Which 2021 Hyundai Tucson Is Right for Me?

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson faces some stiff competition in the highly competitive compact SUV segment. Its understated styling and competent road manners don’t attract much attention, but careful shoppers will discover the Tucson offers a tremendous number of features and value. And it offers such upgrades as a larger engine and all-wheel drive at prices that won’t break the bank. All of it comes in a vehicle that packs a 5-year, 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain coverage that bring some peace of mind.

Two powertrain choices

The two engines include a base 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 161 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque while delivering 23 mpg city and 28 highway in front-drive. The step-up drivetrain includes a 181-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with 175 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway. Select AWD, which is a $1,400 option on all trim levels, and you’ll see fuel economy drop by only a mile or two.

The 2021 Tucson is comfortable and quiet, with a compliant ride from a suspension tuned to take corners with confidence. The ride is compromised somewhat by the larger 19-inch wheels on the Sport trim. Spend more for an upper trim level and you’ll get driver assists like adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go feature. Pricing (which includes $1,175 delivery) ranges from $24,840 for the SE up through $33,190 for the Ultimate.

SEL trim makes the grade

Our trim level pick is the 2021 Hyundai Tucson SEL. For $27,240, it’s the least expensive model with the larger engine option. You also get 18-inch wheels, which ride better than the bigger rims on the more expensive Sport model. And by opting for the SEL over the Sport, you’ll be able to use those savings to spring for AWD.

Here’s the complete price/trim level breakdown of the 2021 Hyundai Tucson:

2021 Hyundai Tucson SE: $24,840

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• 7-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Blind spot-compensating driver’ s-side mirror
• Stain-resistant cloth upholstery
• Driver attention monitoring

2021 Hyundai Tucson Value Edition: $26,290

• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat (incl. 2-way lumbar adjustment)
• Keyless entry/ignition
• Heated front seats/side mirrors
• Roof rails
• Satellite radio
• Blue Link Connected Car system

2021 Hyundai Tucson SEL: $27,240

• 2.4-liter engine
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Rear-seat vents
• Second-row USB outlet

2021 Hyundai Tucson Sport: $29,425

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Infinity 315-watt/8-speaker premium audio
• Wireless charging
• LED exterior lighting
• Hands-free smart tailgate

2021 Hyundai Tucson Limited: $30,540

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• 360-degree camera system
• Leather seating surfaces
• Heated steering wheel
• Power-adjustable front passenger seat

2021 Hyundai Tucson Ultimate: $33,190

• Panoramic sunroof
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Automatic high beams
• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated rear seats

Ready to buy a 2021 Hyundai Tucson? Shop for one on sale now near you.