2024 Hyundai Tucson

With so many powertrain options and trim levels, the price of the 2024 Hyundai Tucson can vary quite a bit. Gas-powered models start with the SE at $27,250 and then a modest step up to the SEL at $29,400. The XRT has slightly more rugged styling and will cost you $34,075, while the Limited tops out the lineup at $36,510. However, each of these models can be had with all-wheel drive for a surcharge of $1,500.

The hybrid lineup starts with the ultra-efficient Blue, which sells for $32,325. The hybrid SEL Convenience is slightly different from the gas model and costs $34,905. This year, the N-line is included among the regular hybrids with a $36,405 price tag. The hybrid Limited costs $39,465. Finally, the plug-in hybrids: the SEL is the entry point to the PHEV range at $38,475, with the Limited sealing closing the lineup at $45,200. These are the MSRP figures for each, not including the $1,335 Hyundai tacks on for destination and handling.

As for which one to buy, the hybrid Blue is the most frugal, but it's also slightly barebones in terms of features. For us, the SEL Convenience is the best balance between efficiency and on-board tech. It's starting price is reasonable, too, and for around $35k, you get dual 10.25-inch displays, a sunroof, H-Tex seating, heated front seats, wireless device charging, and all-wheel drive for those times you need a little more traction.

The interior of the Hyundai Tuscon is pleasant no matter the trim, with even entry-level models boasting impressive tech specifications. The large touchscreen creates a central focus point on the dash, where the majority of the controls for all these standard features lie. However, the overall design may have aimed for seamless with the two-tone theme carrying through into the door panels, but some elements feel like they have been slotted in instead of incorporated fluidly. This can make the interior feel more cluttered than it is. This is oddly juxtaposed with some minimalist design elements, too, especially in the upper trim levels where the traditional shifter is replaced by buttons and the hooded analog cluster changes into an integrated driver-info display.

There is enough interior space for five adults inside the cabin, with a generous amount of head- and legroom in both rows. However, the hybrid trims sacrifice a few inches in the back to make room for their additional powertrain components. But even they are spacious enough for most people, matching or exceeding what competitors bring to the table. You don't get power-adjustable front seats in the base gas model, but all of the hybrids do, which makes finding a comfortable driving position easier. Visibility is good, too, although there are enough driver aids as standard to overcome any difficulties. Getting in and out is easy, thanks to the high roof and smart seat design.

An SUV needs to have good cargo space, even in hybrid form, and the Tucson delivers well on that front. The gas models are very impressive, with 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats. For the regular HEV, you get 38.7 cubes, but the PHEV drops down to just 31.9 cu-ft. This is still pretty good, though. If you fold down the second row, then you can free up 74.8, 74.5, or 66.3 cubes, respectively.

For smaller items, there are a few locations around the cabin. These include a cubby under the central armrest, a pair of cupholders in the central console, and a small storage tray. There is also a glove compartment, and each door has a well-sized pocket. Passengers in the back get cupholders in the fold-down seat.

Economy-class vehicles are no longer dressed in the cheapest materials that last long but don't feel great. Hyundai uses high-quality fabric so that even with cloth upholstery, the Tucson feels good. There aren't a lot of interior colors to choose from, though, with only Black and Gray. The SEL Convenience gives you H-Tex leatherette, which is plusher, while the N-Line has sport leather/cloth combination in Black only. These are HEV models. Every model gets a Limited trim, though, which upgrades to real leather, though the colors are the same as for cloth or leatherette. Other fittings around the cabin are mostly plastic and upper trims get leather on the steering wheel, but the build quality is still very good.

You get all the basics in the SE, including six-way manual front seats, manual air-conditioning, cruise control, and a small 4.2-inch driver-information display. The infotainment screen is also the smaller eight-inch variety, but it comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and a six-speaker sound system. The hybrid Blue and all trims with the SEL moniker get an eight-way power driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, push-button start, and additional USB ports. They also include a 10.25-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM and navigation. Specifically for SEL trims are an auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED interior lighting, and a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. Most of the changes inside the N-Line are cosmetic, aside from the eight-speaker Bose sound system, so you have to upgrade to the Limited to unlock the eight-way power passenger seats, ventilated front seats, driver-seat memory, heated rear seats, and heated steering wheel.

