2024 Hyundai Tucson Limited: Test Drive Review Reveals a Great Value

The Hyundai Tucson stands out as a sought-after compact crossover, and it’s easy to see why. With its appealing design, affordability, an array of standard features, and ample space for small families, it’s a strong contender in its class. The Tucson is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and offers both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive options. When compared to the Toyota RAV4, which is currently the top seller in the market, the Tucson holds its ground well.

A refreshed version of the Tucson is expected in 2025. While it’s already one of the most recommended small crossovers, it does have its shortcomings. We took a closer look at the 2024 Limited AWD variant to determine if securing a deal on a 2024 model is worthwhile, or if waiting for the 2025 update might be a better option. The base Tucson starts at $27,600, while the Limited trim is priced significantly higher at $36,760. Is this heightened price justified?

Exterior: Eye-Catching Design

The Hyundai Tucson definitely turns heads on the road. While we appreciate its current aesthetics, the intricately styled body panels and upscale wheels may become dated rather quickly. This concern often arises with highly stylized vehicles, but the Tucson manages to maintain its fresh appearance even in its fourth year on the market. The Limited trim features 19-inch wheels, while Hyundai’s distinctive LED headlight and taillight designs set it apart from the competition.

The Limited trim also features a panoramic sunroof and roof rails to enhance its adventurous aesthetic—elements that are likely to carry over into the 2025 model.

Interior: Nearly the Best in Class

The Tucson’s interior showcases a thoughtful, layered design with a dashboard that gracefully curves into the door trim, reminiscent of a bathtub—an association that’s hard to shake once noticed, even if it’s pleasant overall.

Upgrading from the base trim to the Limited brings significant enhancements in materials and functionality, such as a power passenger seat, heated front and rear seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and leather seats rather than cloth. The cabin comfortably accommodates four adults, providing ample legroom in the back.

Cargo space is competitive compared to the Tucson’s overall dimensions and cabin room. The HVAC system uses touch-sensitive controls, which may not suit everyone who prefers traditional dials.

Infotainment: Some Unusual Choices

The base model features an eight-inch touchscreen that serves as the infotainment hub, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available in the two lower trims. However, strangely, these wireless options are not offered in the higher trims. Compounding the oddity, while the gauge cluster in higher trims is larger at 10.25 inches, it retains a wired connection for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

The 10.25-inch display in these upper trims upgrades the system, incorporating Hyundai’s navigation, BlueLink, and Connected Car Service. It also includes features like wireless charging, rear USB ports, a Digital Key for phone access, and LED interior lighting.

Hyundai’s infotainment system generally feels superior to its Japanese rivals, marked by user-friendly design and responsive interfaces. It’s straightforward enough for users to navigate different screens with minimal learning. One recurring frustration, though, is Hyundai’s choice of steering wheel controls; the switch to advance a track feels unintuitive.

Under the Hood: Sufficient Power

The Tucson is powered by a four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower, adequate for daily driving yet not particularly thrilling. While acceleration is decent, merging into fast-moving traffic may necessitate a heavy foot. The eight-speed automatic transmission is efficient and consistently selects the correct gear. Although it’s not an engine designed for spirited driving, it provides respectable fuel economy: 26/24/29 mpg for city/highway/combined driving.

On the Road: Enjoyable Driving Experience

The Tucson excels in everyday driving situations, with a smooth ride and well-balanced steering, offering comfort during heavy traffic. The engine provides sufficient power for typical urban driving, and our previous experience with the hybrid version in tests shows a cohesive and impressive performance.

On the highway, the Tucson maintains its enjoyable drive, with the all-wheel-drive system effectively distributing power during spirited drives on winding backroads. However, if pressed to drive quickly, some body roll may be noticeable, which could be off-putting for passengers seeking a sportier ride. For those prioritizing a sporty experience, numerous alternatives are available.

Conclusion: A Worthwhile Option at the Right Price

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson forms an all-around excellent choice for small families or commuting needs. While it may not excel in every category—such as the more appealing interior of the Mazda CX-5 and the Toyota RAV4‘s high reliability ratings—it remains a strong recommendation, especially the mid-level trims that offer a balanced mix of comfort and price.

Nevertheless, if you’re able to find appealing deals on the base or top trims as the model year changes, it’s certainly worth exploring. The upcoming 2025 model brings notable enhancements, including a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen across all trims and the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The redesign of the interior is also anticipated (farewell to the bathtub imagery!). Priced under $1,000 more than the current model, it seems like a logical choice. We’ll be reviewing the 2025 model soon, so if you’re torn about waiting, stay tuned for our first-drive report.