There are six different trims in the 2021 Tucson lineup, comprising the SE, Value, SEL, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powers the SE and Value trims while a more powerful 2.4-liter inline-four engine powers the rest. A six-speed automatic gearbox delivers outputs to the front wheels of every trim, though an AWD system is available for all at an extra fee.
The SE starts things off with the basics such as automatic halogen headlights, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, six-way manual driver’s seat, manual AC, cloth seating upholstery, and all-power accessories. A seven-inch touchscreen and six-speaker sound system are standard in all but the Ultimate, which features an eight-inch touchscreen, while a premium eight-speaker Infinity sound system is introduced as of the Sport. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth are inclusive as of the base model. Safety is covered by a rearview camera, a driver attention system, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision avoidance. Creature comforts and conveniences are compounded moving up the trim levels, with top trims featuring heated and ventilated seats and multi-zone climate control.
Prices for the newest Hyundai Tucson models have gone up from last year but only by a slight margin. For 2021, the SE comes in at an MSRP of $23,700, which is just $150 more than the 2020 iteration. The Value comes next with a sticker price of $25,150, followed by the SEL at $26,100. If you're looking to opt for the 2.4-liter-equipped Tucson's, the Sport comes in at $28,250, followed by the more luxurious Limited at $29,400, and then the top-of-the-line Ultimate at $32,050. The optional HTRAC AWD system will cost an extra $1,400 on any of the trims. As with most of the United States' cars, prices for the Hyundai Tucson are exclusive of any tax, registration, and licensing fees, and a $1,175 destination charge.
With a total of six trims on offer, Hyundai doesn't provide any packages with which to increase the base cost of the Hyundai Tucson. There are, in fact, only a handful of standalone options offered, including an auto-dimming rearview mirror advertised at $295 for trims that don't get it as standard. There is also a tow-hitch available for $350, all-weather floor mats and mud flaps for $250, and a selection of cargo area elements including a first aid kit, a cargo tray, and a cargo net for $195.
When it comes to getting the most for your money in terms of performance and features, the SEL is the optimal trim. It comes equipped with the larger 2.4-liter inline-four engine, which feels a little more capable of powering the SUV, especially at highway speeds. It's also upgraded with SiriusXM and HD Radio connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control, and rear passengers are generously accommodated with AC vents and a USB charge port for their devices. The SEL, with those added luxuries, is also only $2,400 more than the base trim, which is worth it considering what you get for the money. Unless it's really necessary, we'd steer clear of the optional AWD system as it lowers fuel economy slightly and does little to benefit performance.