The market for compact crossover SUVs is among the largest in the American economy. As a result, automakers put tremendous effort into making competitive and well-priced products in this category. For Hyundai, the Tucson has been their compact SUV since 2005. With the Tucson, Hyundai has earned some of the highest reliability and road safety ratings in the business.
The 2021 Tucson comes with either a 2.0-liter or a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, and an automatic transmission. Trim levels with a 2.0-liter engine and front-wheel drive (FWD) return 23 mpg in city driving, and 28 mpg on the highway. Those numbers drop to 22 mpg city and 25 mpg highway when the Tucson is equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). Tucson models with the 2.4-liter engine return 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with FWD, or 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with AWD.
All Tucson trim levels are available with FWD or AWD. Choosing AWD in any trim added $1,400 to the base price. Tucson models equipped with AWD also received a windshield wiper de-icer and downhill brake control for hill descent.
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2021 Tucson also earned a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Hyundai offers one of the best new-car warranties in the business, with coverage for 10 years or 100,000 miles. If you buy a 2021 Hyundai Tucson through the brand’s Certified Pre-Owned program, you can expect a 5-year/60,000-mile general warranty, and a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on the powertrain and roadside assistance. The CPO warranty starts from the original in-service date on the vehicle you buy.
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson competes directly with other popular compact crossover SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, and the Mazda CX-5.
In addition to the trim levels discussed here, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson was also offered with a hybrid engine and as a plug-in hybrid. The Tucson Hybrid and Tucson Plug-in Hybrid are covered in separate articles.
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson comes in six distinct trim levels, ranging from the base SE to the luxurious Ultimate trim. You can read about each trim level in detail below.
2021 Hyundai Tucson SE (Original starting price when new: $23,700)
See 2021 Hyundai Tucson SE models for sale near you
The The 2021 Hyundai Tucson SE starts at $23,700.
As a family vehicle, safety is of primary importance in the Tucson. Hyundai is a leader in standard safety equipment, giving every Tucson the Hyundai SmartSense advanced safety package as standard equipment. This package includes forward collision avoidance assistance, lane keeping, and driver attention warning. Additional standard safety features included tire pressure monitoring, rear-view camera, and automatic on/off headlights.
Inside, the Tucson SE came with stain-resistant cloth upholstery and a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat. The second-row seats were able to recline, and offer a 60/40 split for cargo. Power windows and door locks were standard.
Technology includes a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers. The system offers support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The base SE trim includes the 2.0-liter engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine is rated at 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. Performance is modest with this engine.
Who is this trim level for? The 2021 Tucson SE is for buyers who want a reliable, safe compact SUV for the lowest possible price, and who are willing to give up various convenience and performance features to get the price.
2021 Tuscon SE includes:
Forward collision avoidance assistance — As part of Hyundai’s SmartSense safety package.
Seven-inch touchscreen infotainment — A USB and auxiliary jack are provided.
Front-wheel drive — All-wheel drive is available in this trim at extra cost.
2021 Hyundai Tucson Value (Original starting price when new: $25,150)
See 2021 Hyundai Tucson Value models for sale near you
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson Value starts at $25,150.
In addition to the features included in the base SE trim, the Tucson Value trim adds several features generally classed as most important to consumers. Value trim adds blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, a proximity sensitive keyless entry and push-button start, Hyundai’s Blue Link connectivity system, and an 8-way power driver’s seat plus two-way power lumbar support.
The Blue Link system includes support for remote start with climate control, remote door lock/unlock, stolen vehicle recovery, and destination search by voice command.
Additional features added on the Value trim include heated side mirrors, roof rails, heated front seats, and access to Sirius/XM satellite radio. The Tucson Value includes the 2.0-liter engine.
Who is this trim level for? The 2021 Tucson Value is meant for the majority of buyers who want a few critical comfort and safety features such as heated seats, keyless entry, and blind-spot monitoring.
