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2015 Hyundai Tucson review

Research, photos, specs and expertise

Hyundai Tucson highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Suspension makes for an enjoyable drive
  • Among the most feature-rich compact SUVs for the price

Cons

  • Lacks the interior space of most rivals
  • Entry-level engine lacks get-up-and-go

Mileage (EPA estimate)

20 city, 25 highway, 22 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year
Mileage

The 2015 Hyundai Tucson is an easy-to-drive compact SUV

That the Tucson remains such a compelling buy, even so late in its model cycle, is testament to Hyundai’s focus on creating a fine-driving, value-packed compact SUV. And compact it is, as many rivals do offer more space—both for passengers and in the trunk. But if you don’t need that, the Tucson is a good choice, as well as a cinch to park. The Hyundai brand's pillar of value is difficult to ignore as the base GLS model comes with everything you could reasonably want as standard. The SE trim level above it borders on luxurious, and the top-of-the-line Limited comes fully loaded with equipment. Add a long warranty into the mix and the Tucson is difficult to ignore, even in its twilight years.

Two engines are offered. The base 2.0-liter can be sluggish; for more power, you'll need the 2.4-liter in the SE and Limited. Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic—front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is an option—and get reasonable EPA fuel economy estimates. If Hyundai can add some space to the new Tucson coming for 2016, this impressive package will get even better.

All Hyundai Tucson years

What is new for the 2015 Hyundai Tucson?

  • Running Boards features are now available as options on select trims.

2015 Hyundai Tucson trims

Curious how Hyundai Tucson trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

GLS

  • Includes tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, USB auxiliary input jacks, rear-seat recline function, electronic stability control, traction control system, rear privacy glass, and more.

  • View all Hyundai Tucson GLS in stock

SE

  • Adds heated front seats, power driver's seat with lumbar support, floor console-mounted rear air vents, illuminated vanity mirrors and glove compartment, roof side rails, and more.

  • View all Hyundai Tucson SEs in stock

Limited

  • Unlocks proximity key entry with push-button start, dual automatic temperature control with ionizer, leather upholstery, Hyundai Bluelink® telematics system, retractable rear cargo cover, and more.

  • View all Hyundai Tucson Limiteds in stock

5 reasons to buy the 2015 Hyundai Tucson

1. Great on hills and mountains

2015 Hyundai Tucson: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #1 | CarMax

The 2015 Hyundai Tucson ensures there are no limits to the roads you can take. Want to head to the mountains? Features like downhill brake control help maintain a steady speed while you circle down mountain passes. On top of that, hill-start assist minimizes backward roll when you release the brake on an uphill slope—handy for city inclines as well as country roads. Heading out of your comfort zone with an SUV that's got you covered is a great feeling.

2. Two available packages

2015 Hyundai Tucson: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #2 | CarMax

Not only is the 2015 Tucson well equipped across its three trims, but it also offers two great packages. The base GLS trim has an available Popular Equipment Package that adds a 4.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with rearview camera, automatic headlights, and upgraded seating. The range-topping Limited trim's available Tech Package adds a larger touchscreen, premium audio, and panoramic sunroof. These packages offer significant upgrades that make everyday differences.

3. Bluetooth® capability

2015 Hyundai Tucson: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #3 | CarMax

Because staying connected matters more than ever, the 2015 Tucson's Bluetooth voice command keeps you in control of your life so you can stay focused on the road. Its wireless audio streaming means your loved ones can also access their favorite playlists. Is the music too loud? No problem. Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls keep you in charge of the volume.

4. Comfortable passenger seating

2015 Hyundai Tucson: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #4 | CarMax

The best SUVs deliver passenger comfort as a priority, and the 2015 Tucson does just that. Rear privacy glass is standard—a welcome essential for your youngest passengers on long trips. Your second-row passengers also benefit from two-stage reclining rear seats, while the available front heated seats and standard illuminated cup holders will keep you comfortable on your daily commute.

5. City-friendly features

2015 Hyundai Tucson: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #5 | CarMax

The 2015 Tucson has highly responsive handling more akin to a hatchback, thanks to its rear multi-link suspension. Heading into the city? Take the Tucson—its turning radius of just 34.7 ft means parking maneuvers are a cinch, while 25.7 cubic feet of cargo space will take care of your shopping bags.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2015 Hyundai Tucson, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of BMW X1

The BMW X1 is a compact SUV with upscale features, smart storage solutions, and passenger comforts. The 2016-2019 X1 has a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine that delivers 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This standard powertrain is paired to front- or all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2016-2019 X1 is a capable crossover with plenty of sporty excitement.

Standard features of the 2016-2019 BMW X1 include:

  • Power liftgate

  • 18-inch wheels

  • 6.5-inch infotainment screen

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Hyundai Tucson an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Hyundai Tucson 10th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson features and specs

GLS 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Rear View Camera
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

164

Torque (ft-lbs)

151

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

15.3

Wheelbase

103.9"

Overall length

173.2"

Width

71.7"

Height

65.2"

Leg room

F 41.2"/R 38.7"

Head room

F 39.4"/R 39.1"

Front tires

P225/60HR17

Rear tires

P225/60HR17

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

100/1000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2015 Hyundai Tucson FAQ

More about the 2015 Hyundai Tucson

2015 Hyundai Tucson: Reviews, Photos, and More: Color Options | CarMax

Exterior colors:

  • Ash Black

  • Diamond Silver

  • Garnet Red

  • Graphite Gray

  • Kona Bronze

  • Laguna Blue

  • Shadow Gray

  • Winter White

Interior colors:

  • Beige

  • Black

  • Brown

Interior details

The 2015 Tucson is a crossover SUV that's superbly detailed for everyday use. Seating up to five passengers, standard cloth upholstery makes way for simulated or natural leather upholstery as you move up the three trim levels. Standard features such as rear privacy glass, four cup holders, air conditioning, and reclining rear seats will set you up nicely for longer road trips. Happy passengers make your driving duties more enjoyable, so choose the SE trim or above for extras that make a difference, like heated front seats and automatic climate control.

Child seat details

The 2015 Hyundai Tucson has two full sets of LATCH restraints (upper tether and lower anchors) in the second-row outboard seats. The middle seat also has an upper tether restraint. Lower anchors have visible indicators that can help line up your seat for installation. Two child seats can be installed in the 2015 model, accommodating booster, infant, and convertible (front/rear) seats comfortably, with little to no impact on front seat legroom.

Performance

The 2015 Tucson has two engine options: the GLS base trim has a 164-hp 2.0L four-cylinder engine, while the upper trims (SE and Limited) drive on a 184-hp 2.4L four-cylinder engine. Both engines pair with a six-speed automatic transmission. Two-wheel drive is standard on all three trims, and all-wheel drive is available.

The 2015 base trim Tucson GLS can achieve a zero-to-60-mph time of 8.1 seconds, with the upper trims marginally faster, at 7.9 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). Fuel economy figures are pretty even across the trims—the Tucson GLS with standard 2WD and the 2.0L engine gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined.

Emissions

According to EPA estimates, the 2015 Hyundai Tucson has the following tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions:

  • 2WD and 2.0L engine — 351 grams per mile

  • 2WD and 2.4L engine — 376 grams per mile

  • AWD and 2.0L engine — 395 grams per mile

  • AWD and 2.4L engine — 402 grams per mile

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