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Hyundai Tucson (2nd Gen)

10-15 · Hyundai Tucson

82out of 100

The 2nd gen Tucson made the necessary safety leap, 5-star NHTSA, IIHS Good, standard ESC, and is priced low enough that its below-average long-term reliability is easier to accept.

Score breakdown

80/ 100Reliability×2.577/ 100True Annual Cost×2.095/ 100Safety×2.565/ 100Practicality×2.0100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

A genuinely improved compact SUV. The Nu 2.0L is chain-driven. Standard ESC across all trims. 5-star NHTSA, IIHS Good. The connecting rod bearing recall that affected the Elantra also covers some Tucson Nu engines, verify VIN. Priced at $9k–$13k for clean examples.

Why it's on this list

Good safety, standard ESC, and sub-$13k prices. For a buyer who wants compact SUV utility without Japanese pricing, the 2nd gen Tucson is a legitimate option.

The honest trade-offs

Nu engine connecting rod bearing recall, check VIN. Long-term reliability still below CR-V/RAV4. RepairPal $513/yr is acceptable. No EyeSight or equivalent ADAS available.

What to buy and what to avoid

13-15 GLS or Limited with AWD. Check NHTSA recall database for connecting rod bearing recall on VIN. ESC standard across all trims.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$1,595 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$513 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$187 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$1,860 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,420 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$2,895 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$2,455 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
26[5]
MPG city / hwy
23 / 31[5]
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl (Nu)
Horsepower
165 hp
Torque
146 lb-ft
Seats
5
Cargo max
61.1 cu ft
Stock tires
225/55R17
Body
SUV
Rear seats
60/40 split

Safety

NHTSA overall
5/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
20%[2]
IIHS rating
Good[4]
ESC standard
Yes

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Minimal
Frame rust risk
Low

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$513 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
4/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.4[1]
Severe issue probability
11%[1]
250k-mile survival
48%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$22 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Hyundai Tucson?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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