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2012 Hyundai Tucson
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2012 Hyundai Tucson Review
Scorecard
| Overall: | 8.0 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.5 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability: |
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The 2012 Hyundai Tucson doesn’t have the most powerful engine in the class, nor does it have the most cargo space, but it does offer shoppers a lot for their money without looking or feeling cheap.
Reviewers consider the Hyundai Tucson one of the best values in the class. A base price of slightly more than $19,000 equips the Tucson with basics like air conditioning, a stereo and USB port, but for a few thousand more, shoppers can add navigation, a sunroof, Bluetooth and leather seats.
No matter how many interior amenities shoppers add, they’ll be stuck with a few things. One is the Tucson’s performance. While reviewers don’t complain about the base 2.0-liter engine’s meager 165 horsepower, they don’t offer up high praises for it either. Test drivers prefer the 2.4-liter engine that comes with the two highest trims, but still say it’s designed for city driving, highway passing and not much else. These engines’ redeeming qualities is their gas mileage, which is some of the best in the class. The 2012 Tucson has less cargo space than rivals like the Honda CR-V and the Chevrolet Equinox, but in exchange for space for stuff, test drivers say there’s a lot of passenger room.
The Tucson can’t compete with the interior space and more powerful engines from its competitors, but Edmunds writes, “It makes amends with a handsome cabin, an ample list of features, sporty handling and a low price. It's a top pick for a small crossover."
Other SUVs to Consider
Although it offers a lot of features at an affordable price, there are areas where the 2012 Hyundai Tucson falls short. First, is cargo space. If you need more room for family vacations or golfing, check out the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V, which offer about 73 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. With these models, you’ll have more space for groceries and your children’s sports gear, but you’ll also pay about $1,000 more.
Reviewers don’t complain about the Tucson’s engine options, but none say it is fun to drive or powerful. Those are praises reserved for the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Mazda CX-7. To get an engine with more pep in its step, you’ll have to adjust your budget because both of these models have higher base prices and get worse gas mileage than the Tucson. Of the two, the CX-7 is cheaper, but the Tiguan has a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which most reviewers prefer over the CX-7’s.
Details: Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson was fully redesigned for the 2010 model year, so there are few significant changes to the 2012 model. The most notable updates are slightly better fuel economy ratings that Hyundai credits to its new Active ECO system, solar glass that reduces the need for air conditioning and increased fuel tank capacity.
The Tucson is available in three trims: GL, GLS and Limited.
- "After its redesign last year, the Tucson compact crossover continues to impress us. Notably, this isn't simply because of traditional Hyundai strengths like value, affordability and overall quality. These qualities still define the Tucson, yet the crossover SUV's sleek styling, abundant features and fun-to-drive nature are what set it apart from its competition." -- Edmunds
- "Tucson is a good value in the compact-SUV class. Its blend of maneuverability, comfortable interior accommodations, and level of standard features make it a competitive player in this segment." -- Consumer Guide
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