Buying a used Hyundai Tucson (2015-2021)

If you get the feeling you’ve seen this name before, you’re right. Back in the early part of this century, Hyundai called its medium SUV by exactly the same name before deciding in 2010 that it needed a change.

From 2010 until 2014, Hyundai acknowledged the role played by i30 in its range by adopting ix35 as the name of its mid-size SUV.

Life remained that way until a new platform and updated design sent engineers back to their bunker, from whence the new third-generation Hyundai Tucson with its sporty shape and extra engine and packaging choices emerged.

This Tucson TL/TLe series was, depending on model, built in South Korea or the Czech Republic, then sent to markets including Russia, the US, Vietnam and Australia.

Launched mid-2015 Down Under, the return to the Tucson nameplate brought improvements that were immediately rewarded by buyers, sending the new model to second position in class in 2016 (its first full year on sale) – ahead of the Toyota RAV4 but still trailing the dominant Mazda CX-5.

Late in 2017, the basic 2.0-litre petrol engine was upgraded with 7kW of additional power and altered characteristics which improved response.

At the same time, the shape was again modernised and a new transmission was made available to buyers of turbo-diesel versions.

• Avoid cars with a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) if they hesitate when accelerating from a standstill or low speeds.
• Be wary of excessive smoke from unburned fuel in diesels at start-up or when accelerating.
• Fuel system issues causing fuel inefficiency and stalling.
• Driveshaft universals can make clicking noises when turning tightly; this generally afflicts front-wheel drive versions after 70,000km.
• Overseas models have experienced engine knocking and total failures, although this seems not to be a widespread problem in Australia.
• Suspension noises (clunks/rattles) caused by wear in suspension components.
• Corrosion of rear suspension components.
• Stiff steering and noisy power steering pump.
• Infotainment system glitches.
• Air-con malfunctions causing poor air flow.

The reborn Hyundai Tucson made its Australian debut in May 2015. Versions with front or all-wheel drive were available and prices started below $28,000 (before on-road costs).

Engine choice was dependent on a range of factors. Front-wheel drive versions came only in 2.0-litre petrol spec, while AWD Tucson models were offered 2.0-litre turbo-diesel or 1.6-litre turbo-petrol units with 136kW and 130kW respectively.

The most basic model grade was Active, with six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive. Even in this configuration the Tucson weighed 1484kg, so little wonder that the heavier six-speed automatic versions struggled a bit when filled with passengers or carrying a load.

Automatic transmission upped the price of a Tucson by $2500 unless you were buying a diesel, in which case the extra charge was only $2000. If you wanted AWD with the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine, a seven-speed dual-clutch auto was the sole transmission available.

Four model grades of the Tucson were sold in Australia and even the Active wasn’t a bare-bones fleet special. It came standard with air-conditioning, cruise control, a six-speaker CD sound system with dash display and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Wheels were 17-inch alloy and included a full-size spare.

Extending your outlay by $5000 would fund a front-wheel drive Active X with auto. These came with 2.0 litres of twin-cam petrol engine, manual or auto transmission, while adding 18-inch alloys, a power sunroof, folding mirrors and park distance monitor.

Crossing over to a Tucson Elite provided buyers with the choice of front-wheel drive and normal engine aspiration or upgrading to AWD with 1.6 litres of turbo-petrol engine or the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel.

The most expensive of the Elite models was one that came with diesel power/AWD and cost $40,240 plus ORCs. Slightly below it was the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol, but both were well-equipped and distinctive with redesigned wheels, a chrome grille and extra body embellishment. A Smart Key and start button were standard.

Inside, the seats in early versions were still covered in cloth but the driver’s side adjusted electrically. There was also duo-zone air-con, an electrically operated tailgate and ‘puddle’ lights.

Almost $20,000 above an entry-level Active came the fully-equipped turbo-diesel Highlander. These in 2015 hit showroom floors at $45,490 plus ORCs, and didn’t stint on equipment or driver assistance systems such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) that operated at up to 80km/h, cross traffic alert, lane departure warning and park distance monitors at both ends.

Note that early versions of the Tucson were given a four-star ANCAP safety rating, before Hyundai took swift action and brought the entire range up to the five-star mark.

Highlander seats were trimmed in perforated leather, heated and cooled up front and with electric adjustment. A monster sunroof was standard, accompanied by dual-zone air-con and the powered tailgate it shared with Elite models.

An updated range for 2018 brought freshened styling with new lighting clusters, altered wheel designs and look-at-me running lights.

