2010 through 2015 for the second generation and 2018 through 2019 for the third generation are the best years for the Hyundai Tucson. The greatest year of the first generation if you’re looking for an older model is 2007, according to experts. These models have experienced the fewest problems and have received higher ratings in publications like JD Power.
The 2007 Hyundai Tucson is the greatest vehicle of the first generation. It also gets the greatest ranking from JD Power and the fewest complaints in Car Complaints. The best alternative is a four-wheel-drive vehicle with a 2.7L V6 and a manual transmission, but they are difficult to locate.
Additionally, they sometimes cost more. So you can choose front-wheel drive if you’re looking for a less expensive model. Despite the inline-4 cylinder engine’s moderate power, don’t anticipate it to execute with lightning speed.
It’s also crucial to remember that the Tucson has featured outstanding safety features ever since the initial generation. All Tucson SUVs had six airbags as standard equipment even back in 2007. They also all had electronic stability control.
The top models from the second generation are from 2010, 2014, and 2015. These have excellent JD Power ratings and little complaints on Car Complaints. This generation’s Tucson deviates from a standard pattern. The 2010 is the first model of the second generation of the revamped LM.
More technology in new models might mean more issues, but this isn’t the case. The second-generation Tucson, for instance, came with a number of improved safety measures. It includes additions like Downhill Brake Control and Hill Start Control.
The models from 2014 and 2015 similarly display few complaints and a high rating. The best option is an AWD version with a manual, if you can find one.
The 2018 and 2019 model years offer the best third-generation vehicles. Once more, these cars came in a variety of trim levels and included a ton of safety features. Hyundai did away with the manual transmission, which dealt the Tucson a serious hit in terms of adaptability.
Additionally, they decided against using a V6 and instead offered the 1.6L and 2.0L inline-4 engines. So, the 2.0L AWD is your best bet if you’re looking for a Tucson during these years.
For the 2021 models, Hyundai upgraded the Tucson in 2020. Since they are so recent, any ratings you see will have had very little chance to evaluate performance over an extended period of time.
But if you’re interested in these vehicles, you should know that Hyundai provides a new 2.5L inline-4 engine and a hybrid variant. Although it’s too soon to suggest it, the 2021 model hasn’t experienced many problems.
After looking at the finest years to buy, we must now examine some of the models you should steer clear of.
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Tucson from Hyundai’s second generation (2010-2015)
If you’re thinking about purchasing a used Tucson and your budget isn’t really tight, you should probably start your search for one with a second-generation model. This model was marketed as the Hyundai ix35 in several international markets, while it was still marketed as the Tucson in the United States and several other countries. It began manufacturing in 2009, went on sale for the 2010 model year, and was still available for purchase through the 2015 model year.
Only the GLS and Limited trim levels of the second-generation 2010 Hyundai Tucson were offered, and both used the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 176 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft of torque. The Limited received an update to a six-speed automatic transmission from the standard six-speed manual seen in GLS variants.
Since it was an option for the base model that most dealers will have ordered, the automatic transmission will be found in many GLS cars that are currently on sale. For used car purchasers, one benefit of the second generation is that there are no major facelifts to worry about. A 2010 model with low miles and good condition can easily pass for a 2015 model.
Consumer Reports’ opinions
Consumer Reports only had good things to say about the Hyundai SUV, despite the 2019 Tucson receiving a poor 3 out of 5 expected dependability rating. The Tucson experienced numerous problems in the 2016 and 2017 model years, which accounts for its below-average expected dependability score. These problems were serious and had a wide-ranging impact on the Tucson, including its transmission and in-car electronics.
The Tucson had a redesign for the 2016 model year, therefore these dependability difficulties were inevitable. But after that, Hyundai fixed the Tucson, and both Consumer Reports and Tucson owners had nothing but praise for the Tucson’s dependability.
For instance, the Tucson’s transmission received the lowest reliability rating from Consumer Reports for the 2016 and 2017 model years. However, it currently has the highest reliability rating for the 2019 model year. The Tucson’s features and components are all told in the same way. In fact, the 2019 Tucson only has one component, its brakes, that received a reliability rating of less than 5 out of 5. The 2019 Tucson scored a 4 out of 5 for dependability there.
Consumer Reports actually claims that the 2019 Tucson is the most dependable SUV in its segment as a result of its strong recent performance. With a current reliability rating of 91%, it outperforms SUVs like the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4.
The worst model years to purchase a used Hyundai Tucson are 2016, 2017, and 2011.
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson has received the most complaints overall and is the most problematic Tucson to date, according to CarComplaints. Additionally, of all the model years, the 2016 model year has the most expensive issues.
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson’s transmission is the primary area of contention. The problem with this model year’s dual-clutch, 7-speed transmission is that many buyers complained about a lack of acceleration after a stop. Evidently, the application logic of the communication was the issue all along. If you find a 2016 model, you better be careful because fixing it could cost you close to $1200. A 2016 Tucson may potentially have more minor concerns, such as the air conditioner spewing heated air.
The main issue with the 2017 Hyundai Tucson is similar to that of the problematic 2016 model in that it likewise finds it difficult to pick up speed after a halt. The 2017 model, however, has a risky flaw that could result in permanent harm. Numerous reports claim that the engine in this model year frequently shuts down and that its bearings frequently fail in the middle of a drive. According to reports, the engine needs to be changed in certain situations to resolve the issue. There have also been reports about interior issues like blown panoramic sunroofs and broken rear windows.
