Anthony's Analytics: Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD

by  Anthony Fongaro  - Photos via Lexus - 09/06/2021 

The compact-SUV segment is competitive. How competitive? Look at every manufacturer and almost all of them have a compact SUV. Of course, this includes Hyundai and their Tucson. In the past, the Tucson was a good SUV but very generic. Back in the day, I’d probably recommend a Toyota RAV-4, Honda CRV, or a Mazda CX-5. Lately, Hyundai has been quite bold with its exterior and interiors, Since the Tucson is a Hyundai, it has its own style.

Controversial is the name of the game with the Tucson. When I first saw it in photos, I thought it was just ugle. Now? I love the design. That front end with the massive grill looks weird at first, but when the lights are on, it’s much better. The Calypso Red paint and 19” wheels help the Tucson to look out every more. There are many sharp lines, with the powered tailgate and tail lights utilizing these sharp lines. Along with the paint is a silver accent piece on the top of the car which is a nice break from the paint. 

The interior is completely generic Hyundai, which means it’s quite easy to use. One of the downsides would be the infotainment system and controls because it’s nothing but piano-black and smudges easily. Thankfully, the screen in front is digital with analog-looking dials. This is top-of-the-line and has heated and cooled seats along with a heated steering wheel and wireless charging. Safety features abound and the buttons on the steering wheel are easy to use. There are also paddle-shifters to look sporty but this really isn’t.

Why is that? Look under the hood. There’s a 1.6-liter noon-turbocharged inline-four producing 187-horsepower and 178 lb-ft. Combine this with AWD and an eight-speed automatic, this gets the Tucson to 60 MPH slower than getting a drink from Starbucks. It takes 8.8 seconds, aka basically 9 seconds. This is slow. Around 30 MPH, the Tucson is fine, but flat-out acceleration is just loud. The eight-speed helps, but shifting yourself isn’t worth it. When you can get to highway speed, the adaptive cruise control is lovely, as well as the cameras when you use your turn signal. 

If you’re wondering about MPG, this AWD Tucson got about 25 MPG. That’s not bad, but the hybrid gets more horsepower, a turbocharged engine (why can’t the regular one get that), and better MPG. This leads to should you get one? That’s difficult because the styling will throw off a lot of people, which is unfortunate. I like Hyundai interiors, and this is no exception. My biggest complaint is, of course, that engine. If it wasn’t for that, I would say get this Limited. Otherwise, look at the Hybrid. My Tucson Limited AWD is $37,000. I’d say if you’re ok with a slower SUV, look at this. It’s quite a unique compact SUV.