Hyundai offers the 2018 Tucson in five trim levels: SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Value, and Limited. The Eco and Sport trims were discontinued for 2018. The base price of the Hyundai Tucson starts at $22,550 excluding the $950 destination charges. The Tuscon Limited FWD is the most-equipped trim which begins at $29,425. All trims are available with an all-wheel-drive option.

The base Tucson SE comes fairly equipped and features a standard 5-inch touch screen, a six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, a USB port, a rearview camera, cloth seats, and cruise control. For buyers looking for smartphone integration, the SEL adds a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio.

The turbocharged engine is standard on the Value and Limited trims, which also upgrades the center display with more premium comfort features like push-button start, proximity keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more.

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For shoppers content with the base 2.0-liter engine, the SEL trim is a good choice for its upgraded infotainment system. However, if it is the stronger turbocharged engine you desire, the Value and Limited trim shall be under consideration.

"This vehicle has a relaxed and comfortable ride. It’s not as sporty as some rivals, such as the Ford Escape, but it remains composed around corners." - Cars.USNews

2018 Tucson Engine and Transmission

The 2018 Tucson comes with a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 164 horsepower, and 151 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic. The Tucson Value and Limited get an upgraded turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine which is good for 175 hp, and 195 lb-ft. The turbo-four comes mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims, and all-wheel drive is optional.

The base engine is adequate for daily commuting around town, though it takes time to pick up speed. The available turbocharged four-cylinder is peppy and delivers instant acceleration. Both the transmission are smooth and does the job efficiently.

We already know how both the engines perform, so let’s see what are some other specifications that these engines offer. You can choose between the 164 horsepower 2.0-liter inline-4 with 151 pound-feet of torque or the 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that churns out 175 horsepower and 195-pound-feet of torque. Both the engines come standard with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive is optional. The AWD also gets Active Cornering Control that monitors different driving conditions. A six-speed automatic transmission on the base and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission on the turbocharged 1.6L come as standard.

2018 Tucson Acceleration

The Tucson Limited with AWD sprinted to 60 mph in a decent 7.9 seconds. This is quick for the class, but the base engine is sluggish and does the same 0-60 mph run in 8.3 seconds. The seven-speed automatic transmission has a lag right off the line. 

Among the compact class rivals, the 2018 Honda CR-V hits 60 mph in 7.5 seconds while the Ford Escape with the base engine records an 8.9 seconds 0 to 60 mph time. However, the Honda and Ford have better driving dynamics than Hyundai Tucson.

2018 Tucson Braking and Handling

Tucson has a composed and comfortable ride quality. It may not be sporty but the Tucson delivers nimble urban handling. Around the corners, the Tucson feels confident and the body roll is the bare minimum. The steering lacks feedback for the driver but does the job. 

The standard suspension setup absorbs most road imperfections for a comfortable ride. Though the cabin is well insulated, you will notice a bit of noise from the road and engine on the highway speeds. The brakes lack natural progression but are quite effective. Tucson needed 121 feet to stop from 60 mph, which is average in the class.

The base Tucson FWD returns an EPA fuel economy ratings of 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway while the AWD models get 21/26 mpg city/highway. These EPA estimates are average in the segment. Surprisingly, the turbocharged Tucson earns slightly better ratings, estimated at 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway for the FWD models, and 24/28 mpg for the AWD.

By comparison, Tucson's gas mileage is standard in the class, however, the Honda's CR-V delivers excellent numbers at 26/31 mpg city/highway.

“If you upgrade to the Limited trim level, you’ll get a lot more in the way of interior livability with a padded dashboard and door inserts with accents.” -Edmunds 

2018 Tucson Seating and Comfort

The Tucson is a two-row compact crossover that can comfortably accommodate five people. Upfront, the Tucson seats are flat with decent cushioning while the rear seats are comfortable too. The cabin offers a good amount of head- and legroom in both rows. Drivers can find a good driving position, thanks to the 8-way power-adjustable seat on the SEL Plus and Limited trims.

The base Tucson features a lot of hard plastics but the story changes as you move up the ladder with more soft-touch surfaces. Though the cabin is minimalistic, it looks pleasant and spacious. The physical controls are simple and the rear visibility is compromised.

