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2018 Hyundai Tucson review

Research, photos, specs and expertise
7 photos

Hyundai Tucson highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Stylish inside and out
  • Compact enough to park, spacious enough to be useful

Cons

  • Some interior plastics look and feel a bit basic
  • Base 2.0-liter engine limits horsepower

Mileage (EPA estimate)

21 city, 25 highway, 22 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

More trim choices for 2018 Hyundai Tucson buyers

Hyundai's 2018 Tucson lineup has been revised with new trim levels, and a new engine joins the lineup for even more choice. Trim levels are now SE, SEL, Sport, SEL Plus, Value, and Limited. The SE and the new SEL and SEL Plus trim levels are all powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 164 hp. The Sport is the sole recipient of a new 181 hp 2.4-liter engine. And the Value and Limited come with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that, thanks to a turbocharger, produces 175 hp. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims, and all-wheel drive is offered as an option.

Each trim level offers decent standard equipment, but the Value does exactly what you'd expect of it, mating arguably the best engine choice—both for performance and EPA-estimated fuel economy—with a useful mix of standard equipment. All models feature a well-laid-out cabin. Cheap-looking plastics hint at cost-cutting, but the fit feels good throughout. The Tucson trails some rivals in outright practicality, but if you can get by with less trunk space, it is a compelling choice for a compact SUV.

All Hyundai Tucson years

What is new for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson?

  • The Tucson is available in a variety of new trims, including the SEL and SEL Plus.
  • The ECO, Night, and SE Plus trims have been discontinued for 2018.
  • Tucson trims have been upgraded with Heated Steering Wheel as standard equipment this year.
  • The Sport trim now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment.
  • The Value trim now comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment.

2018 Hyundai Tucson trims

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

SE

  • Includes height-adjustable driver's seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, automatic headlights, blind-spot mirror, privacy glass, a rearview camera, and more.

  • View all Hyundai Tucson SEs in stock

SEL

  • Adds a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, satellite radio, LED running lights, foglights, roof rails, and more.

  • View all Hyundai Tucson SELs in stock

Sport

  • Adds 19-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry and ignition, rear air vents, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and more.

  • View all Hyundai Tucson Sports in stock

SEL Plus

Value

Limited

Hyundai Tucson photos

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Hyundai Tucson

1. Small outside, large inside

2018 Hyundai Tucson: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #1 | CarMax

The 2018 Hyundai Tucson comes in a compact size (176.2 inches long by 72.8 inches wide), making it easy to park and maneuver on urban journeys. The Tucson also has an impressive 31 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, and 61.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. That means more room for luggage on your next family outing or for trips to the home improvement store.

2. Powerful engine options

2018 Hyundai Tucson: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #2 | CarMax

The 2018 Hyundai Tucson offers three engine options to get you where you want to go, including a powerful 2.4L four-cylinder GDI engine with 181 hp (Sport trim only). Look for FWD models with the standard 164-hp 2.0L inline four-cylinder engine for an EPA-estimated 23/30 mpg city/highway.

If you choose the more powerful 1.6L turbocharged engine, you'll get a bump to 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA-estimated 25/30 mpg city/highway (with FWD).

3. Hyundai blue link® connectivity

2018 Hyundai Tucson: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #3 | CarMax

Standard on the SEL Plus and higher trim levels is Hyundai's Bluelink® suite of connected features. In addition to a host of connected diagnostic and roadside assistance features, Bluelink® also allows you to remotely start, lock, and unlock your Tucson, as well as find it in a crowded parking lot. Connectivity definitely has its perks.

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4. Six impressive trims

2018 Hyundai Tucson: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #4 | CarMax

The 2018 Hyundai Tucson comes in six different trims, from the base LE to the luxurious Limited. The base LE trim has lots of standard features, including a five-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear privacy glass, and automatic headlights. If you step up to the top-of-the-line Limited trim, prepare to be impressed—it comes with leather upholstery, an eight-inch touchscreen, LED headlights and taillights, and more.

5. Old meets new tech

2018 Hyundai Tucson: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #5 | CarMax

Looking for a car with intuitive tech? The 2018 Hyundai Tucson offers a great mix of the latest touchscreen technology, plus a bunch of physical buttons for the utmost convenience. No matter what your preference—old school or new school—the 2018 Tucson has you covered.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2018 Hyundai Tucson, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a go-anywhere compact crossover with room for your whole crew. The 2017-2018 Forester has a standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine producing 170 hp or an available 250-hp 2.0L turbo-four. Starting in 2019, the Forester bumped base horsepower to 182 for the standard 2.5L but dropped the more powerful engine option. For 2017-2018, the Subaru Forester has 31.5 cubic feet of room behind the back seat, which increases to 33 cubic feet for 2019 and newer models.

Standard features on 2017-2021 Subaru Forester models include:

  • 6.2-inch touchscreen (6.5-inch for 2019+)

  • Height-adjustable driver's seat

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration (2019+)

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2018 Hyundai Tucson is a compact crossover that has a smooth drive and a quiet cabin. It has just the right amount of space for storing large items and is not too big for a couple. It has plenty of technology features at the basic level. The Tucson is great on gas and easy to drive.
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

Value 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.6L

Horsepower

175

Torque (ft-lbs)

195

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

16.4

Wheelbase

105.1"

Overall length

176.2"

Width

72.8"

Height

64.8"

Leg room

F 41.5"/R 38.2"

Head room

F 39.6"/R 39.2"

Front tires

P245/45HR19

Rear tires

P245/45HR19

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

100/1000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Hyundai Tucson FAQ

More about the 2018 Hyundai Tucson

2018 Hyundai Tucson: Reviews, Photos, and More: Color Options | CarMax

Exterior colors:

  • Aqua Blue

  • Black Noir Pearl

  • Caribbean Blue

  • Coliseum Gray

  • Dazzling White

  • Dusk Blue

  • Gemstone Red

  • Molten Silver

  • Ruby Wine

  • Sedona Sunset

Interior colors:

  • Beige

  • Black

  • Gray (SE, SEL, Sport, and Value)

Interior details

The 2018 Hyundai Tucson features standard stain-resistant cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver's seat, and a 60/40 split-folding back seat. Leather upholstery and power seats are available on SEL Plus and Limited trims. The Tucson has a maximum interior volume of 133.2 cubic feet, and rear passengers get a generous 38.2 inches of legroom. The 2018 Tucson has 31 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place; with the seats folded down, capacity increases to 61.9 cubic feet.

Child seat details

The 2018 Hyundai Tucson has three child seat tether anchors and can fit three child seats in total. There are lower anchors on the driver and passenger side, but no lower anchors for the middle seat. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates LATCH ease of use as acceptable for models with cloth seating (the second of four possible ratings), and marginal for models with leather seating (the third of four possible ratings).

Performance

Both the standard 164-hp 2.0L engine and the available 181-hp 2.4L engine are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional turbocharged 1.6L 175-hp engine gets a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 1.6L engine will propel the Tucson from zero to 60 mph in just under eight seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims, and all-wheel drive is optional. The 2018 Tucson starts at an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined.

Emissions

According to EPA estimates, the 2018 Hyundai Tucson's tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions range from 334 to 396 grams per mile, depending on the engine and drivetrain:

  • 1.6L engine (FWD) - 334 grams per mile

  • 1.6L engine (AWD) - 355 grams per mile

  • 2.0L engine (FWD) - 342 grams per mile

  • 2.0L engine (AWD) - 388 grams per mile

  • 2.4L engine (FWD) - 375 grams per mile

  • 2.4L engine (AWD) - 396 grams per mile

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