more about this model Hyundai likes to name its crossovers after cities in the American Southwest. So here's the 2017 Hyundai Tucson, which is little brother to the slightly larger Santa Fe Sport and the larger still Santa Fe. It's a mainstream player in the increasingly mainstream compact crossover SUV market segment.
For those unsure of exactly what a crossover is, the Tucson is a perfect example of the species. It's a vehicle that looks like an SUV in form, but is built more like a car. That means a unified body structure instead of a separate frame, a transverse-mounted engine powering only the front wheels with all-wheel drive as an option and a supple and nimble independent suspension. What carries over from truck-based SUVs is that crossovers are larger and more flexible in their use of space. In sum, a crossover is an SUV that's as comfortable as a car. And crossovers are the most popular transportation of choice as the 21st century marches on.
Hyundai redesigned the Tucson last year so there's not much that's new about the vehicle for 2017. That noted, the 2016 redesign saw the Tucson grow in size and in the attractiveness of its tailoring. And like so many other vehicles, it's now available loaded to the gills with technology, including an advanced crash-avoidance system, to keep the driver from doing anything stupid. So it's no wonder the Tucson gets the very highest safety ratings from the United States government and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Almost unique in this crossover size class, the Tucson is available with two distinct four-cylinder engines. Both use Hyundai's Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) system, but the SE model's standard 2.0-liter engine is naturally aspirated and rated at 164 horsepower. The ritzier Eco, Sport and Limited models are all powered by a still fresh 1.6-liter engine that, thanks to turbocharging, is rated at 175 hp. The SE comes with a conventional six-speed automatic transmission while the other three models use an advanced dual-clutch seven-speed automatic.
It's no surprise the best fuel economy is available in the front-drive Eco model with the turbo engine. That one rates out at 28 mpg combined (26 city/32 highway). The worst mileage is in the SE with all-wheel drive and the 2.0-liter engine. That one comes in at 23 mpg combined (21 city/26 highway).
The small crossover segment seems to get a new entrant every month. To sort them all out and find the best one for you, use every tool here at Edmunds. And then let us help you find the best 2017 Hyundai Tucson from a great dealer.
Is the 2017 Hyundai Tucson a good car?
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Hyundai Tucson and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Tucson featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
How do people like the 2017 Hyundai Tucson?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Hyundai Tucson and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Tucson 4.3 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Tucson.
Vehicle
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
Review
I test drove the Rav4, CX-5, Escape, and Santa Fe before deciding finally on the Tucson. My previous vehicle was a VW GTI, so it was important to me to get something that still looked and felt sporty while driving it and this Tucson qualifies for all of that. While I felt the CX-5 handled slightly better around curves, the Tucson gave a smooth and quiet ride. The acceleration is there when I need it, without the bumps of a sporty suspension. Unfortunately, in Hyundai, in order to get a sunroof one must purchase the highest model (Limited-Ultimate) that also comes with navigation and leather seats (with rear passenger heated seats)! Also, the cargo cover and all weather mats do not come standard and can carry a hefty price tag. For me, the bonuses that came with the panoramic sunroof were worth the extra price! I will say I have noticed that this 7-speed transmission can take some getting used to. Much like my GTI DSG transmission, even though it's an automatic, it FEELS like a manual at times. On inclines, and some coasting to acceleration scenarios the transmission has lagged to shift into the correct gear. I'm currently researching this to see if there is something wrong or just something to get used to.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Hyundai Tucson
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Is the 2017 Hyundai Tucson safe?
The 2017 Hyundai Tucson earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint, IIHS Small Overlap Front Test Results, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 4.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
What options are available on the 2017 Hyundai Tucson?
Available Hyundai Tucson 2017 Submodel Types: SUV
Available Trims: SE, Limited, SE Plus, Sport, GLS, Value, Eco, Night, GLS PZEV, Limited PZEV, SE PZEV, GL, Walking Dead, LX
Exterior Colors: Black Noir Pearl, Coliseum Grey, Dazzling White, Caribbean Blue, Molten Silver, Majove Sand, Ruby Wine, Sedona Sunset, Ash Black, Diamond Silver, Winter White, Garnet Red, Graphite Gray, Iris Blue, Chai Bronze, Cotton White, Kona Bronze, Shadow Gray, Chromium Silver, Laguna Blue, Alpine Frost, Kiwi Green, Nautical Blue, Aurora Blue, Mesa Red, Obsidian Black, Sahara Silver, Dark Titanium Gray, Desert Sage, Platinum, Platinum Green, Golden Sand, Nordic White
Interior Colors: Black cloth, Gray cloth, Beige cloth, Black leather, Beige leather, Black leatherette/cloth, Beige leatherette/cloth, Taupe leather, Taupe leatherette/cloth, Gray leather, Black leatherette, Taupe cloth, Taupe leatherette, Black/Saddle leather, Gray premium cloth, Taupe premium cloth, Beige, Black premium cloth, Gray
Popular Features: Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Alarm, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, Aux Audio Inputs, USB Inputs, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Bluetooth, Back-up camera, Power Driver Seat, Heated seats, AWD/4WD, Keyless Entry/Start, Blind Spot Monitoring, Auto Climate Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Leather Seats, Navigation, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Post-collision safety system, Sunroof/Moonroof, Upgraded Headlights, Parking sensors, Towing Hitch, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Cooled Seats, Pre-collision safety system, Remote Start, Upgraded Stereo
Engine/Mechanics: 4, 6 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, AUTOMATED_MANUAL, MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, front wheel drive, four wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
