2021 Hyundai Tucson

2021 Hyundai Tucson Highlights

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson is firmly established in the compact SUV segment thanks to its extensive standard tech features, excellent safety ratings, and overall competence. While this model year doesn't introduce significant changes, it continues to provide a well-rounded package for buyers seeking a reliable and versatile compact SUV.

Key Details

• Compact SUV body style
• Two-row seating for up to five passengers
• Two engine options: 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines
• Available front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
• Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Hyundai SmartSense suite of safety features

Benefits

• Comfortable and quiet ride suitable for daily commuting
• Large cargo capacity
• User-friendly infotainment system
• Available premium features like panoramic sunroof and leather upholstery
• Strong safety ratings and available advanced safety technologies

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

2021 Hyundai Tucson Overview

Performance

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offers two engine options across its lineup:

2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (SE and Value trims):

• 161 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque
• Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission
• Available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive

2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (SEL, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate trims):

• 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque
• Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission
• Available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive

2021 Hyundai Tucson oil capacity:

• 5.1 quarts of 10W-30 (above -18 degrees F)
• 5.1 quarts of 5W-20 or 5W-30 (all temps, 5W-20 preferred)

Both engines provide adequate power for daily driving tasks, but buyers looking for more oomph will want the 2.4-liter. The six-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth and refined shifts. The available all-wheel-drive system features a driver-selectable lock that splits power 50/50 between the front and rear wheels. While not designed for serious off-roading, the Tucson offers 6.4 inches of ground clearance, making it capable of handling light off-pavement excursions.

Towing capacity for the 2021 Tucson is modest:

• Up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2021 Tucson a top five-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2021 Hyundai Tucson a Top Safety Pick, its second-highest designation, when equipped with optional front crash protection and specific headlights.

The Hyundai SmartSense suite of advanced driver assistance features is standard across all trims and includes:

• Forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection
• Lane keep assist
• Driver attention warning
• Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines

Higher trims offer additional safety features such as:

• Blind-spot collision warning
• Rear cross-traffic collision warning
• Surround view monitor
• Adaptive cruise control
• High beam assist

Driving

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offers a quality daily driving experience thanks to its solid ergonomics, overall comfort, generous cargo space, and competent driving dynamics. Its suspension is tuned to provide a smooth ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections and creating a serene cabin environment.

Steering is light and responsive, contributing to Tucson's maneuverability in tight urban spaces and parking lots. While not precise for sports cars, the steering offers adequate feedback for confident handling in everyday driving.

Interior

The Hyundai Tucson 2021 interior is similar to the previous year's but still showcases a thoughtful design that prioritizes comfort, functionality, and value. Compared to competitors, passenger space is limited.

Key interior features include:

• Cloth upholstery standard, with leather available on higher trims
• Power-adjustable driver's seat (standard on SEL and above)
• 60/40 split-folding rear seats
• Available heated and ventilated front seats
• Available heated steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control (standard on Value trim and above)

The front seats offer good comfort and support for long drives, with ample head and legroom. The rear seats provide comfortable accommodations for adult passengers, and they can recline for added comfort on longer trips.

Cargo space is competitive for the compact SUV class:

• 31.0 cubic feet behind the rear seats
• 61.9 cubic feet with rear seats folded

The available hands-free smart liftgate makes it convenient to access the cargo area when your hands are full. The available panoramic sunroof significantly enhances the cabin's spaciousness, flooding the interior with natural light.

Technology

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson comes with a range of convenience and connectivity features.

Key technology features include:

• Standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (8-inch available on higher trims)
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Bluetooth hands-free phone system
• Available Hyundai Blue Link connected car services
• Six-speaker audio system (standard)
• Available Infinity premium audio system with eight speakers
• Standard rearview camera with dynamic guidelines

Higher trims offer additional tech features:

• Wireless device charging
• 8-inch touchscreen with navigation

Fuel Economy

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offers competitive fuel economy ratings for the compact SUV segment. EPA fuel economy estimates are as follows:

2.0-liter four-cylinder engine:

• FWD (mpg): 23 city / 28 highway / 25 combined
• AWD (mpg): 22 city / 25 highway / 23 combined

2.4-liter four-cylinder engine:

• FWD (mpg): 22 city / 28 highway / 25 combined
• AWD (mpg): 21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined

2021 Hyundai Tucson Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book gave the 2021 Hyundai Tucson an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5.0. Owners praise the Tucson's styling, comfort, and value.

Reasons to Buy It

• Blocks outside noise well for a distraction-free drive
• Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Cargo capacity on the large end compared to competitors
• Higher trims received features generally reserved for luxury brands
• Safety ratings are impressive thanks to standard advanced safety features

Problems

• The base engine may feel underpowered for some drivers
• Fuel economy, while competitive, isn't class-leading
• Some advanced features are limited to higher, more expensive trims
• Interior materials in lower trims may feel less premium than some competitors
• No hybrid option is available for this model year

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CoPilot's Take

The Tucson may be a transportation appliance, but that doesn’t mean it’s personality-free or uninteresting. Its ride is smooth, the tech is modern and reliable, and it has excellent safety scores and solid comfort.

The Tucson's variety of trim levels allows buyers to find a configuration that suits their needs and budget, from the value-oriented 2021 Hyundai Tucson SE to the feature-rich Ultimate. The available all-wheel drive system adds versatility, making the Tucson a suitable choice for various driving conditions.

However, the Tucson isn't perfect. The base engine may feel underpowered to some drivers, especially on the highway. Fuel economy, while competitive, isn't class-leading, which may be a consideration for buyers prioritizing efficiency.

The Tucson's lack of a hybrid option for this model year puts it at a disadvantage compared to more fuel-efficient competitors. Additionally, while the interior is comfortable and functional, some may find the materials in lower trims less premium than those in rival vehicles.

2021 Hyundai Tucson FAQs

Is the 2021 Hyundai Tucson a reliable car?

Yes, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson is generally considered a reliable vehicle. Hyundai has made significant strides in reliability over the past decade, and the Tucson benefits from this improved reputation. J.D. Power gave the 2021 Tucson a "Great" quality and reliability rating. The Tucson's simple and proven powertrains contribute to its dependability. Well-maintained examples can last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles.

What should I pay for a 2021 Hyundai Tucson?

According to CoPilot national listings, a 2021 Hyundai Tucson costs $14,000 to $30,000, depending on condition, mileage, equipment, and marketplace conditions.

Is there a 2021 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid?

No, there isn’t a hybrid version of the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. For the 2021 model year, the Tucson was only available with conventional gasoline engines: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder. Hyundai introduced a hybrid powertrain option for the Tucson with the next generation edition, starting with the 2022 model year.

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