The 2024 Hyundai Tucson continues to be a good bang for your buck

Hyundai has built its reputation on delivering value and offering a great bang for the buck. But for the past few years, they have added another attribute to their reputation – striking designs. A great example of that can be found in the 2024 Hyundai Tucson.

Today’s Tucson is part of the fourth generation that came out in 2022. Sandwiched between the smaller Hyundai Kona and larger Hyundai Santa Fe, the Tucson is a 5-passenger compact crossover that takes aim directly at the likes of the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4. And it does so with an attractive design that features squared wheel arches and bold creases that make their presence in the body. Tucsons of long ago used to be described as cute, but today’s is bolder and athletic.

The 2024 Tucson is available with a conventional gas engine or as a hybrid. All gas-engine powered Tucsons use a 2.5 liter four-cylinder that makes 187 horsepower. Strangely, if you want more power out of the Tucson, you’re better off going the economical route and opt for a hybrid – as it uses a turbocharged 1.6 liter four-cylinder and an electric motor that makes 226 hp. A plug-in hybrid bumps that power up to 261 hp. Hybrids use a six-speed automatic transmission and come standard with all-wheel drive while the gas engine uses an eight-speed automatic with front-wheel drive (with all-wheel drive being an option).

Gas powered Tucsons are available in four different trim levels. The SE is the base but is nicely fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, 8-inch infotainment center as well as a ton of safety features including forward collision mitigation and lane keeping assist. The SEL adds some luxury to the Tucson by including a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, keyless entry, and push-button start. The off-road themed XRT gets 19-inch black wheels, black exterior accents, side steps and roof rails. The top-of-the-line Limited gets a panoramic sunroof, chrome exterior trim, heated steering wheel and a surround view camera. For 2024, the sporty N Line trim now gets the hybrid powerplant (rather than the all-gas one). Other Hybrid Tucsons include the Blue Hybrid, SEL Convenience Hybrid and the Limited Hybrid.

The tester was an all-wheel drive Tucson Limited. MSRP of the test vehicle wasn’t stated, but I estimate it to be around $39,400.

Inside, Hyundai continues their pattern of providing excellent ergonomics and an abundance of interior space despite the Tucson’s small footprint. The cabin is a very pleasant place to be with front seats that offer plenty of room and rear passengers able to stretch their legs and even recline their seat. The dash arrangement is good, especially if you like high-tech as nearly every feature is controlled through the touchscreen or flat buttons alongside it.

On the road, the Tucson drives well and offers enough power for typical duties – but quick it is not. Tests show it takes about 9 seconds to reach 60 mph, so it is on the slow side. The EPA rates it at 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, for a combined mpg of 25. Driving it is easily done, though with nice, direct steering and it stays composed around corners. For those that want some excitement in their driving along with some extra power, the N Line, is the way to go, which enables the Tucson to get to 60 mph in just 7 seconds – and boosts fuel economy to 38 mpg – literally a win-win situation.

When put to work, the Tucson can carry 38.7 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats – which puts it among the best in its class. Fold the rear seats down, and that space increases to nearly 78 cubic feet. Along with that, a low liftover and nice flat floor makes it easy to load and unload.

Tech gurus will be happy to hear that all Tucsons are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible and display nicely on the touchscreen. There is also a voice activation system that recognizes commands well and is easy to use. And the Tucson is fitted with many driver’s aids like a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control and front and rear parking sensors.

Pricing for the 2024 Tucson starts under $26,000, making it very competitive in its class. Toss in Hyundai’s basic warranty of five years/60,000 miles and coverage of the powertrain for 10 years/100,000 miles, and the Tucson continues to show why it delivers a great bang for your buck.
–– Christopher A. Randazzo

By The Numbers:

2024 Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD

Layout: front-engine / all-wheel drive
Engine: 2.5 liter four-cylinder
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Horsepower: 187 hp
Torque: N/A
EPA Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city / 29 mph highway

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