tucson and it’s easy to imagine drivers who may never have considered a Hyundai in the past being won over.”
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Car+

Model reviewed: hybrid and MHEV
Score: 6 / 10
“The new Hyundai Tucson has impact like never before. It covers off the emotional with its design, the rational with its practicality, the advanced with its technology, and the zeitgeist with its focus on electrification.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“This generation Hyundai Tucson has impact like never before. It covers off the emotional with its design, the rational with its practicality, the advanced with its technology, and the zeitgeist with its focus on electrification. Hyundai, we salute your ambition.”
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Car Keys+

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“Given the Hyundai Tucson has already proven a huge sales hit, it’s clear this new plug-in hybrid is only going to elevate its appeal further. Though not cheap, and certain elements aren’t quite as polished as you might hope, it’s still a great all-rounder that will slot easily into day-to-day family life.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Hyundai has moved the game on significantly with this new Tucson. Whereas the last model was bland to look at, this new car is as stylish as they come in this class, offering something genuinely different to the rest. With a roomy, generous-equipped interior, it’s still an impressive family SUV too.”
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The latest Hyundai Tucson surprises with adventurous styling and luxury.” (Ben Custard)
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Hyundai Tucson ticks all of the family car boxes, with practicality and a good interior its strongest points. It doesn’t do enough to stand out, though.”
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Company Car Today+

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol 230HP Hybrid SE Connect
“Another impressive move by Hyundai, bringing head-turning styling, particularly at the front end, as well as efficiency and quality.”
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Eurekar+

Model reviewed:
“Sharp styling, plenty of technology and a wide range of engine choices set Hyundai Tucson apart in the burgeoning sports utility vehicle world.”
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Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Cool and sophisticated family SUV”
Read review

Parkers+

Score: 8 / 10
“Daring style and an interesting line-up bode well for the new Hyundai Tucson.”
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The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol automatic Ultimate
Score: 8 / 10
“The Hyundai Tucson is an appealing blend; stress-free to use and own and, for the most part, relaxing to drive. That it also looks like it’s just plopped out of a wormhole in front of the USS Enterprise is merely an added bonus.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“The Hyundai Tucson is now up with the best in the non-premium segment. The facia layout works pretty well, and it’s mostly a comfortable and spacious family hauler. Dynamically, the starter models are wanting, however.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol (mild hybrid) automatic Ultimate
“If the styling of the Hyundai Tucson tickles your fancy, it’d be an easy thing to own.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Love the way it looks? The Hyundai Tucson doesn’t put a foot wrong beneath them, driving eloquently and brimming with well-implemented tech.”
Read review

What Car?+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“If interior space is high on your list of priorities you should definitely take a look at the Hyundai Tucson.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2021
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 86%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 66%
Safety assist: 70%

The Tucson boasts an impressive level of safety kit as standard, with multiple active systems including lane-keeping assist and autonomous braking. Additional safety systems including upgraded collision avoidance, rear- and blind-spot alerts come with the mid-range spec that costs £1,500 more than the entry-level version.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: HEV 1.6-litre T-GDI Hybrid FWD automatic

Overall score: 2 stars
Date tested: October 2022
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 4.2 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 4.5 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 3.1 / 10

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. This data relates to both this current Tucson model, and older (pre-2020) versions.

The most common claims made by Tucson owners are for braking system repairs, which have an average repair bill of just over £300. Gearbox and engine repairs are more expensive, although appear to be fairly uncommon to date.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	42 mpg	D	35 – 45 mpg	C – D
Hybrid models	47 mpg	C	41 – 54 mpg	B – D
Plug-in hybrid models	202 mpg	A	202 – 202 mpg	A – A

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	152 g/km	B	142 – 185 g/km	B – C
Hybrid models	137 g/km	B	127 – 180 g/km	A – C
Plug-in hybrid models	26 g/km	A	22 – 31 g/km	A – A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	44 miles	D	38 – 49 miles	D – D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	20	A	12 – 25	A – B

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£250	B
Year 2	£608	B
Year 3	£988	B
Year 4	£1,200	B
Year 5	£1,545	B
Overall	£4,591	B

There are some mixed results for the Hyundai Tucson when it comes to running costs, according to data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel consumption is relatively poor for the petrol models, and only average for the hybrid models. Although the plug-in hybrid looks good on paper, this is because the EU/UK government lab tests are absolutely pointless for properly assessing plug-in hybrids (good luck driving for 202 miles on one gallon of petrol and about 38 miles’ worth of electricity!).

The good news is that insurance premiums should be very good, as the Tucson is rated in low groups by Thatcham, while servicing costs are better than average for the first five years.