Used Hyundai Tucson Review (2015-2021) MK3
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Stylish looks
- Excellent build quality
- Spacious and practical interior
- Plastic-feeling dashboard
- Not the most affordable SUV on the market
- Rivals are more entertaining to drive
What's the Hyundai Tucson like?
The Hyundai Tucson makes a huge amount of sense as a used buy, with its stylish looks and bulletproof build quality.
Launched in 2015, the most recent model is a chunky SUV with all the right 4x4 pointers, but like so many in this class, most models are front-wheel drive, so they’re cheaper to run.
Engines
Petrol engines are both 1.6-litre with either 130bhp, or turbocharged with 174bhp. The lower powered unit covers 0 to 60mph in 11.1 seconds, and will do 40mpg at best.
The 174bhp models are much quicker, sprinting to 60mph in a good 8.7 seconds and should do 35mpg.
Diesels are 1.6-litre, 1.7-litre, and 2.0-litre, all designated CRDi, and the 1.6-litre has 113bhp or 134bhp. Both get to 60mph in 11.4 seconds and are capable of a best of 45mpg.
The 1.7-litre comes with either 114bhp or 139bhp, and gives a best of 55mpg while getting to 60mph in 11.4 seconds.
The 2.0-litre diesels have 132bhp or 184bhp, and these are the only models that come with standard four-wheel drive.
The 134bhp model covers the 60mph sprint in 10.6 seconds and can do 50mpg, while the higher powered version does the sprint in 9.2 seconds and should do 45mpg.
Gearboxes are either 6-speed manual or automatic, but as usual, the autos are less economical and slightly slower.
The most likely engine you’ll find in a used Tucson is the 1.7-litre diesel with the manual gearbox, and it’s very impressive, quiet, and refined, with plenty of low speed pulling power.
Driving Experience and Practicality
The Tucson has a supple suspension system, giving good comfort over all surfaces, and yet still managing very decent handling and roadholding.
Peter Hayward
Stability control is standard but, of course, the 2.0-litre diesels all have four-wheel drive for complete security in all conditions.
This delivers power to the front wheels in normal conditions, but if one begins to slip, some power is transferred to the rear to maintain momentum.
In seriously bad conditions, the four-wheel drive can be locked on to give maximum traction.
Equipment
All models come with alloy wheels, reversing sensors, air conditioning, electric windows all round, CD stereo with MP3 player, Bluetooth, USB connection, and traction control.
Mid-range SE Nav adds sat nav, cruise control, parking sensors, and lumbar support.
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Find your Hyundai Tucson your way with CarStore
If you’re in the market for a mid-sized SUV, this is one that's pretty hard to beat. The Hyundai Tucson is ideal for a range of responsibilities, as it offers a comfortably smooth ride and stylish looks that appeal to many. On top of that, the Tucson provides a great deal of interior space, making it the perfect car for family getaways.
