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Hyundai Tucson (3rd Gen)

16-20 · Hyundai Tucson

82out of 100

The 3rd gen Tucson is the most complete of the three generations, better interior, available ADAS, and the same Nu engine with connecting rod recall still applying to some VINs.

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 significantly redesigned Tucson with a modern interior and available Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Nu 2.0L continues with chain drive. Connecting rod bearing recall still applies to some 3rd gen VINs. Standard ESC, 5-star NHTSA, IIHS Good. Competitive pricing vs. CR-V and RAV4.

Why it's on this list

Modern interior, ADAS availability, and good safety at $14k–$19k. A solid second-tier choice behind the CR-V and RAV4 when price is the deciding factor.

The honest trade-offs

Nu connecting rod recall, check VIN. Long-term reliability below RAV4/CR-V. No manual available. The 1.6T option is more powerful but adds turbo complexity.

What to buy and what to avoid

18-20 SEL or Value with 2.0L. Check recall status. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is worth selecting on SEL+ trims. Avoid the 1.6T.

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 / 30[5]
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl (Nu)
Horsepower
164 hp
Torque
151 lb-ft
Seats
5
Cargo max
61.9 cu ft
Stock tires
225/55R17
Body
SUV
Rear seats
60/40 split

Safety

NHTSA overall
5/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
19%[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
12%[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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