According to numerous complaints, the 2011 model’s transmission frequently locks up, making it difficult for drivers to go from drive to park. There is still a problem for 2011 Hyundai Tucson owners, and no specific solution has been provided by sources. The 2011 Tucson’s interior technology is also a little bit of a jumble, on par with the gearbox problems. Customers may have interior issues such as Bluetooth not functioning, keys becoming stuck in the ignition switch, cruise control not activating, and radios occasionally resetting.
What is the Hyundai Tucson’s typical lifespan?
The Korean automaker’s initial entry into the compact SUV market is the Hyundai Tucson. The 2005 model, which debuted, has since earned a reputation for being reasonably priced, providing excellent overall value, and being dependable.
What is the lifespan of a Hyundai Tucson then? The typical life expectancy of a modern Tucson is around 200,000 miles, or 13 to 15 years, driving about 12,000 miles yearly, according to owner evaluations and feedback on Vehicle History.
According to one owner on Vehicle History, “My Tucson 2.4L from 2013 has already exceeded 250,000 miles, and it’s still on the interstate at 85 mph.”
After meticulously keeping the SUV with regular annual servicing, including replacing the oil every 5,000 miles, another owner of a 2015 Hyundai Tucson mentions the SUV having reached 463,000 miles.
Discussions on well-known enthusiast forums like Hyundai Forums appear to be overwhelmingly in favor of longevity at 200,000 km. Many Tucson owners who purchased their vehicles after the model year 2010 report seeing between 180,000 and over 200,000 miles on their odometers in a recent discussion from 2020.
In 2021, the original thread’s creator’s 2012 Hyundai Tucson GLS AWD SUV logged 200,000 miles, the “most of which are freeway miles.”
He claims that “At 145k miles, the engine broke due to a rod bearing failure; it was replaced with a used 60k motor taken from a wrecked Tucson.
I intend to keep the car to see how much longer the engine lasts (it has already traveled more than 100k miles).”
What is the maximum mileage for a 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
The Hyundai Tucson is a tough SUV that, with proper care, routine maintenance, and cautious driving, can travel up to 200,000 miles. A Tucson should last 13.5 years before needing major repairs or breaking down based on a 15,000-mile yearly mileage.
How dependable is the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
The 2016 Tucson received a flawless five-out-of-five reliability rating from J.D. Power. That outperforms the majority of SUVs in the segment.
Is a used Hyundai Tucson a reliable vehicle?
A top-five car in its class, the Hyundai Tucson is one of the most dependable small SUVs on the market with a 4-star dependability rating. When purchasing a used Hyundai Tucson, there are particular model years that you should strive to avoid, just like with any other car.
The Tucson was produced in a variety of model years, however the 2016, 2017, and 2011 versions appear to have the greatest issues. It is best to examine and inspect your car with a reputable technician or expert before purchasing it to ensure it is trouble-free and ready to go because it seems common for certain model years to have gearbox issues.
Is a Hyundai Tucson a trustworthy car?
Is a pre-owned Hyundai Tucson 4×4 trustworthy? In our most recent poll, the Tucson had a high reliability rating of 97.8%, placing it third out of 28 vehicles in the family SUV category. Additionally, the brand of Hyundai performed admirably, placing third out of 30 manufacturers.
Is Hyundai Tucson maintenance affordable?
During the first ten years of ownership, a Hyundai Tucson will require maintenance and repairs costing approximately $7,951.
This is $1,182 over the industry average for popular SUV models. Additionally, there is a 23.97% likelihood that a Tucson will need a significant repair at that time. Compared to competing automobiles in its segment, this is 2.47% worse. The following graph shows how these expenses and the likelihood of repairs will rise over time.
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Which model, the Hyundai Tucson or Santa Fe, is superior?
While the Hyundai Tucson models have superior predicted highway fuel economy, the Hyundai Santa Fe lineup has more horsepower capacity. Although the Hyundai Tucson has more cargo space than the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers better passenger space.
What does a Hyundai Tucson have high mileage?
According to Vehicle History, the Hyundai Tucson should endure for about 200,000 miles, or roughly 15 years. A 2009 Tucson with 218,000 miles was posted to Vehicle History by its owner. A second poster on the Edmunds forum mentioned owning a 2007 Tucson with 200,000 miles on it.
According to The Drive, Hyundai is one of the automakers with a reputation for producing durable vehicles. It joins brands like Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Ford, and Acura in producing durable automobiles.
Tucson or the Hyundai Kona, which is larger?
The Tucson is the larger of these two SUVs, making it the preferred option. Its length, 176.2 inches, is slightly over a foot longer than the Kona’s, 164 inches even. When the mirrors are removed, the width of these two vehicles is closer, with the Tucson measuring 72.8 inches and the Kona measuring 70.9 inches.
Are Hyundai Tucson repairs expensive?
Hyundai Tucson’s average total yearly cost for repairs and maintenance is $426, while the average for compact SUVs is $521 and the average for all vehicle types is $652.
the typical annual sum for unplanned maintenance and repairs for all model years of a car. A vehicle’s greater average cost alone does not imply that it is less dependable. For instance, your car’s parts and labor may be pricey, especially if it’s a European luxury model, but if there are few serious problems and frequent service visits on average each year, that’s a sign of a dependable vehicle.
The typical annual frequency at which a vehicle is taken in for unplanned maintenance and repairs. This metric is produced by monitoring millions of distinctive automobiles over a number of years to ascertain the typical yearly visits for each make and model. Controls were included to prevent small, routine shop visits, such those for oil changes.
The severity element of dependability calculates the likelihood that a repair will cause a significant problem. The cost of a repair is assessed to be excessively expensive given the unscheduled nature of the repair if it is three times the average annual repair cost for all models. Due to their more expensive labor and component expenses, premium and luxury brands have a higher barrier.