The 2021 Hyundai Tucson is often passed up for other options such as the Toyota RAV4 or Nissan Rogue, but does it deserve to be? The Hyundai Tucson is a pretty good SUV, but it does have a few drawbacks to consider. 

Is the 2021 Hyundai Tucson a good SUV? 

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson is a pretty good option. Edmunds gave it a score of 8 out of 10, so it’s by all means not a bad option to buy. They also ranked it as #4 on their list of the best small SUVs. It’s ranked above the Subaru Forester, which is in 5th place. The Chevy Equinox is in last place, and the Honda CR-V came in 1st. 

You can get started in the Hyundai Tucson for about $23,700, making it an economical choice. However, other lower-priced options like the Kia Seltos come with all-wheel drive. Also, upon reviewing the Tucson, Edmunds listed a few potential drawbacks as well as positive features. 

1. The 2021 Hyundai Tucson is slow 

One of the most significant issues Edmunds discovered with the 2021 Hyundai Tucson is that it has a weak base engine. It comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 164 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. 

They mention that SUVs aren’t really known for having an exciting acceleration, but the Tucson manages to be noticeably sluggish. This could make it more difficult to pull out in traffic or to pass people on the highway. It takes it about 8.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. 

You can upgrade to the 2.4-liter engine for 181 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. That should help increase its performance. Also, the Hyundai Tucson can only tow up to 2,000 lb while rivals like the Toyota RAV4 can tow up to 3,500 lb. 

2. The 2021 Hyundai Tucson lacks cargo space 

For a small SUV, the Hyundai Tucson is exactly that. It has less cargo space than the rivals it tries to keep up with. There are 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and up to 61.9 cubic feet total. 

The Honda CR-V has 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 75.8 cubic feet total. However, the Tucson has an excellent liftover height, and the seats are easy to fold, making loading your cargo pretty convenient. Plus, there is plenty of room in the cabin to store smaller items. 

3. The 2021 Hyundai Tucson isn’t very fuel-efficient 

Edmunds also noted that the 2021 Hyundai Tucson has a lower fuel economy than rivals. It gets an estimated 23 mpg in the city and up to 28 mpg on the highway. The Honda CR-V gets an estimated 28 mpg in the city and up to 34 mpg on the highway. 

Perhaps the 2022 Hyundai Tucson will be better on fuel. It could have a hybrid version in the works since most SUVs are heading in that direction. If you get the optional all-wheel drive with your Tucson, the fuel economy will be even worse. 

Positives about the 2021 Hyundai Tucson include its smooth ride and a quiet cabin. The interior is supportive and comfortable. Long drives in this SUV can be relaxing, making it a good option for a daily commuter. The tech is easy to use, however, the graphics seem a bit dated.