Hyundai Tucson (2015 – 2020)

Hyundai Tucson (2015 – 2020) | Expert Rating [hide]

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.

Key specifications

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

Launched: Summer 2015Last updated: Summer 2018
Replacement due: Spring 2021

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autos, cars, hyundai, hyundai tucson, tucson, hyundai tucson (2015 – 2020)

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 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 overviewScore: 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 DCTScore: 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-LineScore: 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 hybridScore: 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 manualScore: 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-LineScore: 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 overviewScore: 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 overviewScore: 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 overviewScore: 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 reviewScore: 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 SEScore: 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-LineScore: 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 overviewScore: 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 reviewScore: 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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Which?

Model reviewed: (range review)“Handsome, practical crossover.”
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Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2015

86%

ADULT OCCUPANT

85%

CHILD OCCUPANT

71%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

71%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

No eco rating

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

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Hyundai Tucson has received

2018

Auto Trader Awards – Best Car for Long Distances

2016

BusinessCar Awards – Best Mainstream Small 4×4

2015

Recombu Awards – Best Family Car

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Keyword: Hyundai Tucson (2015 – 2020)