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2018 Hyundai Tucson

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Rating7.1

Ranked #7 in 

Compact SUV
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$22,550 - $30,825
Starting Price 

Year

Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 1, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Great safety score and predicted reliability ratings

Less cargo space than rivals

Eco and Sport trims have been discontinued

Long warranty coverage

Slow acceleration in base engine

The 7.0-inch center display now gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay along with heated seats and heated steering wheels.

Comfortable and Quiet Ride

Strong acceleration from Turbocharged engine

Specs & Features

$22,550

price

164 hp @ 6200 rpm

horsepower

151 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

2.0L 4cyl FWD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2018 Hyundai Tucson is part of the third generation and is a popular choice for family buyers. Positioned above the new subcompact Kona and below the larger Santa Fe Sport and three-row Santa Fe crossover, the Tucson has a lot to like. Key highlights include ample technology features, a spacious interior, and its mammoth warranty. The 2018 Tucson starts at an MSRP of $22,550 for the base SE and goes up to $30,825 for the top-spec Limited.

For 2018, Hyundai has reshuffled the trim levels and features. There are two engine options, with a base 164-horsepower 2.0-liter carrying over from last year, as is a 175-hp 1.6T. Tucson is a compelling choice as it undercuts most of its rivals but faces tough competition from the likes of Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Subaru Forester.

Buying Advice

Add $1250 in the base price and get an SEL which comes with an abundance of techs and advanced safety features. The infotainment system has been upgraded to a bigger touchscreen and improved smartphone integration. There is a lot that SEL has to offer that to at a good price. Some of the features that the SEL offers over SE are mentioned below:

  • A 7-inch touchscreen
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • SiriusXM satellite radio
  • Heated front seats
  • Drive mode selector
  • Roof rails
  • LED daytime running light
  • Eight-way power adjustable driver seats
Read More +

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The 2018 Hyundai Tucson ranks in the top half of the compact SUV class, thanks to its stellar strengths. Hyundai offers ample safety features, a quiet cabin with plenty of room and excellent predicted reliability ratings are some of the highlights.

New for 2018 Tucson, the trim levels and features have been reshuffled. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now available on the 7.0-inch touchscreen display and heated seats and a heated steering wheel are available on more trims. Owning a used Hyundai Tucson is a good idea as its five-year cost of ownership is estimated at around $27,861, which is excellent in the class.

Features
7.0/10

Hyundai offers the 2018 Tucson in five trim levels: SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Value, and Limited. The Eco and Sport trims were discontinued for 2018. The base price of the Hyundai Tucson starts at $22,550 excluding the $950 destination charges. The Tuscon Limited FWD is the most-equipped trim which begins at $29,425. All trims are available with an all-wheel-drive option.

The base Tucson SE comes fairly equipped and features a standard 5-inch touch screen, a six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, a USB port, a rearview camera, cloth seats, and cruise control. For buyers looking for smartphone integration, the SEL adds a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio.

Trims SE SEL SEL PLUS VALUE LIMITED
MSRP $22,550 $23,800 $26,700 $26,550 $29,425
MSRP $23,950 $25,200 $28,100 $27,950 $30,825
Features 5.0-inch center touchscreen Adds/Upgrades to SE Trim Adds/Upgrades to SEL Trim Adds/Upgrades to SEL Plus Trim Adds/Upgrades to SEL Plus + Value Trim
  Automatic projector headlights LED accents and LED Daytime Running Lights LED approach lights (front door handles) Panoramic sunroof (one-touch open and rear shade) LED headlights
  Roof-mounted Center High-Mount Stop Light (CHMSL) Front fog lights Side mirrors with turn-signal indicators Hands-free smart liftgate with auto open and adjustable height setting VALUE+HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Light
  Heated side mirrors 8-way power driver seat Shark-fin roof antenna Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob Hands-free power liftgate
  Cloth seating surfaces Power lumbar support Leather seating surfaces Proximity Key entry with push-button start Heated steering wheel
  YES Essentials cloth (Beige and Gray only) Android Auto & Apple CarPlay 8-inch color touchscreen with navigation and Infinity Premium Audio System    
  6-way adjustable driver seat Heated front seats (3-steps) Clari-Fi Music Restoration Technology, external amp, and 8 speakers    

The turbocharged engine is standard on the Value and Limited trims, which also upgrades the center display with more premium comfort features like push-button start, proximity keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more.

