2018 Hyundai Tucson review
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
From $16,998*
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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
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Hyundai Tucson generation from 2012 to 2026
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 similaritiesSE
Includes height-adjustable driver's seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, automatic headlights, blind-spot mirror, privacy glass, a rearview camera, and more.
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.
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.
SEL Plus
Adds leather upholstery with power-adjustable passenger seat, integrated navigation, eight-speaker Infinity sound system, Blue Link connected services, and more.
Value
Includes cloth upholstery, 19-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, hands-free liftgate, seven-inch touchscreen, and more.
Limited
Unlocks leather upholstery, eight-inch touchscreen, LED headlights and taillights, and trim-specific chrome exterior trim.
Hyundai Tucson photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Hyundai Tucson
1. Small outside, large inside
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
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
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.
,4. Six impressive trims
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
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.
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+)
The Toyota RAV4 offers lots of comfort and convenience, as well as a host of standard features. For 2017-2018, you'll get a standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 176 hp. For the 2019 model year, the RAV4 received refreshed styling and an upgraded 203-hp 2.5L engine as standard. With 37.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, you can bring a full load of passengers and their stuff. When you fold all the seats, you'll get 69.8 cubic feet of space.
Standard features on 2017-2019 Toyota RAV4 models include:
3.5-inch touchscreen (6.1 inches for 2018; 7 inches for 2019)
Rearview camera
Apple CarPlay (2019+) and Android Auto connectivity (2020+)
The fourth-generation Kia Sportage (2017-2021) crossover checks all your boxes with its great mix of standard features and options. The 2017-2021 Sportage comes with a standard 181-horsepower 2.4L four-cylinder engine, while the trim-topping SX Turbo model has a turbocharged 2.0L making an impressive 240 hp.
Standard features on 2017-2021 Kia Sportage models include:
Five-inch touchscreen (eight inches for 2020+)
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration (2020+)
Rear climate vents
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4 out of 5
16 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 8 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 4 |
| 3 Stars | 2 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 2 |
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 TucsonHyundai Tucson features and specs
Curious how Hyundai Tucson trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Limited 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
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Mirrors
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Infinity Sound System
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- 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
- A/C Seat(s)
- Full Roof Rack
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Rear Seat Heaters
- 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
The Sport, SEL Plus, Value, and Limited trims of the 2018 Hyundai Tucson have rear air vents. The SE and SEL trims do not.
Yes, there are two rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware on the 2018 Hyundai Tucson.
The 2018 Hyundai Tucson is available in six trims: SE, SEL, Sport, SEL Plus, Value, and Limited.
Yes, all trims of the 2018 Hyundai Tucson have a rearview camera.
More about the 2018 Hyundai Tucson
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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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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