Hyundai Tucson Review (2004 to date)

Quick Summary

The Tucson makes a lot of sense if you're secure enough not to care how much clout your car's badge carries in the golf club car park. It's an honest little 4x4, with compact dimensions and a raised ride height making it particularly good in urban conditions. Don't subject it to anything more than gentle green laning and it should be well up to the mark. The front-wheel drive version makes an attractively pragmatic choice if you never plan to get the undersides muddy.

Overall:

Models Covered: 5dr Compact 4x4 (2.0, 2.7 petrol, 2.0 diesel [2WD, GSI, CDX])

TUCS COMPANY

When Hyundai sat down to discuss product plans for their 4x4 line up, the Tucson had to be a no-brainer. A compact 4x4 that could slot in below the existing Santa Fe model would surely be just the thing to mop up sales in a fast growing sector. While that may well be the case in other markets, two things conspired against the Tucson over here. One was its cheaper sister car, the Kia Sportage, and the other was the notorious badge consciousness of British buyers. As a result, the Tucson has been a modest seller, although it probably makes a cleverer used buy than it does new. Here's how to track down a decent one.
Used Hyundai Tucson for sale

History of the Tucson

The Tucson first appeared in British dealers in August 2004. Hyundai re-jigged their Santa Fe line up, deleting the lower specification models to give the Tucson a little breathing room but it was always a finely pitched pricing decision. With the MK2 Kia Sportage mopping up sales of buyers looking for a new compact 4x4 at the minimum price, the Tucson was very much an exercise in seeing how far Hyundai's brand equity would stretch. Not very far was the answer. Tucsons are still relatively rare in this country and despite the introduction of a budget front wheel drive variant, sales haven't perked up significantly. If you can overcome the badge prejudice, you'll find a very capable car. That, however, is easier said than done in this sector of the market.
Used Hyundai Tucson for sale

Hyundai Tucson Road Test

Three engines are available, starting with a 2.0-litre 140bhp petrol and topping out with a 2.7-litre 173bhp unit. Sandwiched between these two powerplants is a 110bhp 2.0-litre diesel that has proved to be the best seller. All three engines are fully Euro IV compliant and the diesel features common rail injection.Somewhat surprisingly, the diesel struggles to power the Tucson with any great conviction. There's not too much low down torque and refinement is not a strong point. You'll see 60mph tick by in 13.8 seconds and top out at 104mph but thrashing this diesel is not a pleasant experience. Some recompense is gained with a combined fuel economy figure of 39.7mpg and the CO2 emissions of 187g/km coupled with the low upfront price may well turn a few heads.The pick of the engines is without doubt the 2.7-litre V6 petrol, possessed as it is of a magnificent metallic yowl when it's wound up. Unfortunately you'll need to do this fairly often to make respectable progress with the consequent effect on fuel consumption. Coupled with the standard four speed automatic transmission, you'll put the kickdown cable to good use if you want to undertake some overtaking. The ride on all models is surprisingly firm and on smooth roads the Tucson tackles corners with some relish. Throw a bumpy B-road at it and the Hyundai is far less polished, the suspension occasionally getting a little out of phase with what's going on at the wheels.
Used Hyundai Tucson for sale

Buying a Hyundai Tucson

There haven't been any reported issues with the Tucson to date. When buying, do inspect the underside for evidence of enthusiastic off-roading. The tyres should betray no symptoms of wonky tracking and the wheel arch liners and exhausts should be in tiptop condition. The interiors don't wear as well as some rivals but other than that, you should be able to buy with confidence.
Used Hyundai Tucson for sale

Hyundai Tucson Typical Pricing

The Tucson's curious predicament is exemplified by the fact that the model you'd expect to mop up a good percentage of all sales, the entry level 2.0-litre petrol, is by far the rarest. Perhaps sales were poached by Kia in this sub-niche. If you want to spend a little more, you'll find a steady stream of 2.0-litre diesels and 2.7-litre V6s available. Prices for both cars tend to mirror each other, with little difference between the GSi and CDX trim levels as well. £11,000 should be enough to pick up a well looked after 54-plated version of any of these cars. Somewhat oddly, all Tucsons are rated at Group 11 for insurance purposes.
Used Hyundai Tucson for sale

Hyundai Tucson Parts

(Approx - based on a Tucson 2.7) Consumables for the Santa Fe are reasonably priced, an air filter retailing at around £11, a fuel filter costing around £21 and an oil filter £7.50. Spark plugs are £3 each and a new cam belt adds up to approximately £60.
Used Hyundai Tucson for sale