2021 Hyundai Tucson Value includes:
Blind spot monitor — Also includes rear cross traffic alerts.
Heated front seats — Probably the most popular option in the automotive market today.
Keyless entry — Another feature that many buyers appreciate.
2021 Hyundai Tucson SEL (Original starting price when new: $26,100)
See 2021 Hyundai Tucson SEL models for sale near you
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson SEL starts at $26,100.
Above the Value trim, Hyundai offers a bit more with SEL trim. In addition to all Value trim items, the Tucson SEL includes the more powerful 2.4-liter engine rated at 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The rise in displacement and horsepower gives the Tucson SEL and higher trims a bit more pep.
The Tucson SEL includes several exterior upgrades, including 18-inch alloy wheels, premium front and rear fascias, metallic painted side sills, and a chrome-tipped exhaust. Inside, the SEL trim includes soft-touch door panels, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air conditioning vents, and a second-row USB power outlet.
Who is this trim level for? The 2021 Tucson SEL is for buyers who prefer a more visually impressive SUV, with a bit better performance.
2021 Tucson SEL includes:
2.4-liter engine — With 181 hp, this engine improves performance.
Upgraded exterior trim — Different front and rear skins and chrome exhaust update the Tucson’s styling.
Dual-zone climate control — Allows driver and front passenger to set different temperatures.
2021 Hyundai Tucson Sport (Original starting price when new: $28,250)
See 2021 Hyundai Tucson Sport models for sale near you
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson Sport starts at $28,250.
Moving into the sport and luxury space, the 2021 Tucson Sport includes all the features found in the SEL trim, but also adds 19-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, fog lights, and a hands-free automatic liftgate. Inside, you will find a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an Infinity audio system with eight speakers. Wireless device charging is also included.
Who is this trim level for? The 2021 Tucson Sport is for buyers who want a sporty-looking exterior and a few more premium features inside.
2021 Tucson Sport includes:
19-inch wheels — Trim-exclusive larger wheels give the Tucson a more rakish appearance.
Infinity audio — Premium audio with an external amplifier and 8 premium speakers.
Wireless device charging — Conveniently charge your phone while driving.
2021 Hyundai Tucson Limited (Original starting price when new: $29,400)
See 2021 Hyundai Tucson Limited models for sale near you
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson Limited starts at $29,400.
Moving up to Limited trim brings the Tucson well into premium SUV territory. Building on the Sport trim, the Limited trim level brings in luxury interior features such as a surround-view bird’s-eye reversing camera system, leather seating surfaces, a powered passenger seat, and a heated steering wheel. On the outside, the Tucson Limited includes side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and chrome accents in the grille, door handles, and windows. Note that Limited trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels.
Who is this trim level for? The 2021 Tucson Limited is for buyers who are looking for premium brand features at an economy brand price.
2021 Tucson Limited includes:
Leather upholstery — Leather provides a durable and comfortable luxury seating surface.
Heated steering wheel — If you live in a cold climate, this is a great feature.
Surround-view camera — This feature greatly enhances safety when reversing.
2021 Hyundai Tucson Ultimate (Original starting price when new: $32,050)
See 2021 Hyundai Tucson Ultimate models for sale near you
Ultimate trim is the highest trim level for the Tucson, and includes several important safety features. This trim builds on the Limited trim level, and adds pedestrian detection to the forward collision alert system, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go function. Comfort and luxury features include a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats and ventilation added to the front seats, an 8-inch touchscreen with onboard GPS navigation, and a color driver information display.
Who is this trim level for? The 2021 Tucson Ultimate is for buyers who want the top trim available with the Tucson, including all available features.
2021 Tucson Ultimate includes:
Adaptive cruise control — Follows the prevailing traffic speed including stop and go traffic.
Heated and ventilated front seats — Maximum comfort in any weather.
Eight-inch touchscreen with navigation — Onboard GPS mapping and directions.
