Pros and Cons of Buying the 2023 Hyundai Tucson
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson belongs to one of the most competitive segments in the North American market: compact crossovers. This being the case, the Tucson is going to be on a lot of people’s shopping lists. To help consumers make an informed decision in their search for a new vehicle, let’s look at the pros and cons of the 2023 Tucson and find out whether it’s worth buying.
The basics of the 2023 Hyundai Tucson
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson represents the second year of the model’s fourth generation. Hyundai offers three configurations for the Tucson when it comes to powertrain. The base setup is a 2.5L smart stream that makes 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque hitched to an eight-speed automatic transmission, reports TrueCar. If a hybrid isn’t your cup of tea, this base engine can be optioned with FWD or AWD, depending on your needs and local climate. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are powered by a 1.6L turbocharged engine and mated to a six-speed automatic. The choice of transmission is quite refreshing, given most manufacturers have opted to utilize CVT transmissions in their hybrid models. In the regular hybrid, the 1.6L engine combined with the hybrid component ups the power to 226 hp and 258 lb-ft. The plug-in model ups the power to 258 hp, and the 13.8 kWh battery allows for 33 miles of pure electric range.
If tech is a priority, fear not—Hyundai has you covered. An 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard on all trims, but a 10.3-inch touchscreen is an option if you find the smaller screen is too small. Smartphone connectivity as standard on all trims is an excellent inclusion when considering the Ford entry into the compact crossover segment, as the Escape offers a base trim without this feature. Hyundai even has a digital key smartphone app that allows you to lock, unlock, and even start the car remotely, reports Car and Driver.
To help break things down even further, TrueCar put together a list of pros and cons for the 2023 Hyundai Tucson.
The pros of the 2023 Tucson
1. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models get excellent fuel economy
A hybrid model is an excellent choice if you need a reasonably sized family SUV AND good fuel economy. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is rated at 38 city mpg and 38 highway mpg. It is worth noting that this is in its Blue trim. In other trims, the fuel economy drops to 37 city mpg and 36 highway mpg. In the PHEV model, the Tucson gets a reported 80 mpg-equivalent in hybrid mode and 35 mpg in gas mode, reports U.S. News.
2. Excellent standard features
The 2023 Tucson sports a ton of great features as standard, including smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, Bluetooth, an 8.8-inch touchscreen, gauge cluster screen, proximity keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a push-button start.
3. Unique styling
While the distinctive styling of the fourth-generation Hyundai Tucson may not be for everyone, it definitely stands out. In a sea of nearly identical crossovers, a strong sense of individuality is much appreciated.
The cons of the 2023 Tucson
1. Lackluster base engine
The base 2.5L four-cylinder is a bit underwhelming. While this is true of most vehicles in the Hyundai Tucson’s class, this engine is particularly anemic. A 187-hp rating might get the job done, but you end up with fewer horses than the competition.
2. Most features are controlled through the touchscreen
A complaint levied at many modern vehicles is the overreliance on the center infotainment screen for control of the car’s basic functions. Climate control controlled via a touch-sensitive panel might be cool in concept, but it can be challenging to operate without taking your eyes off the road. Though this may not be Mk8 Volkswagen GTI level, many would prefer more hard buttons and knobs.
