The Hyundai Tucson is back for its sixth incarnation. Take the new Hyundai Tucson in Charlotte NC for a test drive and you will agree the vehicle lives up to the hype. This crossover SUV adds a couple new paint colors for '21 yet pretty much everything else is similar to the prior model year, largely because the '20 version of the vehicle was nearly flawless.
2021 Hyundai Tucson Review, Specs, Rating, Photos
The new Tucson has just enough power for its size. Though the engine is not turbopowered, it gets the job done whether you are on the highway or back country roads. Buyers and lessees of the new Tucson can choose between all-wheel and front wheel drive. The base engine is a 4-cylinder with 2.0 liters, 161 horses and 150 pound-feet of torque. The upper trims boast an inline-4 cylinder engine with 2.4 liters, 181 horses and 175 pound-feet of torque.
Is It Safe?
In a word, yes. Though the Tucson does not have as many safeguards as some of the competing crossover SUVs in its class, it has elite safety scores. The '21 Tucson earned the Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. The NHTSA has awarded its coveted 5-star safety rating to the new Tucson. The vehicle has active lane control along with emergency braking. Every Tucson trim but for the SE has blind-spot monitoring. Opt for The Tucson Ultimate or Tucson Sport and your ride will have pedestrian detection technology. If you are looking for a SUV with adaptive cruise control and stop-and-go tech, you have found it in the Limited trim of the new Tucson. There is also the opportunity to add a surround-view camera system to both the Ultimate and Limited trims. Perhaps the primary drawback to the vehicle in the context of safety is it lacks elite rearward vision. However, this is a minor criticism as most crossover SUVs also lack an abundance of rearward vision.
Quality and Comfort
The Tucson is a comparably small SUV yet it has just enough interior space to satisfy most drivers. This vehicle is comfortable and provides considerable utility. Riders in the front are provided with 6-way adjustable seats with supportive backrests and cushions. Lumbar support and power adjusting seats are added to the higher trims. The rear seats of the vehicle accommodate two full-grown adults. If you have to transport items for work, play or any other purpose, you will be satisfied with the 30.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the back. Fold the rear seats and this cargo space expands to 61.9 cubic feet, providing just enough room for an entire family's camping gear with some extra space to spare.
What About the Features?
The Tucson's features are on par with the rest of the crossover vehicles in its class. As an example, the Tucson SE has a 7" touchscreen infotainment system that is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Though this screen size could certainly be larger, it is highlighted by an intuitive user experience design that anyone can master regardless of their comfort with technology. If you want more features, step it on up to the Tucson Value that adds satellite/HD radio, heated front seats and keyless start. The SEL costs about a thousand dollars more than the Value yet the price hike is justified as it has automatic climate control, additional USB ports and eye-popping 18" wheels. Those in search of a crossover with a larger screen will be more than happy with the Tucson Ultimate which has an upgraded 8" touchscreen along with other niceties including adaptive cruise control and navigation.
The Verdict
The Tucson is a crossover SUV with mass appeal. If you are still on the fence as to whether this vehicle is worth buying, consider the fact that all Tucsons carry Hyundai's industry leading warranty that covers bumper-to-bumper for 5-years/60,000 miles along with 10-year/100,000 mile coverage for the powertrain. Buy the new Tucson and you will rest easy knowing you own a well-made crossover SUV likely to stand the test of time.
