Great Car for the Money
This is my sixth Hyundai, so it's fair to say I've developed a certain level of brand loyalty. After spending time with my Tucson SEL Premium, I can confidently say Hyundai continues to deliver an impressive combination of value, technology, and overall refinement.
I chose the SEL Premium trim because it struck what I felt was the sweet spot in the lineup. The interior is exceptionally well-appointed for its price point, and Hyundai's extensive suite of safety and driver-assistance features inspires confidence whether navigating city traffic or logging miles on the highway. The Tucson feels thoroughly modern, with technology and amenities that would have been considered luxury-car territory not long ago.
That said, there are moments when I wonder whether I should have stretched for the top trim level. The available 360-degree camera system and head-up display would have been welcome additions. Modern vehicles present so much information to the driver that having key data projected directly into my line of sight would be more convenient than glancing down at the instrument cluster. Then again, every time I remember the upgrade would have cost roughly an additional $10,000, my wallet quickly reminds me that I made the sensible choice.
On the road, the Tucson delivers a smooth, composed ride and a comfortable driving experience. Handling is predictable and confidence-inspiring. Acceleration, however, can best be described as "deliberative." It won't pin you to your seat, but that's perfectly acceptable for my needs. I bought a compact SUV, not a track-day special. If I wanted to challenge sports cars at stoplights, I'd have purchased something with a very different mission statement.
My biggest disappointment is the vehicle's lack of practical storage space. Hyundai seems to have devoted significant engineering effort to packing the Tucson with technology but may have forgotten that owners occasionally need a place to store everyday items. The absence of an overhead sunglasses holder is surprising, especially since my 2016 Santa Fe Sport had one. There is only a single seatback pocket behind the passenger seat, none behind the driver's seat, and while the front door pockets are useful, the rear doors offer no storage at all.
The cargo area's underfloor storage is also limited because the spare tire is housed inside the vehicle rather than underneath it as it was in my Santa Fe. For those of us in the Northeast, snow brushes and ice scrapers are as essential as fuel in the winter months, and finding a convenient place to store them can be a challenge. I'd also like to carry an air compressor, emergency supplies, and other roadside essentials, but space is at a premium.
Overall, the Tucson remains an excellent vehicle and continues Hyundai's tradition of delivering strong value, comfort, safety, and technology. While I'd welcome a bit more power and considerably more storage flexibility, those shortcomings aren't enough to overshadow its many strengths. It's a well-rounded SUV that excels at what most owners actually do every day, even if it occasionally reminds you that cargo space is now being sacrificed at the altar of modern packaging and technology.
What I like: Excellent safety features, premium-feeling interior, smooth ride, outstanding value.
What I wish Hyundai had improved: More storage compartments, additional cargo-area flexibility, and a few of the premium features reserved for the highest trim level.
In short, the Tucson may not be the quickest SUV on the road, but it reliably gets me where I'm going in comfort. And honestly, at this stage of my life, arriving relaxed is more important than arriving first.
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