2017 Hyundai Tucson

2017 Hyundai Tucson Highlights

Building on the third-generation Tucson's debut last year, the 2017 edition offers modest increases in standard features. Most trims get a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, helping the car stay competitive with sportier offerings like the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape.

Key Details

• Compact crossover SUV body style
• Two-row, five-passenger seating
• Two engine options: 2.0-liter I-4 with 164 horsepower and 1.6-liter turbo I-4 with 175 horsepower
• Front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Six-speed automatic transmission (2.0-liter) or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (1.6-liter turbo)

Benefits

• Stylish and well-crafted interior with premium materials
• Smooth and comfortable ride with confident handling
• Available advanced safety features and driver assistance technologies
• Generous cargo space and flexible seating configurations
• Competitive fuel economy ratings, especially with the Eco trim
• Standard rearview camera

Learn More: Here Are The Hyundai Tucson Years To Avoid

2017 Hyundai Tucson Overview

Performance

The 2017 Hyundai Tucson offers two engine choices, catering to different driving and budget priorities. The 2017 Hyundai Tucson SE has a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, producing 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and provides adequate power for daily driving, though it may feel sluggish when put to task.

For a modestly more engaging driving experience, the other trims feature a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four engine, generating 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, offering precise shifts. The turbocharged engine isn't exactly sporty, but it’s more responsive than the base non-turbo powerplant. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims, with all-wheel drive available as an option for enhanced traction.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2017 Hyundai Tucson a top overall safety rating of five out of five stars. In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2017 Tucson maximum honors with a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

All 2017 Tucson models come standard with a rearview camera, driver and passenger side airbags, electronic stability control, a traction control system, brake assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Available advanced safety features include:

• Blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane change assist
• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure warning
• Rear parking sensors

Driving

The 2017 Hyundai Tucson delivers a smooth and comfortable driving experience, with a focus on ride quality and handling composure. The suspension adds to this formula by keeping the chassis settled and the cabin quiet and isolated. Drivers will find the Tucson’s steering well-weighted and precise, offering good feedback at low speeds and on winding roads.

There’s a noticeable difference in how the Tucson performs based on what’s under the hood. Shoppers who like even small amounts of acceleration power will want to focus on an Eco, Sport, or Limited trim that gets a turbo engine.

Interior

The 2017 Hyundai Tucson's interior is well-designed and crafted with high-quality materials, offering a premium look and feel. The cabin is spacious and welcoming, with ample headroom and legroom for front and rear passengers. The front seats are supportive and offer a good range of adjustability, ensuring comfort on long drives.

The rear seats can recline and fold flat, providing flexibility for passengers and cargo. With the rear seats up, the 2017 Tucson offers 31 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 61.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The available power liftgate and dual-level cargo floor add convenience and versatility.

The higher trims, the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport and Limited, elevate the model. Available premium touches include leather upholstery, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Technology

The 2017 Hyundai Tucson SE and Eco versions come equipped with a 5-inch color touchscreen audio system. This system includes AM/FM/SiriusXM radio, a CD/MP3 player, and iPod/USB/auxiliary input jacks. Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming are also standard.

The available 8-inch touchscreen navigation system, standard on Sport and Limited trims, offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and additional functionality.

Other 2017 Tucson tech available features include:

• Proximity keyless entry with push-button start
• Infinity premium audio system with eight speakers and a subwoofer
• Wireless device charging
• Hyundai Bluelink connected car services

The Hyundai Blue Link system offers a range of remote services, such as remote start, remote lock/unlock, and stolen vehicle recovery, all accessible through a smartphone app.

Fuel Economy

The 2017 Hyundai Tucson offers competitive fuel economy within the compact crossover segment. Interestingly, the extra performance of the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine doesn’t come with much of a mileage penalty over the base powerplant and can be more efficient when paired with front-wheel drive. Here are the EPA-rated fuel economy figures for each drivetrain (front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive) in the 2017 Hyundai Tucson.

2.0-liter four-cylinder

• FWD (mpg): 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined
• AWD (mpg): 21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined

1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder

• FWD (mpg): 25 city / 30 highway / 27 combined
• AWD (mpg): 24 city / 28 highway / 25 combined

2017 Hyundai Tucson Reviews

Kelley Blue Book says consumer reviews are mostly positive for the 2017 Hyundai Tucson. Owners give the car an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5, with particular praise for reliability, comfort, and styling. The only shortfall is performance, which trails the scoring of the Tucson’s other traits.

Reasons to Buy It

• Spacious and welcoming interior
• Confident handling with a smooth suspension
• Available turbocharged engine for more responsive performance
• Ample cargo space with flexible cabin configurations
• Competitive fuel economy

Problems

• Base engine is underpowered
• Dual-clutch transmission can occasionally hesitate or shift abruptly
• Some interior controls may be less intuitive compared to rivals
• Higher trims and options can quickly increase the price
• Insufficient anti theft technology for models equipped with turn-key start systems

Discover: Hyundai Tucson Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

CoPilot's Take

While previous Tucson editions offered acceptable and unremarkable transportation, the third generation, which includes the 2017 model year, puts this compact crossover on par with the competition. Buyers considering the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5 would be doing themselves a disservice by not putting the Tucson on their radar.

This Hyundai is a well-rounded package that blends style, comfort, and versatility. The 2017 Tucson's well-crafted interior is a step above previous generations and creates a pleasant and inviting environment for drivers and passengers.

From a driver’s perspective, the Tucson delivers confident handling and good overall behind-the-wheel dynamics. Buyers will find things get even better with the turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. However, front-wheel drive is cheaper and more fuel-efficient.

Hyundai also deserves credit for ensuring the 2017 Tucson performs well in NHTSA and IIHS safety testing, making this crossover ideal for family transportation. While the base engine may feel a bit underpowered, and the dual-clutch transmission can occasionally hesitate, these drawbacks are modest compared to the Tucson’s strengths.

2017 Hyundai Tucson FAQs

What are the most common problems with a 2017 Hyundai Tucson?

While the 2017 Hyundai Tucson is capable in many areas, it’s not without its faults. According to NHTSA filings, problems with the 2017 Hyundai Tucson are concentrated around the engine and transmission. In fact, these two trouble areas account for almost 80% of the complaints submitted to the agency for this vehicle.

This statistic suggests approaching the 2017 Hyundai Tucson with caution when looking for a car. If an example is on your shopping list, be sure it undergoes a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by a professional mechanic. This assessment should include examining known trouble areas, including the engine and transmission. Ideally, service records can confirm if a particular 2017 Hyundai Tucson has suffered powertrain issues.

How many miles will a 2017 Hyundai Tucson last?

With proper maintenance, a 2017 Hyundai Tucson can last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. While few examples of the 2017 Tucson have racked up this many miles, history shows that Hyundais can last when they’re well cared for. Thoughtful driving and keeping the 2017 Tucson protected from the elements can also help with longevity. At the same time, attending to any repairs promptly can keep minor problems from turning into larger ones.

Is the 2017 Hyundai Tucson high maintenance?

The 2017 Hyundai Tucson is not considered a high-maintenance vehicle. Hyundai Tucsons generally have a history of relatively low maintenance costs compared to those of some other brands. According to RepairPal, the 2017 Tucson has an average annual repair and maintenance cost of $426. This compares to an average of $521 for all compact SUVs. Following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and promptly addressing any issues can help keep maintenance costs down over time.

Check Out: How Long Do Hyundai Tucsons Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan