2018 Hyundai Tucson Review

Name: 2018 Hyundai Tucson Review
Brand: Hyundai
Price: 11449 USD

Price Estimate: $11,968 - $21,990

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Hyundai Tucson model years

Hyundai Tucson for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by James Riswick

Pros

Lots of features for the money
Top safety scores
Optional turbocharged engine delivers peppy acceleration
Comfortable ride on rough roads

Cons

Slow acceleration with base engine
Less cargo space than top rivals
Some advanced driver safety aids only available on top trim
Some disappointing interior pieces

What's new

New SEL and SEL Plus trim levels
New engine for Sport trim level
Eco and Night trim levels discontinued
Part of the third generation introduced for 2016

There's a lot to like about the 2018 Hyundai Tucson. First and foremost is value. You get a ton of features for the money in the Tucson. A power driver seat, heated front seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard on all but the base trim, for instance. The Tucson's top trim level, the Limited, includes features such as a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, ventilated seats, LED headlights and a navigation system, all for a price that's thousands less than what you'll pay for some comparably equipped rival crossovers.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale nearby

48 listings

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2018 Hyundai Tucson
SEL 4dr SUV
$14,891
good price
$1,730 below market
- 55,894 miles
- No accidents, 5 owners, rental vehicle
- 5 Seats, 23 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- Driveway (1,084 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Smyrna, GA
CarFax No Accidents Reported,Apple CarPlay,Back-Up Camera,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Heated Seats,Satellite Radio,Heated Seats,Power Door Locks,Satellite ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (23 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KM8J33A49JU609267
Stock: JU609267P
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Price Drop
2018 Hyundai Tucson
Value 4dr SUV
$14,500
fair price
$578 below market
- 84,254 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 24 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- Driveway (1,248 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Springfield, OR
CarFax No Accidents Reported,Rare Find,Apple CarPlay,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Hands-Free Liftgate,Heated Seats,Keyless...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (24 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KM8J3CA21JU715954
Stock: VT715954
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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Another top attribute for the Tucson is its cabin space. Though it doesn't have as much cargo room as a Honda CR-V or other more family-focused SUVs, it does have a comparable amount of backseat space for adults. Indeed, the Tucson is a pretty good choice for single folks or young couples looking for a little SUV that doesn't scream "Parenting!" It could also be a good choice for those on the opposite end of child-raising years.

On the downside, the 2018 Tucson comes up a little short in the "going the extra mile" department. It's a bit bland to drive, especially with the base engine, and the interior design isn't as luxurious as that of some rivals. Overall, though, we think the Tucson is a smart pick for a small crossover SUV.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.2 / 10

The 2018 Hyundai Tucson looks good, drives well, and has a roomy cabin packed with features. It's even reasonably priced and has a long warranty. Though it's not the most memorable, for those who are looking for a family-focused compact SUV, it could certainly be a Goldilocks choice.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 Hyundai Tucson Limited (turbo 1.6L inline-4 | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | FWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the Tucson Limited has only gained some extra equipment, so our impressions remain the same.

Scorecard

Overall	7.2 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	7.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	6.0

Driving

7.0

The turbocharged engine's automatic transmission exhibits some hesitation when you first get going, unlike the base engine's conventional automatic. This delay can be alarming if you need to quickly clear an intersection. Otherwise, the Tucson is a competent SUV.

Acceleration

6.5

Our test Tucson needed 7.9 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph. This is quick for the class, but in normal driving there's a pronounced delay right off the line, and the upshifts from the seven-speed automatic transmission can sometimes be rough.

Braking

8.0

Stopping from 60 mph required 121 feet, which is an average distance. Distances stayed consistent even after several runs.

Steering

7.0

The Tucson turns in quickly. There's not much feedback for the driver, but that is the case for most SUVs in this class.

Handling

7.0

Take the Tucson on a twisty mountain road and it feels confident and sure-footed. Body roll is kept under control, and midcorner bumps have little effect on its composure. It's not a sporty SUV, though.

Drivability

7.0

The initial hesitation on acceleration tops our list of complaints, followed by the lane departure warning system's tendency to trigger false alarms from seams or other random visual cues on the highway. Neither complaint applies to the SE, SEL or SEL Plus.

Comfort

7.0

The Tucson has no notable missteps when it comes to overall comfort. Typical touch points for elbows and knees are padded, and the quantity and range of adjustments for front seats ensure that both tall and short occupants will find an optimal position.

Seat comfort

7.0

The front seats provide ample support and cushioning for long-distance trips. The rear seats are firmer and flatter but can accommodate the average adult passenger. The 60/40-split folding seats also feature a slight recline adjustment.

Ride comfort

8.0

The Tucson's suspension does a nice job balancing control against a soft, compliant ride. Ruts and bumps are felt but not intrusive, and the ride quality isn't too floaty or disconnected.

Noise & vibration

7.5

Road and wind noise is barely noticeable on the highway. The engine is rather loud and sounds coarse under hard acceleration, but it stays quiet when cruising or when you're more gentle with the gas pedal.

Interior

7.0

Overall, the Tucson's interior is pleasant and spacious. The controls are simple, and it has slightly more passenger room than many of its competitors. Its rear visibility is compromised, though, and interior quality is unremarkable, especially on lower trims.

Ease of use

7.0

Hyundais are typically easy to use, and the Tucson is no different. Basic controls are logically placed. The climate controls, whether manual or automatic, are simple, and the touchscreen is user-friendly.

Getting in/getting out

7.5

Accessing the front seats is easy thanks to tall doors that are short in length. Taller rear passengers will need to stoop a bit in order to clear the forward-angled window frame, but overall it's as easy to get in and out of as any compact crossover.