The Active from 2018 onwards was available with 2.0-litre petrol or the turbo-diesel engine and entry pricing that rose to $28,590 plus ORCs. Active X buyers who spent the base price of $31,150 now enjoyed 18-inch wheels, folding door mirrors, leather trim and a premium steering wheel.

Active and Active X versions also included forward collision and lane departure warning systems but couldn’t match with the deluge of driver assistance features that were now standard in the Elite and Highlander.

New as well for turbo-diesel buyers was a new eight-speed automatic transmission, but 1.6-litre turbo-petrol versions stuck with the seven-speed DSG.

The Highlander had 19-inch wheels and bi-function headlights that followed the direction in which the steering wheel was turned.

The pick of the engine/transmission combinations in the third-generation Hyundai Tucson will for lots of people be the turbo-diesel with its conventional automatic and Sport mode.

The engine is punchy and not ridiculously noisy, delivering its maximum torque from 1750rpm. Using the auto in conventional fashion, the Tucson diesel gets along okay, but a lot of drivers will use Sport to hold gears manually and keep it in the power band.

Yes, that will cost fuel but not lots of it and the reward is worthwhile.

The 1.6 turbo-petrol with DSG transmission is okay too, but owners report that they can show reluctance to grab a lower ratio and get cracking when the pedal is floored.

Local reviewers seem not to have done a lot of off-road assessment with the Tucson and vendors are unlikely to allow their cars to be bounced along a bush track, so here we have to rely on overseas experience.

People evaluating US- and UK-market Tucsons took them into some quite challenging terrain, including mud, snow and bumping over ruts that often had the vehicle riding with one wheel in the air but not stranded as a result.

Three drive modes, electronic diff locking and hill descent control all helped make the Tucson a competent drive when subjected to slippery conditions. Just don’t attack the really rough stuff as some underbody components are vulnerable.

On sealed surfaces, where the car runs almost exclusively in front-wheel drive, they feel just fine. Suspension used from 2015 was specifically tuned to the Australian driving environment and was said to noticeably improve on the previous ix35.

Be aware that tyres picked on price to replace the carefully chosen originals may hurt the way a Tucson rides, handles and delivers in off-road conditions.

Electric steering in some brands is sometimes criticised but Hyundai owners rarely express unhappiness with feel or response.

The petrol 1.6 and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel both deliver decent performance, with acceleration that is impressive give that an AWD Tucson will top 1700kg. Sport mode will hold gears to the redline and that’s helpful when overtaking and oncoming traffic suddenly appears on the horizon.

Evaluating comparative fuel consumption is always a fraught issue, but in general the 1.6 turbo-petrol uses slightly more than a diesel, averaging 9.2-9.5L/100km against low 8s for the 2.0-litre. However, the petrol engine runs happily on 91RON unleaded, which costs less per litre than diesel.

It’s one of the best, for sure, especially the up-spec models with improved in-car entertainment, rear air-con outlets and comfortable, reclining rear seats.

Interior space and utilisation are very good in all versions. The roof looks low but doesn’t restrict access, either through the doors or hatch.

Rear legroom is fine for all but the tallest, even if vision out of the side windows isn’t brilliant.

Luggage space pretty much leads the class, with almost 500 litres behind the second row of seats and a massive 1478 litres available with the rear seat folded.

• Early 2021 saw 94,000 Tucson cars recalled to correct an electrical fault which could cause a circuit board to ignite and set the car on fire. Check that previous owners have responded to this notification.
• Tucsons sit high enough to seem suited to serious off-roading, but they aren’t. Important underbody components are unprotected and any stone guards that do exist provide minimal protection. Underbody scrapes promote rust and damage to driveshafts send vibrations through the vehicle.
• Seized engines are an issue across the Hyundai and associated Kia ranges. Reasons for the failures are not fully explained and foreshadowed legal action may shed further light. Pre-purchase inspection is wise but may not be able to identify an engine that could fail shortly after for no apparent reason.
• Check service history and nature of repairs carried out during ownership.
• Road test and check for abnormal noises, steering issues or smoke.
• Change gears during road test to check for stalling.
• Connect phone to check for infotainment glitches.

RedBook Inspect mobile inspectors can take the guesswork out of buying a car with a comprehensive vehicle inspection.

Used vehicle grading for Hyundai Tucson (2015-21)
Design & Function: 15/20
Safety: 16/20
Practicality: 15/20
Value for Money: 15/20
Wow Factor: 12/20
Score: 73/100

Also consider: Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan