For 2018, Hyundai initially offered the Tucson in five trims, SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Value, and Limited, with either a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated motor developing 164 horsepower or a turbocharged 1.6-liter good for 175 hp. But mid-way through the year it introduced a new Sport model, featuring a 181-hp 2.4-liter engine, 19-inch wheels, special exterior trimming, dual-zone climate control, and an array of standard safety features all at an affordable mid-range price point. It might offer lower economy figures, but it’s more usable than the other offerings and is our pick of the bunch.
If you’re an all-or-nothing kinda buyer, then the Limited model offers leather upholstery, LED headlights and taillights, and an eight-inch infotainment system with Infinity premium audio and navigation. An Ultimate package can be equipped with adaptive xenon headlights, a panoramic sunroof, heated seats throughout and ventilated front seats, along with a batch of advanced safety features, but you’ll be looking near the $35,000 mark for a fully loaded model, which is still cheaper than a fully kitted out Honda CR-V.
While most of the available upgrades for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson are built in to individual trim levels, like last year's SE Popular Equipment package which is now the Tucson SEL, the Korean manufacturer has left one options package available for the top-of-the-range Limited trim.
The Ultimate Package for the Limited model adds adaptive xenon headlights in place of fixed LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, an upgraded driver information display, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. The Ultimate package also includes numerous safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and rear parking sensors.