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2019 Hyundai Tucson parked in front of mountain view

Is There Any Reason to Buy the 2021 Hyundai Tucson?

Is the 2021 Hyundai Tucson worth buying? The 2020 model didn’t exactly blow drivers away, and now the 2022 Hyundai Tucson will have a significant refresh. But if you want your Hyundai Tucson now, are there any reasons to pull the trigger? Is the 2021 Hyundai Tucson a good SUV?  The 2021 Hyundai Tucson is …

Is the 2021 Hyundai Tucson worth buying? The 2020 model didn’t exactly blow drivers away, and now the 2022 Hyundai Tucson will have a significant refresh. But if you want your Hyundai Tucson now, are there any reasons to pull the trigger?

Is the 2021 Hyundai Tucson a good SUV? 

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson is a good SUV. Hyundai has some high-quality vehicles that hold up under challenging conditions. However, there might be better options available, and the 2022 Hyundai Tucson will be brand new. 

2019 Hyundai Tucson
2019 Hyundai Tucson | Hyundai

You can get started in the 2021 Hyundai Tucson for about $23,550, which is an OK price. The Hyundai Kona is a cheaper option that begins around $20,300. Also, the 2021 model isn’t great on gas. TheCarConnection was able to get up 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway while testing the Tucson. 

Positives with the 2021 Hyundai Tucson 

When the experts at Edmunds tested the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, they found a few positives to mention. One of their favorite aspects was the way the Tucson drives. It has a smooth ride that’s relaxing during longer trips. The suspension smooths out bumps, and the cabin is relatively quiet. 

The 2021 Tucson also has an abundance of passenger space. Taller family members and friends will have enough room in the back. Plus, the infotainment center is easy to use with clearly marked buttons. 

Another positive worth mentioning is the number of features included with the price. The Hyundai Tucson SE, which is the base model, comes with a rearview monitor, driver attention warning, lane-keeping assistance, and forward collision avoidance. 

2021 Hyundai Tucson drawbacks 

Edmunds also had a few negatives to point out with the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. For example, it has a lackluster engine. The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder option with 161 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 2.40liter four-cylinder engine, but that only gets you up to 181 hp. It was noted for feeling sluggish. 

2019 Hyundai Tucson parked in front of mountain view
2019 Hyundai Tucson | Tucson

While the Hyundai Tucson can tow up to 2,000 lb, which is more than competitors, it’s weak engine will provide a slow ride while doing so. It also has less cargo space than rivals with only 31 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Honda CR-V has up to 39.2 cubic feet. 

Edmunds mentioned that the tech was easy to use, but it also feels dated. As a part of the third-generation Hyundai Tucson introduced in 2016, the graphics and infotainment center are now noticeably older. 

Overall, the Hyundai Tucson doesn’t seem to have much value. Paying to add all-wheel-drive will bring the fuel economy down even further. You should also consider paying to upgrade to the more powerful engine. 

A gray 2022 Hyundai Tucson
2022 Hyundai Tucson | Hyundai

Unless you want a compact SUV that’s great for a relaxing daily commute, pass on the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The 2022 Hyundai Tucson will have its debut on November 9th to go on sale in 2021 with a new look, three new powertrain options, revamped technology options, and more.

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