The Tucson follows Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design theme, with sculpted lines and a striking athletic presence. The stylish hexagonal grille features high-efficiency LED projector headlights, LED accent lights and LED daytime running lights. The rear features a Z-shaped character line to complete an aggressive profile, while the rear end is accented with LED taillights. Twin bevel-cut exhaust tips and a rear spoiler complete the look.
The Tucson features a capacious 31.0 cubic feet of cargo space as well as a "dual-level" design for greater versatility. In addition, the 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks recline up to 37 degrees for even more rear seat comfort.
Five trims are offered on the 2018 Tucson: SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Value and Limited. The SE, SEL and SEL Plus are powered by a direct-injected 2.0L four that makes 164 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual shifting mode, which includes an overdrive lock-up torque converter for increased fuel economy at cruising speeds.
The Value model is powered by a direct-injected 1.6L turbocharged four that outputs 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Peak torque comes on as low as 1,500 rpm for excellent responsiveness. This engine is paired with a 7-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission, and on front-wheel-drive Eco models, the powertrain returns an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined. Front-wheel drive is standard on all Tucson trims, while all-wheel drive is available.
SE models are equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, a 5-inch color touchscreen audio system, a rearview camera, a 6-way adjustable driver's seat and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel.
In addition to the 1.6L turbo, the Eco features upgraded front and rear fascias, integrated turn indicators in the side mirrors, LED daytime running lights and halogen fog lights and metal-look side sills. Inside, there's a power driver's seat with power lumbar support and auto up/down driver's window.
Stepping up to the Tucson Sport yields 19-inch alloy wheels, illuminated outside front door handles, a hands-free power liftgate, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and push-button start. Standard advanced safety features include blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist.
The Sport Edition adds a 2.4L 181-hp engine, a power sunroof and a dual-zone climate control.
Finally, the SEL Plus Limited comes standard with LED headlights and taillights, with a chrome grill and door handles. A leather interior, a power-adjustable passenger seat, an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system, dual automatic climate control, an upgraded instrument panel, Blue Link Telematics and an auto-dimming rearview mirror and compass are standard.
Two packages are available for the Tucson SE. The Preferred Package features LED running lights and halogen fog lights, roof rails and premium side sills, auto up/down windows and illuminated vanity mirrors. To the above, the Popular Equipment Package adds a power driver's seat and power lumbar support. For the Limited, the Ultimate Package includes HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Lighting, lane departure warning, a panoramic sunroof, LED map lights, ventilated front and heated rear seats and a 4.2-inch LCD electroluminescent gauge cluster.
Standard safety features across the Tucson range include a tire pressure monitor, stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and a host of front, rear and side airbags.
Modern, Athletic Styling
Fuel Efficient Powertrains
Interior Volume
Standard Features
The Hyundai Tucson comes into 2018 with a re-shuffling of trim level packages that now number five. New standard features for SEL and higher trims include heated front seats, SiriusXM, plus Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The SEL Plus trim gets an 8-inch touch screen and Infinity audio, while the Limited trim level gains a heated steering wheel.
The Hyundai Tucson competes in a very crowded small crossover segment, sized right between compacts like the Mazda CX-3 or Honda HR-V and the larger Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. The Tucson shines in the interior space it affords, for both cargo and passengers, and adults will find themselves right at home in the back seat -- a rarity in vehicles like this. Efficiency, too, will attract buyers, particularly with the sprightly 1.6L turbo, which rewards in both acceleration and fuel economy, offering up to 33 mpg on the highway in Eco trim.