Several powertrains are on offer, with the base engine for the Hyundai Tucson being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that develops 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and lets buyers choose between front- and all-wheel drivetrains. The two hybrids comprise a 1.6-liter turbo-four with hybrid assistance for 226 hp combined or plug-in hybrid assistance for 261 hp combined. Both use the same gearbox and get AWD as standard.

Performance isn't what the Hyundai Tucson was made for, so 0-60 mph figures aren't too important. It's worth knowing that the gas model takes around nine seconds, while the hybrid is closer to eight seconds. The car can reach a top speed of 120 mph. Towing capacity also isn't where the SUV shines, maxing out at just 2,000 lbs.

Instead, it is the pleasant and easy driving experience that impresses. The Tucson has light steering that is perfect for sedate driving around town, and when you do get up to speed on the highway, the vehicle feels planted and the steering doesn't roam. The all-wheel drivetrain supplies a bit more confidence for slicker road conditions, but it doesn't do much for off-road capabilities. There is definitely more of a focus on comfort from the suspension, which does a good job of soaking up bumps.

You can expect good mpg figures from the Hyundai Tucson, regardless of configuration, but the hybrids definitely get the best gas mileage. The base four-cylinder engine manages 25/32/28 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles in FWD guise, while the AWD gets 23/29/25 mpg. The hybrid boasts 38 mpg across all cycles in the most efficient Blue trim, while the rest drop slightly to 37/36/37 mpg.

Due to its plug-in nature, the PHEV Tucson is rated slightly different, with 80 MPGe combined, but once the battery runs dry, it gets 35 mpg combined. It also has a 33-mile all-electric range. Recharging the battery again takes around two hours on a Level 2 charger.

The gas models have a fuel capacity of 14.3 gallons, while the HEV and PHEV get 13.7 and 11.1 gallons, respectively. This gives the gas trims a maximum range of 358 miles, while the Blue can cover 520 miles.

The most recent safety review of the Hyundai Tucson from the NHTSA was only a partial test, but 2023 models scored full marks in all categories, barring the rollover test, where it scored four out of five. The IIHS hasn't evaluated the 2024 model, but the 2023 version got top scores of Good in every category save headlights. It was also a Top Safety Pick+ in 2022.

Standard safety features include a total of eight airbags, ABS, traction and stability control, a rearview camera, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, lane following assist, driver-attention warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic alert. The lane-keep assist and blind-spot avoidance systems now send haptic feedback to the steering wheel. A blind-spot monitor is added at Limited level, along with front and rear parking sensors, remote parking assist, highway driving assist, and a surround-view monitor.

Like most cars from the brand, the reliability of the Hyundai Tucson is quite high, with JD Power awarding it a score of 80 out of 100. There was only a single recall in 2023, but it was an urgent one, as the electric oil pump assembly had the potential to cause a fire. The current model remains clean for now.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson's warranty includes cover for five years/60,000 miles and ten years/100,000 miles for the powertrain and hybrid components. This makes it one of the best in the entire industry.

The Tucson is more adventurous than your typical Hyundai, with a bold front fascia and curving hood. It has a blacked-out grille, even on the base trim, with the company logo being the only splash of color. Positioned right at the very corners of the car is a set of discreet bi-LED headlights with turning singles at the edge. Daytime running lights are LED as standard, too, and the SUV is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels lower down in the range, and 19-inch alloys on more expensive models. The N-Line has more unique styling thanks to its unique spoiler, twin-tip exhaust, and N-Line grille. It also gets a panoramic sunroof like the Limited. Meanwhile, a power-operated liftgate is standard from the Blue/SEL upward.

Hyundai has made some of the best cars in the USA for some time now, and the 2024 Tucson slots into one of the most popular segments. The automaker has been improving its offering over the years to keep up with rivals like the Mazda CX-5. The Tucson boasts excellent build quality, a smooth ride, and a longer list of features than ever before. The various powertrain options are a boon for those who like to weigh the pros and cons and find the best deal for their needs. Sadly, the gas engine isn't particularly lively, even for a compact crossover - but the hybrids offer better value overall, anyway. They also come with more standard features and a higher-quality interior than you'd expect from cars at this price point. One or two black marks are definitely not enough to tip the scales out of the Hyundai Tucson's favor.