2023 Hyundai TUCSON Review

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson sticks out among its more sober-looking compact SUV rivals with its cutting-edge design. That doesn't imply that the Tucson forgoes affordability or usefulness. Both boast. With the Tucson, Hyundai has adopted a general strategy by providing a wide range of trims and powertrains, including a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, giving it broad appeal. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants feature a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that is supported by an electric motor, which gives them more oomph than the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder powerplant. The Tucson has a competitive advantage over rivals like the Volkswagen Tiguan, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, as well as higher-end trims that cross the boundary from mainstream to premium. Entry-level models of the Tucson are well-equipped.

Modifications for 2023

Only minor packaging changes are made to the Tucson for the 2023 model year after a thorough makeover for the 2022 model year. The Premium package's components have been included as standard features on lower trim levels in place of the Premium package, which was formerly exclusive to the SEL model. For instance, the larger 10.3-inch infotainment screen is now standard on all XRT levels and higher, and the panoramic sunroof is now available as standard on the N-Line trim. All Tucson models now come standard with adaptive cruise control, pedestrian recognition, and speed limit assist capability. On the Tucson's exterior color scheme, Serenity White Pearl takes the place of Quartz White.

Which Trim To Purchase?

After testing a variety of the Tucson's powertrains, we believe the hybrid strikes the perfect balance of features, performance, and pricing. We advise the SEL Convenience Hybrid trim since it has heated front seats as well as other conveniences like a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 10.3-inch digital gauge display as standard equipment.

Power & Performance

The base engine will be a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and either front- or all-wheel drive. In order to power the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, a turbocharged 1.6-liter four will be used, producing a combined 226 horsepower in the former and 261 horsepower in the latter. All-wheel drive is a must for the electrified powertrains, and both come with a six-speed automatic transmission. Lead-footed drivers will crave for more power because the non-hybrid Tucson's performance is at best decent. While the Tucson's plug-in hybrid and more potent hybrid are both faster, don't anticipate them to match the RAV4 Prime's sportscar-like acceleration. The Tucson is hardly a sports vehicle, yet it handles well, steers pretty crisply, and rides comfortably. The Tucson drives remarkably quietly and elegantly when cruising; it's these characteristics that give the SUV a sense of luxury that is uncommon in its class.

Battery Life

According to the EPA, the plug-in hybrid vehicle has a 13.8 kWh battery pack that can support up to 33 miles of electric-only range. When connected to a level 2 charging station, the battery can be fully recharged in around two hours thanks to a 7.2-kW onboard charger.

Fuel Economy

According to the EPA, non-hybrid Tucson models with front-wheel drive should achieve up to 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The plug-in hybrid model scored an impressive 80 MPGe combined and provided 33 miles of electric-only driving in the EPA test. The hybrid has fuel economy estimates as high as 38 mpg city and 38 mpg highway.

Interior & Comfort

The Tucson has a straightforward but contemporary dashboard with a digital gauge display, a push-button shifter, and a touch-sensitive infotainment control panel. Hyundai's flagship Palisade SUV and the recently updated Sonata and Elantra sedans acted as a kind of turning point for the company's interior designs, and the new Tucson follows the trend with a thoughtfully structured cabin filled with high-quality materials and opulent features. The Tucson offers better passenger comfort and functionality than the preceding model because of its larger cargo and rear seat spaces. We managed to place nine pieces of carryon baggage behind the hybrid's back row, and when the seatbacks were folded, the total number of bags we could fit increased to 22.

Infotainment

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are embedded into the dashboard's standard 8.8-inch touchscreen; a bigger 10.3-inch screen with built-in navigation and extras like SiriusXM satellite radio and a better Bose sound system are available. Hyundai's smartphone app for its digital key, which offers remote start functionality in addition to lock and unlock features, is another high-tech choice.

Safety

There will be a wide range of driver-assistance systems available, many of which will be standard. Visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for more details regarding the Tucson's crash test results. Important safety elements include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection

Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist

Available adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist

Warranty & Coverage For Maintenance

Only one competitor in the compact SUV market, the Kia Sportage, which is the Tucson's corporate twin, has the same level of warranty protection. But because of its large, comprehensive regular maintenance program, the Hyundai still has the upper hand over the Kia in this situation.

Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles

Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

Competitive Cars

Hyundai Tucson vs. Hyundai Santa Fe

Although it is a midsize SUV, the Hyundai Santa Fe isn't much bigger than its Tucson brother. These two crossover SUVs have the same amount of interior room, five seats, and numerous tech and safety features. Even their base engines are identical, but the Santa Fe has a more powerful turbocharged engine that alone should convince you to choose that SUV. Other than that, the Tucson offers more. It is less expensive, has improved fuel efficiency, and has a modernized interior.

Hyundai Tucson vs. Toyota RAV4

A good compact SUV that shares many of the Tucson's strengths is the Toyota RAV4. It boasts a roomy interior, plenty of cargo room, composed handling, and technological elements that are generally simple to use. Like the Tucson's, it has a frugal four-cylinder engine that isn't particularly powerful. Value and elegance stand out as the primary differences. The RAV4 is more expensive than the Tucson, has a less luxurious and quiet cabin, and has fewer basic amenities. The Tucson is in the lead.