Interior Features- 

Some of the standard seating features include:

• Leather upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Eight-way power-adjustable front seats
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated rear seats

2018 Tucson Infotainment

The 2018 Tucson comes with a standard 5-inch touch screen infotainment system that is straightforward, and user-friendly. Moving up the trim ladder increased the size and number of functions. Available options include a 7- or 8-inch touch screen, navigation, HD Radio, and an Infinity premium eight-speaker sound system. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto are included on all but the base SE. The Tucson also features a lot of physical buttons and knobs, enhancing the ease of use.

Optional infotainment features include:

• 7 or 8-inch touchscreen
• Satellite radio
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Navigation
• Infinity audio system

2018 Tucson Cargo Space

The Tucson has 31 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and a total of 61.9 cubic feet with them folded down. For many, that will be fine but Tucson has sub-par cargo space in the class. The cargo area is wide and the available hands-free lift-gate makes the job even easier.

Though Tucson pays more attention to passenger space than cargo, it has above-average small-item storage. Most of Hyundai Tucson's competitors including CR-V offer more room behind the backseat.

2018 Tucson Design and Styling

The 2018 Tucson looks familiar with a largely unchanged look. However, if you look at Tucson, a glimpse of larger Santa Fe is evident. Tucson's exterior styling showcases composed and sophisticated design, somewhat similar to most of the compact crossover SUVs. Upfront it has a big six-sided grille and geometrically defined headlights. If you opt for pricier Tucson trims, 19-inch alloy wheels come standard for a more imposing look.

The SEL trim features headlights with integrated daytime running lights while all above trims add front fog lights. The top-spec Limited adds exclusive exterior cues such as extra chrome trimmings on the lower front bumper, while headlights are upgraded to LED clusters.

The base Tucson SE rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, so do the SEL and SEL Plus. All models have standard body-colored side mirrors. The curb weight of the 2018 Hyundai Tucson ranges from 3,300 to 3,686 pounds. The dimensions of the Tucson allows it to compete with some mid-size crossover SUV segment. Its six-inches ground clearance is average for a class.

Exterior Features 

Some exterior features include:

• Smart power liftgate
• Roof rack side rails
• Heated side mirrors with available side repeaters
• LED headlight and tail light

The 2018 Tucson received the perfect five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS named Tucson a 2018 Top Safety Pick. The compact Hyundai SUV received the highest rating of Good in all six crash tests and the second-highest rating of Acceptable for the headlights. The fully-equipped models also received a rating of Superior for crash prevention.

Hyundai offers an Ultimate package for the Limited trims which adds advanced safety features such as adaptive headlights, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. The SEL Plus, Value, and Limited trims have standard blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert and keep assist.

Standard advanced safety features:

• rearview camera

Available advanced safety features:

• Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane keep assist and lane departure warning
• Rear parking sensors
• Adaptive headlights
• Brake assist with pedestrian detection

2018 Hyundai Tucson Vs Ford Escape

The 2018 Ford Escape is a good option if you want lively handling and peppy turbocharged engine options. This Ford is not only powerful but offers more cargo space than the Hyundai. Conversely, the Tucson bags more points for its impressive fuel economy ratings and a long list of standard features.

Though both the compact cars get good predicted reliability ratings, the Hyundai Tucson has better warranty coverage than the Ford Escape. The Cost of owning a Ford escape is slightly lesser than the Hyundai Tucson.

2018 Hyundai Tucson Vs Honda CR-V

The 2018 Honda CR-V is another top-ranking compact crossover SUV. This Honda offers more passenger space and cargo space than the Hyundai. The quality of the cabin is even better in the CR-V. Both SUVs have a capable base and efficient engines along with peppier turbo options, but the Honda is more powerful than the Hyundai. 

The CR-V also takes the lead in safety, as it has more available safety features and better fuel economy estimates. On the other hand, the Hyundai Tucson has better-predicted reliability ratings and will cost you about $7,600 less as compared to the CR-V. Choosing between these two is a matter of brand preference.

Hyundai Tucson comes with a headache-free ownership experience in the form of outstanding warranty coverage and excellent test score. The cabin is quiet and spacious along with user-friendly infotainment system. The South Korean car makers have not tried to make the Tucson exaggeratedly sporty instead they have emphasized more on its solid built quality and comfort.

There is also a long list of optional features that you can include without compromising on the fuel economy and performance. Tucson although has not fared well in the competition with the likes of Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester as they offer more with little difference in the pricing. Yet the Tucson has the zest and it is ready to take on any kind of road situation in the same manner as the Forester.