2018 Hyundai Tucson SUV Crossover Review & Ratings

Performance

There are three engine types to choose from in the 2018 Hyundai Tucson lineup. The first is the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the base SE trim as well as the SEL and SEL Plus trims. It produces 164 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The second is the 2.4-liter four cylinder engine, which is exclusive for the Sport trim. The unit has an output of 181 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. Both the Value and Limited trims are equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. Each trim packs 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. There two transmission options for the 2018 Tucson. The six-speed automatic is available for the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter power units. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is reserved for the 1.6-liter engine. The 2018 Tucson comes in front-wheel drive system as standard. The all-wheel drive system is optional. We took the range-topping Limited trim to see the best that the Tucson has to offer. The automatic transmission of the crossover exhibited a bit of a lag from the get-go. Nonetheless, it had a decent overall performance. It only took the vehicle 7.9 seconds from zero to 60 mph and it had an average stopping distance from 60 mph at 121 feet. The steering and handling performed smoothly, too.

Technology

The base SE trim has a 5-inch touchscreen display, six-speaker audio with CD player, automatic headlamps, windshield de-icer exclusive for the AWD drivetrain, rearview camera, heated mirrors, Bluetooth, and a USB port. The SEL takes everything found in the SE with the addition of power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, LED daytime running lights, foglights, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and the display of the touchscreen is upgraded into 7 inches. Going for the Sport adds dual-zone automatic climate control, blind-spot monitoring, keyless ignition and entry, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, and rear air vents. The SEL Plus is bundled with all the things offered in the abovementioned trims and changes the display to an 8-inch touchscreen unit. Then, it includes an integrated navigation and eight-speaker Infinity sound system. Another notable feature of the trim is the Hyundai Blue Link that allows the user to remotely control the crossover's ignition and climate control. The Value trim adds a hands-free liftgate. However, it removes the power passenger seat, integrated navigation system and Infinity sound system. It goes back to the 7-inch touchscreen, too. The Limited trim includes the elements possessed by the other trims and brings back all the high-end features that the Value trim excluded, including the 8-inch touchscreen display. The optional Limited Ultimate package is exclusive for the range-topping Limited trim. It replaces the LED headlights with adaptive xenon headlamps. Next, it integrates rear parking sensors, enhanced driver information display, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection to the top-of-the-line trim. The Tucson sure packs a lot of useful tech, but the lane departure system has tendency to set off false alarms and detect random visual cues on the road, which can be distracting.

Safety

The NHTSA gave the 2018 Tucson a perfect five out of five stars in its crash ratings. The rollover score was four out of five, which is still impressive. On the other hand, IIHS gave the vehicle a -Good- rating in terms of crashworthiness and -Superior- score in crash avoidance and mitigation. The notable elements that improve the safety of the Tucson are the airbags located in front, rear, and sides. Others include the antilock brakes, daytime running lights, electronic stability control with roll stability control, and rollover sensors that activate the side curtain airbags when a rollover is imminent. The SUV is also carrying driver assistance systems that help improve communication, enhance navigation, prevent collision, and reduce the blind spots of the driver.

Appearance

The 2018 Hyundai Tucson is a four-door SUV crossover. Putting the 2018 and the 2017 models side by side, the two appear almost the same. There are no significant changes on the exterior of the latest model. The Tucson measures 105.1 inches in wheelbase, 176.2 inches length, 72.8 inches in width without the side mirrors, 62.8-65 inches in height excluding the roof rails. The curb weight of the vehicle is 3,300 to 3,686, depending on the trim level. The notable features of the base SE trim and the SEL include 17-inch wheels, projector headlights, rear roof spoiler, and privacy glass. The SEL adds the LED DRLs, foglights, and roof rails. The Sport increases the size of the wheels to 19 inches. The Value bundles the elements of the Sport trim with a panoramic sunroof and it offers a different exterior trim. The Limited ups the ante with the addition of LED lighting system, and chrome exterior trim. However, it does not have the panoramic sunroof as stock. The Limited Ultimate factory option upgrades the top-trim variant of the range with xenon headlights and panoramic sunroof.

Comfort

The interior of the 2018 Tucson is highlighted by stain-resistant cloth upholstery, height-adjustable driver's seat, 60/40-split folding back seat and all its basic tech elements. The SEL combines the things found in the SE with heated front seats, power adjustable driver's seat and more advanced entertainment system. The Sport only adds keyless entry and ignition for the convenience of the vehicle's owner. The SEL Plus bundles the earlier-mentioned features with leather upholstery, power adjustable passenger seat, sliding front armrest in the center, high-end door trim, and more navigation plus entertainment systems. The Value trim may be missing the leather upholstery and it reverts back to some of the features found in SE, but in has a panoramic sunroof as a standard fit. The Limited is the top trim level, so it brings back the leather upholstery and it has the most advanced tech features. Mixing it with the Limited Ultimate package tops it all off with a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. The 2018 Tucson has seats that fit the occupants snugly. The elbow and knee support as well as the various adjustments its seats provide certainly help reduce the stress associated with long trips. The cabin may get a bit noisy during hard accelerations but this factor can be remedied by taking it easy on the gas pedal.

Cargo

The 2018 Tucson has ample cargo space at 31 cu-ft with the rear seats raised. Folding the rear passenger seats will give you a total space of 61.9 cu-ft for your luggage.