The best-selling Hyundai model of 2023 is no surprise. The 2023 Tucson is still one of the top compact SUVs on the market. And it’s only getting more popular compared to the rest of Hyundai’s lineup this year, with a 16% increase in sales compared to the 2022 model, at 46,170 units sold.

The entry-level 2023 Elantra is also seein big gains lately, with 32,473 sales so far for the affordable compact car. And the South Korean automaker’s most similar option to the Tucson, the 2023 Santa Fe moved 28,526 cars. That’s nothing to sneeze at, but the Tucson continues to be the most popular option among the line. Here are five reasons why so many people prefer the 2023 Tucson.

1. Provides plenty of value for the money

The Tucson continues to be a hot pick because of its reputation as being one of the best bang-for-your-buck options in the compact SUV space, Hyundai News reports. At a starting MSRP of $26,700 for the XRT trim, this crossover doesn’t skimp on features. At a baseline, it still includes a touchscreen with full Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.

All trims now enjoy adaptive cruise control. The panoramic sunroof is available in the N Line trim, not just the limited edition. Also, the SEL Convenience and XRT trims both gain luxurious leatherette interiors for their 2023 iterations. Compared to similar crossovers like the Toyota RAV4, every dollar goes a long way on a Tucson.

2. The 2023 Hyundai Tucson has modern styling

The styling that comes standard in any 2023 Tucson—interior and exterior—is on a level usually associated with more expensive SUVs. Even the XRT comes with a sleek black interior that could easily be confused with luxury styling at a glance.

According to Hyundai USA, the Tucson line is geared toward sleek designs at an affordable price. They aren’t using their more affordable SUVs as dull models meant to upsell due to unimpressive aesthetics.

3. Ride and handling are well-balanced

The 2023 Tucson outperforms its bracket in terms of ride and handling. The gas engine models start at 26 MPG in the city, 33 MPG for highway driving. All-wheel drive is available from the XRT trim on up.

The 2.5-liter engine gets the job done, with only a minor downgrade in power delivery compared to more expensive SUVs in this category like the 2023 RAV4. The Hybrid models have stronger power delivery and torque, putting them on par with similarly-priced—and some luxury-priced—competition.

4. Comfortable, luxurious interior with easy-to-use tech

The aforementioned cloth and leatherette interior options are both of exceedingly high quality in looks and functionality. And all models come with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. 

The eight-inch touchscreen that comes standard is easy to use, providing clear information on a smaller screen. Meanwhile, the 10-inch screen included in higher-end trims like the N Line has more features, including Bose premium audio options. Most importantly, it’s responsive, helping drivers stay safer by keeping their eyes on the road as much as possible.

5. Generous cargo space for a compact SUV

The key to a great crossover is having a deceptive amount of interior space available in a seemingly compact package. The more an SUV resembles a sedan, the less compelling it is to the average buyer. The Tucson pulls off this trick handily, with 38.7 cubic feet of rear cargo space available out of 80.3 cubic feet total.

Compared to the sportier 2023 Santa Cruz, which has 27 cubic feet of rear storage space due to it’s truck-esque bed design, the Tucson stands out. That is, as long as you’re willing to put the back seats down.

While the Santa Cruz is the best option for adventurous types, the daily grind of transporting people, groceries, and more has the Tucson edging out the rest of the Hyundai lineup.