We Recommend:

For shoppers content with the base 2.0-liter engine, the SEL trim is a good choice for its upgraded infotainment system. However, if it is the stronger turbocharged engine you desire, the Value and Limited trim shall be under consideration.

Fuel Economy
7.0/10

The base Tucson FWD returns an EPA fuel economy ratings of 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway while the AWD models get 21/26 mpg city/highway. These EPA estimates are average in the segment. Surprisingly, the turbocharged Tucson earns slightly better ratings, estimated at 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway for the FWD models, and 24/28 mpg for the AWD.

Model 2017 Hyundai Tucson 2017 Subaru Forester 2017 Ford Escape 2017 Honda CR-V
Mpg (city) 23 22 21 26
Mpg (highway) 30 28 29 32
Mpg (combined) 26 24 24 28

By comparison, Tucson's gas mileage is standard in the class, however, the Honda's CR-V delivers excellent numbers at 26/31 mpg city/highway.

Interior
7.0/10

“If you upgrade to the Limited trim level, you’ll get a lot more in the way of interior livability with a padded dashboard and door inserts with accents.” -Edmunds 

2018 Tucson Seating and Comfort

The Tucson is a two-row compact crossover that can comfortably accommodate five people. Upfront, the Tucson seats are flat with decent cushioning while the rear seats are comfortable too. The cabin offers a good amount of head- and legroom in both rows. Drivers can find a good driving position, thanks to the 8-way power-adjustable seat on the SEL Plus and Limited trims.

The base Tucson features a lot of hard plastics but the story changes as you move up the ladder with more soft-touch surfaces. Though the cabin is minimalistic, it looks pleasant and spacious. The physical controls are simple and the rear visibility is compromised.

Model 2017 Hyundai Tucson 2017 Subaru Forester 2017 Ford Escape 2017 Honda CR-V
Passenger capacity 5 5 5 5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg)(In.)

Exterior
7.0/10

2018 Tucson Design and Styling

The 2018 Tucson looks familiar with a largely unchanged look. However, if you look at Tucson, a glimpse of larger Santa Fe is evident. Tucson's exterior styling showcases composed and sophisticated design, somewhat similar to most of the compact crossover SUVs. Upfront it has a big six-sided grille and geometrically defined headlights. If you opt for pricier Tucson trims, 19-inch alloy wheels come standard for a more imposing look.

The SEL trim features headlights with integrated daytime running lights while all above trims add front fog lights. The top-spec Limited adds exclusive exterior cues such as extra chrome trimmings on the lower front bumper, while headlights are upgraded to LED clusters.

Model 2018 Hyundai Tucson 2018 Subaru Forester 2018 Ford Escape 2018 Honda CR-V
curb weight 3300 lbs 3322 lbs 3542 lbs 3307 lbs
Length 176.2" 181.5" 178.1" 180.6"
Width 72.8" 70.7" 72.4" 73.0"
Height 64.8" 66.4" 66.3" 66.1"
Ground clearance 6.4" 8.7" 7.9" 8.2"
Wheelbase 105.1" 103.9" 105.9" 104.7"

The base Tucson SE rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, so do the SEL and SEL Plus. All models have standard body-colored side mirrors. The curb weight of the 2018 Hyundai Tucson ranges from 3,300 to 3,686 pounds. The dimensions of the Tucson allows it to compete with some mid-size crossover SUV segment. Its six-inches ground clearance is average for a class.

Exterior Features 

Some exterior features include:

  • Smart power liftgate
  • Roof rack side rails
  • Heated side mirrors with available side repeaters
  • LED headlight and tail light

Safety
7.0/10

The 2018 Tucson received the perfect five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS named Tucson a 2018 Top Safety Pick. The compact Hyundai SUV received the highest rating of Good in all six crash tests and the second-highest rating of Acceptable for the headlights. The fully-equipped models also received a rating of Superior for crash prevention.

Hyundai offers an Ultimate package for the Limited trims which adds advanced safety features such as adaptive headlights, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. The SEL Plus, Value, and Limited trims have standard blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert and keep assist.

