Is The Hyundai Tucson A Good Reliable Car?

Named after the area that houses the most dangerous canyons in the United States, the Hyundai Tucson is a multi-functional crossover SUV that can suit a broad range of customers. Although earlier it was relegated to a soccer mom car, the later iterations come with a fair few options that let the driver explore the Australian Outback without much trouble. A few off-road packages can even make it more suitable for a beach or jungle trail drive.

But is the Hyundai Tucson a good reliable car compared to its alternatives? If you're looking to buy one, this guide can help you massively decide beforehand.

Trims Available With the 2023 Hyundai Tucson

You can get the Hyundai Tucson in Australia in three trims: basic, Elite, and Highlander. All of them have the option to add an N Line package that enhances the exterior and interior look of the car. You get access to the 2.0L petrol engine on all trims that doesn't pack much power. It's much better to go with the 1.6L petrol-hybrid or the 2.0L CRDi diesel powertrain.

Hyundai has been generous by equipping all the trims with comparable infotainment systems. Even on the base trim, you get an 8-inch integrated touchscreen and a 4.2-inch digital display that convey all the necessary information to the passengers. In addition, wireless smartphone charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are standard across the board.

For a car that costs around AUD 50,000 ex-showroom, you can avail of plenty of features with the Tucson Highlander. It comes standard with heated rear and ventilated front seats, ensuring adequate comfort for all passengers. You can get the seats in faux suede or pure leather, and the ambient mood lighting rivals that of early-generation Mercs.

Hyundai Tucson Performance

As far as crossovers go, the Tucson has considerable power and the mechanics to let the driver control it. The best configuration you can go for is the 1.6L turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 13.8 kWh battery pack. The entire setup delivers 261 hp to either the rear or all wheels, depending on your trim's configuration.

Now that adaptive cruise control is standard, the engine doesn't experience much stress over long journeys. There are also electronic driver aids to keep the handling optimal. The ride is pleasant and doesn't get ruined by speed breakers or bumps. The 7-speed automatic transmission keeps the shifts smooth, ensuring extended life for the engine and tyres.

Off-Road Capabilities

The Hyundai Tucson is based on a scaled-down platform of the Palisade. Thus, it has exceptional off-road potential for a car you would most likely associate with a suburb. The hydraulic suspension provides a decent ground clearance of 181 mm, so you can go over rough terrain without thinking much about undercarriage damage.

Still, it can be risky to cross shallow rivers and muddy swamps. If you plan to do that, it's best to go for the 19-inch wheels and the turbo diesel powertrain. The setup can also provide a towing capacity of up to 1900 Kg.

Fuel Economy

For a crossover, Hyundai dedicates plenty of technology to make the Tucson as fuel-efficient as possible. The petrol engine can get up to 40 miles to the gallon with the hybrid configuration. The diesel engine can provide 32 miles to the gallon on open highways, but it won't be a long-term solution considering Australia's crackdown on diesel engines.

The Tucson can cover 33 miles using its battery power alone. Hyundai offers a plug-in charging option, so you can complete most of your daily trips without burning a drop of fuel. That can maximize the utility of your car by several years while also reducing substantially on emissions.

Interior Comfort

Unlike other midsize SUVs in its category, the Tucson packs several luxurious features that remove the stress of replacements even after years of use. The stitching on the seats is precise, enabling it to keep all dirt and water within the cabin away from the electrical or chassis structures.

The Tucson packs the latest digital touchscreen technology that allows the passenger to control all the settings, from climate control to infotainment. The response is smooth, and the system can accommodate various accessibility features. Additionally, Hyundai regularly releases software updates to keep the hardware working at maximum efficiency.

Maintenance and Repairs

Various outlets have tested the earlier versions of the Hyundai Tucson, all coming to the same conclusion that it's much more robust than its competition. The average midsize SUV can cost you around $230 to run per month. The Hyundai Tucson costs around $150, even less if you rely more on the electric motor than the engine.

In Australia, you can avail of a Hyundai service station in any major city or suburb, so maintenance is relatively straightforward. You will only need to visit a professional once per year. The modular design of the Tucson also allows for quick replacement of performance and exterior parts.

Hyundai Tucson Warranty and Customer Assistance

Hyundai offers a warranty of five years and unlimited miles for every Tucson that leaves the showroom. You can also subscribe to the roadside assistance plan for a quick response in the unlikely event you get stranded in the middle of nowhere. It's free of charge for the first 12 months of ownership and only costs a few hundred dollars to extend each year.

When you buy a Tucson, you get a lifetime service plan guarantee from Hyundai that carries over to all owners. It ensures that you only get official, tested parts installed in your car that make it function for as many years as possible. The powertrain has a warranty of ten years or 100,000 miles, while the first three years of maintenance are complimentary.