2017 Hyundai Tucson

The 2017 Hyundai Tucson, a five-passenger compact crossover SUV is available in six trim levels: SE, SE Plus, Eco, Sport, Night Package, and Limited. The base variant of the 2017 Hyundai Tucson SUV SE starts at $22,700 for the MSRP (FWD) and $24,100 for the MSRP (AWD). The car is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options.

The entry-level Tucson SE trim includes basic standard features like a 5-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, and cloth upholstery. The Eco trim is similarly packaged but it replaces the base 2.-liter engine with a turbo-four variant for a better fuel economy.

The popular choice is the Sport trim which adds standard safety features like lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert along with bigger 19-inch wheels, a hands-free power liftgate, and upgraded interior trim. The new Night trim adds exclusive visual accents to the Sport trim. It also includes a panoramic sunroof, aluminum sport pedals, and a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Those who want LED setup with navigation and smartphone integration should look at top-ranking SE Plus and Limited trims. The SE Plus and Limited mostly differ in the engine they offer, otherwise both pack the most luxurious features in Tucson. 

Optional packages with the 2017 Tucson includes a Popular package which adds a power driver seat, LED headlight accents, and daytime running lights on the base model.

The Limited trim is exclusively available with an Ultimate package that includes adaptive xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof, an upgraded gauge cluster display, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, lane departure warning, and a forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking.

We Recommend:

We recommend the most popular the 2017 Tucson Sport model. It not only comes with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it adds standard active safety features including lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.

"The smaller turbocharged engine is peppy, smooth and respectably fuel-efficient. You might notice some rough upshifts from its transmission or even some hesitation when moving from a stop, though."-Edmunds

2017 Tucson Engine & Transmission

The 2017 Hyundai Tucson is available with two four-cylinder engine options. The base Tucson has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 164 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Tucson trim levels including Eco, Sport, Night and Limited get a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All Tucson trims can be had with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). 

Both these four-cylinder engines are powerful, but the turbo lag is evident under hard acceleration. 

2017 Tucson Acceleration

With the turbocharged engine, the FWD Tucson Limited sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. The 2017b Tucson can tow up to 1500 pounds when properly equipped.

By comparison, the Tucson offers a quick acceleration time but with the base engine, it delivers average off-the-line performance. The VW Tiguan and Honda CRV's base engine does the same run in 8.3 seconds and 8.6 seconds respectively. The 2017 Tiguan also offers a maximum towing capacity of 2200 pounds, which is above-average in the class.

2017 Tucson Ride and Handling

Surprisingly, the 2017 Tucson delivers a mixture of sporty handling and a soft suspension and it works out pretty well. Though we recommend going for the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine as it is peppy and offers adequate fuel economy numbers, it feels less refined than the base engine.

Handling the big Tucson SUV is easy with the right steering calibration. Around the corners, it will be fun to drive without being floaty. The road imperfections are dealt with comfortably but the Sport trim with a stiff configuration might ride a bit firmly. The base SE and Eco trim ride on top of 17-inch wheels thus offer a much-composed ride than the 19-inch wheels on Sport, Night, and Limited. However, they aren't bad either. 

2017 Tucson Braking

The 2017 Hyundai Tucson comes with antilock disc brakes, and stability and traction control. In the emergency braking test, an FWD Tucson stopped from 60 mph in 121 feet, an average stopping distance for a compact crossover SUV.

Among the rivals, the curb weight of Tucson is average for this class, while the CX-5 and Tiguan are on the heavier side. The 2017 CX-5 thus stops in 126 feet. The Honda CRV lead the pack in braking performance, stopping from a speed of 60 mph in just 117 feet. 

Both Tucson's engines deliver above-average fuel economy for the compact SUV class. The SE and SE Plus with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine get an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with FWD and 21 city/26 highway with AWD. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the Eco trim gets 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway with FWD and 27 mpg combined (25 city/30 highway) with AWD.

The same turbocharged engine on the Sport and Limited drops the estimates to 27 mpg combined (25 city/30 highway) with FWD and 25 mpg combined (24 city/28 highway) with AWD. This is mostly because of the bigger wheels and tires they wear. 

The Honda CRV tops the table with excellent EPA estimates at 28 mpg combined, followed by the Mazda CX-5's 27 mpg combined. The competition is close-knit and it comes down to other preferences in the drive.

"Open the door to the Tucson’s cabin—especially the upscale SEL Plus and Limited trims—and you may be surprised that the logo on the steering wheel isn’t that of an Audi or a BMW."-CarandDriver

2017 Tucson Seating and Comfort

On the inside, the 2017 Tucson offers comfortable seating for up to five passengers across two rows. The interior design looks attractive, adhering to modern standards. The highly functional dashboard is designed ergonomically with all controls within easy access of the driver. In terms of interior space, both rows have plenty of room with standard reclining rear seats.

Materials quality isn't too overwhelming as the base model is equipped with stain-resistant cloth upholstery with a lot of hard plastics in the cabin. On the higher trims, however, the story changes. The Limited trim level adds padded dashboard and door inserts with accents while features like an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a six-way power-adjustable passenger seat, heated front, and rear seats, and leather upholstery are available on most trims.

