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.
In This Article...
Hyundai Tucson models from different years vary.
To help you find the ideal balance between price AND dependability, CoPilot Compare breaks down pricing and feature differences between Hyundai Tucson years.
Since its introduction in 2004, the Hyundai Tucson has stood out among other vehicles. This SUV has seen numerous versions throughout the years because to its popularity. While some of the adjustments were positive, others were negative. Which Hyundai Tucson years should you steer clear of if you want to purchase one?
When making a big investment like this, getting the best car for the money is essential. Continue reading to find out more about Hyundai Tucson model eras to steer clear of when buying a used one. In order to have a firm understanding of what you should buy for yourself, we will also discuss some of the greatest years for the car.
Optimal Years: 2012 If you can find a used Hyundai Tucson with few miles on it, it can represent the best value you can find for an SUV.
The Hyundai is better the newer it is. Usually. Finding one that is older than five or six years yet is still in good shape and has minimal mileage is challenging. But if you can find a Tucson from the first half of the decade that isn’t too beat up, the 2012 model is surprisingly good for its age and can be purchased for a great price.
No matter how dependable an automobile is, by the time it reaches its ten-year mark, you will have to prepare for occasional issues. So it’s difficult to suggest this vehicle over a more recent Tucson.
However, with a Kelley Blue Book value that starts at around $10,000, it’s a good alternative to a new automobile if you don’t want to fork over the cash.
The sales figures for the models from 2013, 2014, and 2015 are comparable, with or without a few thousand dollars. Therefore, if you’re looking for an older car, you might as well put all three on your list and choose the one with the fewest miles—anything around 100,000—that you can locate.
Toyota Tucson
The Tucson accelerates slowly thanks to its basic 2.5-liter, 187-hp four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automated transmission.
The hybrid is more responsive and quieter thanks to the combination of a 1.6-liter turbo engine and electric aid.
The handling is quick and secure, the ride is solid but steady, and the tastefully appointed interior is generally quiet.
However, higher trims substitute touch-sensitive controls and a push-button gear selector for the physical volume and temperature knobs.
In addition to FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, LDW, and LKA are all standard active safety features.
The sole similarity between the 2015 and 2016 Tucsons is their names.
A six-speed automated transmission is mated to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the base model.
A 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a seven-speed automatic manual transmission is available in more priced variants.
Overall mileage was 26 mpg with this speedier, quieter arrangement, but it vibrates at very low speeds, like when parking.
Otherwise, the handling is agile and secure, the cabin is quiet, and the ride comfort is supple.
The Tucson offers available forward collision warning with automated emergency braking, blind-spot detection, and lane departure warning.
In 2018, a new 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and a six-speed automated transmission debuted.
It performed better in our testing than the 2.0-liter but only managed 22 mpg overall. The 1.6-liter turbo engine and cumbersome seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that were the Tucson’s previous top powertrain options were replaced for 2019 with a 2.4-liter engine and a normal automatic.
A few interior additions, such an automatic parking brake, were also made.
The Tucson’s 2010–2015 iteration was practical and a clear improvement over its forerunner.
The only available engine was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which provided respectable performance but may be loud and unpleasant under heavy acceleration.
Although the ride was harsh and road noise was audible, the handling was secure and responsive.
Hard plastics are used for the cabin’s basic furniture, yet the controls are simple to operate.
Additionally, the style of this generation severely hindered outward visibility and cargo space.
Although this generation outperformed pre-2010 cars in crash tests, it performed poorly in the IIHS narrow offset crash test.
The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is not particularly quick and is somewhat noisy, and the crash protection was subpar.
Although the 2.7-liter V6 engine is offered, it has poor fuel efficiency.
In essence, skip this generation and turn to the following for superior overall execution.
SERPRESULT
The first generation Hyundai Tucson was produced from 2004 to 2008. The second generation Hyundai Tucson was produced from 2009 to 2014. Hyundai’s third generation
The following information is essential before purchasing a used Hyundai Tucson.
Despite being a highly reliable small SUV perfect for daily excursions, there are a few things you should know before purchasing one secondhand.
With almost seven million units sold worldwide since its release in 2004, the Hyundai Tucson has ascended the success ladder and established itself as the best-selling Hyundai SUV. Hyundai Tucson is one of the most well-liked compact SUVs among consumers due to its excellent performance, elegant style, and high reliability rates.
Nevertheless, some model years are worse than others and should be avoided. It would be easier for you to make a hassle-free purchase if you are aware of these troublesome models. Consequently, without further ado, let’s look at the Hyundai Tucson’s worst model years, dependability statistics, longevity, and everything else you need to know before purchasing a used one.
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.
Here are the brochures for each model year of the second generation, which are all free to download, if you want to know precisely which trim levels come with which features:
Based on its rating in the Compact SUVs category, the Hyundai Tucson is ranked first for 2022.
Hyundai Tucson dependability
How Reliable Is the Hyundai Tucson? The projected dependability rating for the 2022 Hyundai Tucson is 88 out of 100. J.D. Power predicts that reliability scores will range from 91 to 100, with 91 to 100 being the best, 81 to 90 being great, 70 to 80 being medium, and 0-69 being fair and below average.
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.
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.
Is the Hyundai Tucson durable?
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 durable is a Hyundai Tucson?
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).”