Standard advanced safety features:

  • rearview camera

Available advanced safety features:

  • Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
  • Lane keep assist and lane departure warning
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Adaptive headlights
  • Brake assist with pedestrian detection

Competition
8.0/10

2018 Hyundai Tucson Vs Ford Escape

The 2018 Ford Escape is a good option if you want lively handling and peppy turbocharged engine options. This Ford is not only powerful but offers more cargo space than the Hyundai. Conversely, the Tucson bags more points for its impressive fuel economy ratings and a long list of standard features.

Though both the compact cars get good predicted reliability ratings, the Hyundai Tucson has better warranty coverage than the Ford Escape. The Cost of owning a Ford escape is slightly lesser than the Hyundai Tucson.

2018 Hyundai Tucson Vs Honda CR-V

The 2018 Honda CR-V is another top-ranking compact crossover SUV. This Honda offers more passenger space and cargo space than the Hyundai. The quality of the cabin is even better in the CR-V. Both SUVs have a capable base and efficient engines along with peppier turbo options, but the Honda is more powerful than the Hyundai. 

The CR-V also takes the lead in safety, as it has more available safety features and better fuel economy estimates. On the other hand, the Hyundai Tucson has better-predicted reliability ratings and will cost you about $7,600 less as compared to the CR-V. Choosing between these two is a matter of brand preference.

Final Verdict

Hyundai Tucson comes with a headache-free ownership experience in the form of outstanding warranty coverage and excellent test score. The cabin is quiet and spacious along with user-friendly infotainment system. The South Korean car makers have not tried to make the Tucson exaggeratedly sporty instead they have emphasized more on its solid built quality and comfort.

There is also a long list of optional features that you can include without compromising on the fuel economy and performance. Tucson although has not fared well in the competition with the likes of Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester as they offer more with little difference in the pricing. Yet the Tucson has the zest and it is ready to take on any kind of road situation in the same manner as the Forester.

Trims

    SE
    $22,550 onwards
    • 5-Inch touchscreen infotainment display
    • 60/40-Split folding back seat
    • Automatic headlights
    • Heated mirrors
    • Height-Adjustable driver seat
    • Integrated blind-spot mirror
    • Rearview camera
    • Six-Speaker sound system
    SEL
    $23,800 onwards
    • 7-Inch touchscreen infotainment display
    • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
    • Foglights
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Led running lights
    • Power-Adjustable driver seat
    • Roof rails
    • Satellite radio
    Sport
    $25,150 onwards
    • Blind-Spot monitoring
    • Dual-Zone automatic climate control
    • Keyless entry and ignition
    • Leather-Wrapped steering wheel
    • Rear air vents
    • Rear cross-traffic alert
    Value
    $26,550 onwards
    • 19-Inch wheels
    • Hands-Free liftgate
    • Panoramic sunroof
    SEL Plus
    $26,700 onwards
    • 8-Inch touchscreen infotainment display
    • Eight-Speaker Infinity sound system
    • Hyundai'S Blue Link connected services
    • Integrated navigation system
    • Leather upholstery
    • Power-Adjustable passenger seat
    Limited
    $29,425 onwards
    • Chrome exterior trim
    • Led headlights & taillights

Compare to similar cars

7.1
2018 Hyundai Tucson

Price

$22,550- $30,825

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.08

Horsepower

181 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

195 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

7.0
2018 Buick Encore

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Gasoline

6.97

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

5

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6.5
2018 Buick Envision

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Gasoline

6.48

197 hp @ 6300 rpm

192 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

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6.8
2018 Chevrolet Equinox

$23,580- $37,230

Gasoline

6.79

170 hp @ 5600 rpm

203 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

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7.7
2018 Chevrolet Traverse

$29,930- $52,600

Gasoline

7.67

310 hp @ 6800 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm

8

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6.5
2018 Chevrolet Trax

$21,000- $28,795

Gasoline

6.49

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

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7.0
2018 Dodge Durango

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Gasoline

7.05

293 hp @ 6400 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

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5.5
2018 Dodge Journey

$22,995- $34,895

Gasoline

5.5

173 hp @ 6000 rpm

166 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

7

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6.8
2018 Fiat 500X

$19,995- $27,415

Gasoline

6.79

160 hp @ 5500 rpm

184 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

5

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6.4
2018 Ford EcoSport

$19,995- $27,330

Gasoline

6.36

123 hp @ 6000 rpm

125 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

5

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2018 Hyundai Tucson vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    		SourceCompare
    		11 sec--
    		6.3 sec14.9 sec130 mph
    		6.5 sec15.1 sec131 mph
    		6.8 sec--
    		7.3 sec15.7 sec118 mph
    		7.4 sec15.8 sec112 mph
    Read More