Roominess

8.5

The Tucson has an abundance of space inside, in some areas exceeding what's offered by its primary competition. Even taller rear passengers will have plenty of head- and legroom in the back.

Visibility

6.0

The small rear window and thick rear roof pillars inhibit rear visibility. A rearview camera is standard on all trims, and the Limited is further bolstered by parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems.

Quality

7.0

There's lots of hard plastic inside, especially on the SE and SEL, and even the softer-touch plastic doesn't look as nice as what competitor SUVs use. It's just acceptable inside. The build quality is fine, with minimal creaks and squeaks.

Utility

6.0

The Tucson puts an emphasis on passenger space rather than cargo space. For many, that'll be fine. Max cargo capacity of 61.9 cubic feet is at least 10 fewer cubes than class leaders offer. Its 31 cubic feet with the back seat raised should be sufficient. Small-item storage is above average.

Technology

Every Tucson comes with a user-friendly touchscreen — the size and number of functions go up with each trim level. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite radio are included on all but the base SE. Safety tech is mostly restricted to the top trim level.

Compare 2018 Hyundai Tucson trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2018 Hyundai Tucson models

The 2018 Hyundai Tucson is a five-passenger compact crossover SUV. It is available in SE, SEL, Sport, SEL Plus, Value and Limited trim levels. The SE, SEL and SEL Plus come standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (164 horsepower, 151 pound-feet of torque). The Sport is exclusively powered by a 2.4-liter engine (181 hp, 175 lb-ft). Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic. The Value and Limited have a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder (175 hp, 195 lb-ft) and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims, and all-wheel drive is optional.

The Tucson SE comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a windshield wiper de-icer (AWD only), heated mirrors, an integrated blind-spot mirror, privacy glass, a rearview camera, a height-adjustable driver seat, stain-resistant cloth upholstery, a 60/40-split folding back seat, Bluetooth, one USB port, a 5-inch touchscreen, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player.

The SEL adds LED running lights, foglights, roof rails, a power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite radio.

Under the hood of the Sport is a 2.4-liter engine unique to this trim. Also included are 19-inch wheels, exterior styling enhancements, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems, lane keeping assist, keyless entry and ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air vents.

The SEL Plus retains many of the Sport's upgrades though it reverts to the SEL's engine and wheels. The SEL Plus also adds a power-adjustable passenger seat, a sliding front center armrest, leather upholstery, upgraded door trim, Hyundai's Blue Link connected services, an 8-inch touchscreen, integrated navigation and an eight-speaker Infinity sound system.

The Value adds the turbocharged engine plus 19-inch wheels, a hands-free liftgate, a panoramic sunroof and different exterior trim. However, it reverts to the stain-resistant cloth upholstery and 7-inch touchscreen, and it does not include the power passenger seat, the integrated navigation system or the Infinity sound system.

Those items are included on the top Limited trim, which also tacks on LED headlights and taillights, chrome exterior trim, leather upholstery and the 8-inch touchscreen. The panoramic sunroof is not standard. The Tucson's only factory options are included in the Limited Ultimate package, which adds adaptive xenon headlights (in place of the fixed LED headlights), lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear parking sensors, the panoramic sunroof, an upgraded driver information display, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

$151/mo

$165/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Above Average

#10 out of 29 among Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$390/yr

vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Frequency

1x/yr

vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Severity

11.9%

vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV

Hyundai Tucson Owner Reviews

3.8

57 reviews

5(53%)

4(19%)

3(3%)

2(9%)

1(16%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Great Value Vehicle wth good looks and equipment!

L Johnson, 09/05/2018

2018 Hyundai Tucson SEL Plus 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

Easy to get in and out of, especially for older folks. Wonderful seating 4 people plenty of leg room, rear seat backs recline for rear comfort too. Controls handy, simple, and user friendly, handling is great, easy parking with backup camera. The 2.0 liter engine provides good zip in city driving, Not recommended for speed demons who pass frequently on 2 lane roads. A little underpowered …

Value at best!

Marc A., 07/22/2018

2018 Hyundai Tucson SEL Plus 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

I'm a researching kind of person before making any large purchase decisions. I believe in quality and value. To top it off I work for Honda at a manufacturing plant! I compared this Tucson to the HR-V and CRV. First my wife had to have leather! I had to have reliability. To get leather in the HRV you have to pick the Top of the line EXL with Navi. The one I liked was was over $26,000 …

My 2nd Tucson

Steve Ushler, 03/03/2019

2018 Hyundai Tucson SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

My 1st Tucson was a 2008. I basically only had to do basic upkeep to this vehicle which came off a rental lease with 24000 miles on it(1 year old). I never buy new so my 2nd Tucson was a 2018 off a company lease with 8000 miles on it. I'm very happy with the Tucson line and never had any problems with them. Glad this Tucson has a timing chain and not a belt, That was a $500.00 upkeep …

Good choice

Yellow Rose of Texas, 11/05/2018

2018 Hyundai Tucson Value 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

This car exceeds my expectations are! peppy engine, comfortable interior and great value. I've never researched a new car before buying as much as I did this one and I'm not disappointed

See all 57 reviews of the Hyundai Tucson

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2018 Tucson Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$22,550
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$151/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	31.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Tucson models:

Blind-Spot Detection: Monitors your blind spot for cars and warns you through visual and, if needed, audible alerts.
Automatic Emergency Braking: Scans the road ahead for cars and pedestrians. First alerts you of an issue, then automatically brakes if needed.
Lane Keeping Assist: Helps keep you in your lane by applying some steering input when it detects the car is approaching or crossing the line.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Marginal
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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