For 2017, Hyundai has updated the Sport's interior. Regardless of trim level, all Tucsons feel well assembled. Thoughtfully laid out the cabin of the Tucson puts in among the high-ranking compact SUVs. However, most of Hyundai's rivals are equally well-equipped and more spacious.

2017 Tucson Infotainment System

For entertainment, Hyundai packs the base Tucson with a standard 5-inch display, while an 8-inch touchscreen is available on the Limited and SE Plus trims. Both the systems are intuitive and easy to use, all thanks to clear graphics, well-laid-out controls, and a responsive display. The standard features also include a six-speaker sound system, a USB port, and Bluetooth. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, an Infinity premium audio system, HD Radio, and navigation are available in pricier trim levels.

2017 Tucson Cargo Capacity

The Tucson offers 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear row which expands to 61.9 cubes with those seats folded down. This is less than some other top crossovers SUVs such as the 2017 CR-V's 35.2 and 70.9 cubes, respectively. However, Hyundai's hands-free power liftgate comes standard on the Sport and Limited trim levels is a deal-breaker.

Also, Tucson offers plenty of small storage options, especially for the front passengers. By comparison, the Tucson is practical enough but if you are looking for a more upscale cabin the Mazda or the Volkswagen may suit you better.

"Sharply creased bodywork, nicely detailed headlamps, and a crisp hexagonal grille highlight the Tucson’s handsome exterior."-CarandDriver

2017 Tucson Dimensions and Weight

Unlike the predecessor's busy look, the 2017 Tucson opts for a clean and composed look. This Hyundai's compact crossover SUV shares most of its styling elements with the Santa Fe. In front, a hexagonal grille is surrounded by sharply geometric headlamps, this is in sync with Hyundai's current design language.

The base SE has 17-inches alloy wheels but the higher trims including the Tucson Sport or Limited gain a more dynamic design and exclusive styling elements including black and silver-finished 19-inch alloy wheels. 

The 2017 Tucson’s curb weight ranges from 3,300 pounds to 3,686 pounds, depending on the engine and drivetrain. The Tucson rides low to the ground with only 6.4 inches of ground clearance, which helps in a composed ride but doesn't allow occasional off-roading.

Exterior Features

The 2017 Hyundai Tucson SUV is a stylish, classy, bulky, and good-looking SUV from every angle Hyundai. The car comes with LED headlights and LED taillights, privacy glass, sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic Windshield wiper, auto light control beside DRL.

• Rear Wiper/Washer
• LED Tail Lights
• Privacy Glass
• Sunroof with Power Sunshade 
• Rear Wiper/Washer
• LED Tail Lights
• Privacy Glass
• Sunroof with Power Sunshade

The 2017 Tucson received a five-star overall safety rating (out of the highest five starts). In the IIHS crash-tests, Tucson earned the Top Safety Pick+ designation with a Good score in all five crashworthiness categories. It also earned a Superior rating in the front crash prevention and mitigation test. 

The 2017 Tucson comes standard with a rearview camera and brake assist. HOn higher trim levels, Hyundai offers a full active safety suite which includes lane change assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a lane departure warning system.

Safety Features

The 2017 Hyundai Tucson SUV comes with advanced safety features like the six airbag protection including two front-impact, 2 front-seat side-impact airbags, Blind spot, and other safety features as listed below.

• Stability Control with Traction Control System
• Anti-lock Braking System with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution
• Vehicle Stability Management
• Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert \u2013
• Lane Departure Warning System
• Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Rear Parking Assistance Sensors

2017 Hyundai Tucson Vs 2017 Mazda CX-5

Both the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson are the top-ranking compact crossovers, however, the Mazda has a slightly pricier starting MSRP than the Hyundai. Where Tucson is an attractive and economical SUV, the CX-5 is more cutting edge. The Mazda CX-5 looks attractive and has a better head-turning quotient than the composed look of the Hyundai Tucson. The interior of both are good, however, the Mazda feels more upscale inside in the base trim.

The Tuscon's base engine is more efficient with slightly better EPA estimates than the CX-5. However, the driving dynamics f the Mazda is energetic while the Tucson is more comfort-oriented. Though the infotainment system in the Mazda is not sought-after equipment and garners criticism for being finicky. On the other hand, Tucson is criticized for its tight cargo and hard-plastic interior on lower trim levels.

2017 Hyundai Tucson Vs 2017 Honda CR-V

The 2017 Honda CR-V is one of the top-ranking compact crossover SUVs and is the most recommended option in the segment. The CR-V's interior is filled with soft-touch materials, offers more rear-seat legroom and significantly roomier cargo area than the Tucson. 

Also, the CR-V's base engine has better power ratings yet delivers better EPA gas mileage than the Tucson. Though Tucson has a lot of advantages it does not stand out. The Hyundai packs brilliantly and has a better-predicted reliability rating and a lower total cost of ownership. Both of the SUVs are a good choice and it's a matter of brand loyalty in the end.

The 2017 Hyundai Tucson is a great car with best-in-class performing engine specifications, spacious interiors, and good fuel economy figures. The six trim levels offer good distinction in features and are available with either FWD or AWD setup. The car offers the most active safety features with best-in-class predicted reliability ratings. The 2017 Hyundai Tucson SUV is priced at $22,700 which is one of the cheapest compact crossover SUVs. Tucson's cost of ownership is also below-average, making it a good option if you are looking at Used 2017 model.