    2018 Hyundai Tucson vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      		SourceCompare
      		23 mpg30 mpg26 mpg16.4 gal.377.2/492 mi.
      		52 mpg49 mpg50 mpg11.9 gal.618.8/583.1 mi.
      		34 mpg30 mpg32 mpg14.8 gal.503.2/444 mi.
      		29 mpg34 mpg31 mpg12.7 gal.368.3/431.8 mi.
      		27 mpg33 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.356.4/435.6 mi.
      		26 mpg33 mpg29 mpg14.5 gal.377/478.5 mi.

      2018 Hyundai Tucson vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        		SourceCompare
        		176.2 in.72.8 in.64.8 in.6.4 in.105.1 in.
        		204.3 in.78.6 in.70.7 in.8 in.120.9 in.
        		201.2 in.75.8 in.70.9 in.8.1 in.119.8 in.
        		198.5 in.77.3 in.69.5 in.7 in.114.2 in.
        		198.3 in.78.3 in.70 in.8 in.117.3 in.
        		193.6 in.75.4 in.66 in.7.2 in.112.5 in.

        2018 Hyundai Tucson vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          		SourceCompare
          		31 cu.ft.102.2 cu.ft.61.9 cu.ft.
          		10.3 cu.ft.128.2 cu.ft.63.3 cu.ft.
          		30.9 cu.ft.103.6 cu.ft.59.6 cu.ft.
          		24.6 cu.ft.105.4 cu.ft.100.7 cu.ft.Jeep USA
          		20.6 cu.ft.153.7 cu.ft.96.8 cu.ft.
          		26.9 cu.ft.100.6 cu.ft.57.3 cu.ft.

          2018 Hyundai Tucson vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            		SourceCompare
            		60.3 cu.ft.31 cu.ft.61.9 cu.ft.-
            		83.1 cu.ft.34 cu.ft.68 cu.ft.-
            		48.4 cu.ft.18.8 cu.ft.48.4 cu.ft.74 ft.
            		23 cu.ft.18.7 cu.ft.48.4 cu.ft.-
            		55.3 cu.ft.20.8 cu.ft.55.3 cu.ft.-
            		4.8 cu.ft.12.4 cu.ft.44.5 cu.ft.-

            2018 Hyundai Tucson vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              		SourceCompare
              		1500 lbs.1261 lbs.3300 lbs.
              		9300 lbs.1233 lbs.3056 lbs.Jeep USA
              		8600 lbs.1031 lbs.2809 lbs.
              		6200 lbs.1180 lbs.4513 lbs.Jeep USA
              		6200 lbs.1330 lbs.4680 lbs.
              		6200 lbs.835 lbs.3300 lbs.

              2018 Hyundai Tucson SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              1

              Recalls

              1

              Investigations

              338

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              MPG Combined : 42 mpg

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              Horsepower : 164 hp @ 6200 rpm

              MPG Combined : 26 mpg

              0-60 : 11 sec

              #4

              2018 Hyundai Kona

              Horsepower : 147 hp @ 6200 rpm

              MPG Combined : 30 mpg

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              2018 Hyundai Elantra

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              MPG Combined : 29 mpg

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              2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

              Horsepower : 139 hp @ 5700 rpm

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              2018 Hyundai Tucson User Reviews

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              POPULAR TAGS

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              KK

              Kira Karantonis

              2019 Hyundai Tucson

              SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 4, 2024

              HYUNDAI TUCSON

              Pros - ["Good on gas", "Very Reliable"]

              Cons - ["CLOTH SEATS", "not leather seats"]

              2019 HYUNDAI TUCSON HAS BEEN GOOD FOR ME AND MY FAMILY ITS PLENTY OF ROOM TO HANDLE YOUR EVERYDAY NEEDS. WE HAVE A BIG FAMILY SO THIS HAS HELPED US SO MUCH! I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS VEHICLE. IT IS A FEW THINGS THAT MINE DIDNT HABE WHICH IS LOCK THE DOORS WITH THE PUSH TO START WHILE ITS RUNNING, ALSO OUR TRUNK BUTTON THE KEY NEVER DID WORK. ITS A FEW THINGS MINOR BUT NOTHING MAJOR. IF YO...

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review
              Read more »

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