Used Hyundai Tucson for sale: everything you need to know
On sale since 2020, the fourth-generation Hyundai Tucson has developed a strong reputation as a practical, dependable, and distinctive family SUV choice. With most cars in this class offering broadly the same qualities, the Tucson manages to stand out for its styling and modern cabin - plus a healthy five-year warranty that should give used buyers a boost in confidence.
Most Tucson engines have some degree of hybridisation so economy is one of the car’s strong points too, while Hyundai has always been generous with equipment. Below we’ve covered the Tucson in more detail, including its performance and economy, and what you can expect from each trim level.
Should you buy a Hyundai Tucson?
If you’re considering a Hyundai Tucson, it’s probably because you’ve spotted one out on the roads and admired its distinctive styling - that large front grille with its individual LED daytime running lights looks like nothing else on the road, and it’s no less unusual as you go around the side either, with sharp creases heading off in almost every direction.
Step inside and you’ll find a similar bold look. In fact, it’s arguably more eyecatching before the late 2023 facelift, with an unusual four-spoke steering wheel and a touchscreen centre console rotated slightly towards the driver - later models get a more conventional three-spoke wheel and a wide instrument and infotainment display that could be out of any modern car. All feel upmarket though, and quality and space are also well up to the standards of the class.
The styling might lead you to expect sporty handling, which never really materialises, but it’s still responsive and provided you steer clear of the larger wheel options, the ride is decent too. Most models are mild hybrid while there’s a full ‘self-charging’ hybrid and a plug-in model too - the regular hybrid being the pick for its mix of performance and economy.
The Tucson goes head-to-head in the market with its sister car, the Kia Sportage, as well as other mainstream offerings like the Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008, and SEAT Ateca. Depending on your budget, you might also consider something with a premium badge, such as an Audi Q3, BMW X1, or the sporty Alfa Romeo Tonale.
What’s the best used Hyundai Tucson model to buy?
If you can afford the extra cost over the regular petrol and mild hybrid variants, then the 230PS full hybrid Tucson would be our suggestion. It’s brisk off the mark but its ability to recuperate and then redeploy energy means impressive economy figures of more than 50mpg on paper - the kind of numbers you’d expect from a diesel, only without the higher cost of that fuel. As even the basic SE Connect is well equipped (and offered that hybrid drivetrain) we’d stick to that if you can find one and enjoy the cushiest ride.
Used Hyundai Tucson fuel economy and performance
- Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDI 150: The range starts with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder, with 150PS at its disposal. 0-62mph takes just over 10 seconds as a result, while official economy is 42.2mpg.
- Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDI 150 MHEV: Mild hybrid assistance leaves the power output unchanged, but acceleration improves a little and fuel economy also rises, to 43.5mpg.
- Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDI 180 4WD MHEV: Now offered in four-wheel drive form, the mild hybrid 1.6 gets a higher 180PS output, a nine-second 0-62mph time, and 39.8mpg combined economy.
- Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDI 230 Hybrid: There’s another power boost for the full hybrid model, for 230PS in total. Acceleration is getting quite swift by this point with 0-62mph in eight seconds flat, while economy is the best so far at 50.4mpg, depending on trim level.
- Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDI 265 Plug-in Hybrid: Adding a larger 13.8kWh battery and a plug to charge it gives you 38 miles of EV range, but also enough juice for a 265PS combined output, with all-wheel drive. 0-62mph takes 8.3 seconds on account of the extra weight, and combined economy (with help from the EV range) is 202mpg.
What used Hyundai Tucson trim levels are available?
- The Hyundai Tucson SE Connect gets dual-zone climate control, a rear-view camera, 17-inch alloy wheels and a 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen.
- The Hyundai Tucson N Line adds sportier styling plus 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, suede and leather upholstery, and wireless smartphone charging.
- The Hyundai Tucson N Line S gives you a heated steering wheel, Krell premium audio system, panoramic glass sunroof, and three-zone climate control.
- The Hyundai Tucson Premium features chrome bumper trims, front and rear parking sensors, interior ambient lighting, heated front seats and a Krell premium audio system.
- The Hyundai Tucson Ultimate comes with leather seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, a smart electric tailgate and Highway Drive Assist autonomous driving tech.
Used Hyundai Tucson dimensions and boot size
The Hyundai Tucson’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4,500mm
- Width: 1,865mm
- Height: 1,653mm
- Ground clearance: 172mm
The Hyundai Tucson’s boot space is:
- 620 litres (577 litres for hybrid versions)
- 1,799 litres with rear seats folded (1,756 litres for hybrids)
Used Hyundai Tucson road tax
Be careful what spec you go for with the Tucson. Some of the running cost benefits of the plug-in hybrid might be undone when it comes to taxing it, since with several trim lines costing more than £40,000 brand new, it attracts a tax surcharge mostly avoided by the rest of the range - and a £590 yearly bill as a result. The regular hybrid and less expensive plug-in models get a more reasonable £180 rate, while the rest of the range is £10 more expensive to tax each year.
How much is it to insure a Hyundai Tucson?
None of the Tucson models should be too expensive to insure for a car of this type. In fact, the group 12 rating for an SE Connect model with the 150PS T-GDI engine is more what you’d expect from a conventional family car like a Volkswagen Golf. Even the range-topping plug-in hybrid in Ultimate trim is only group 21, less than the more expensive Nissan Qashqai models.
