The 2023 Hyundai Tucson carries over from the 2022 model, so the model-year changes are somewhat akin to rearranging your living-room furniture. For example, adaptive cruise control, speed-limit assist, and Junction Turning Detection are now standard on all trim levels. Hyundai had reserved them for the upper grades.
The trim levels remain the SE, SEL, XRT, N Line, and Limited. Hyundai also offers a Tucson Hybrid (HEV) and a Tucson plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which we detail elsewhere. The compact crossover SUV competition includes the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Chevrolet Equinox, and Mazda CX-5, among other highly competent entries.
The only powertrain for the five internal-combustion-engine (ICE) grades is a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Routing engine output to the front wheels (FWD) is an 8-speed automatic transmission. The government has yet to announce 2023 fuel-economy numbers for FWD models. However, the EPA fuel economy achieved for this powertrain in 2022 was 26 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg in combined driving.
The Tucson can tow up to 2,000 pounds.
For $1,500, Hyundai offers optional all-wheel drive (AWD) for all trim levels. With AWD, the mileage drops to 23 mpg city/28 mpg highway/25 mpg combined.
We like the Tucson for its spacious cabin, wide array of safety and driver-aid technologies, user-friendly connectivity, and of course, that bar-setting powertrain warranty.
2023 Hyundai Tucson SE (starting at $26,450)
The SE provides a remarkable amount of standard equipment at its price point. For example, high-beam assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto are all included.
Other standard equipments are 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, auto on/off LED headlights, remote keyless entry, and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. Also included are single-zone manual air conditioning, a reclining 60/40-split-folding rear seat, cloth seating, two USB ports, and a 4.2-inch driver-info display.
An 8-inch color touchscreen anchors the infotainment system. It oversees a 6-speaker audio system and Bluetooth connectivity.
The safety and driver-aid bundle installs forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, junction-turning assist, and lane-following assist. Also included are lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with steering assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe-exit warning. Speed-limit assist, driver-attention warning, and rear-seat occupant alert come standard, too.
Hyundai doesn’t offer any factory-installed options beyond AWD for the SE.
Adding the $1,295 destination fee to the SE base price brings the total to $27,745. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $499 per month. See 2023 Hyundai Tucson SE models for sale
2023 Hyundai Tucson SE includes:
Adaptive cruise control – Once you have engaged the system and set the speed, it will maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, braking and accelerating as needed. This system can bring the SUV to a complete stop and then accelerate with traffic flow.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay – These allow your smartphone to interface with your vehicle. Not only can you access the music on your phone, but you can also send messages, receive messages, make calls, and so forth through your vehicle’s media system. In the Tucson, the connection is wireless.
High-beam assist – The high beams are always on if your vehicle has this system. When photosensors or a forward-pointed camera detects oncoming headlights or taillights, the system automatically switches off the high beams. It then automatically switches them back on when no approaching vehicle lights are detected.
2023 Hyundai Tucson SEL (starting at $28,050)
Our pick for the best Tucson value, the SEL adds some serious content for the $1,600 boost in price over the SE. For instance, it gains proximity keyless entry with push-button start, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a hands-free power rear liftgate.
Other enhancements above the SE trim level are LED taillights, heated front seats, heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, and two rear USB ports. Rounding out the extra features are Hyundai Digital Key, a wireless phone charger, satellite-radio capability, and Blue Link Connected Car.
For $2,250, you may add the Convenience Package with leatherette seating, 19-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, and a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. Also included are an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more.
Adding the destination fee to the SEL base price equals $29,345. Financing for 60 months at 3% interest with no money down works out to about $527 per month. See 2023 Hyundai Tucson SEL models for sale
2023 Hyundai Tucson SEL includes:
Digital Smart Key – This system allows drivers to control certain functions of their vehicle through their smartphone, like locking and unlocking the Tucson’s doors, for example.
Blue Link Connected Car – This feature does what it sounds like it does. It keeps you connected with your Hyundai. It rolls technologies like navigation, accident first-responder notification, and so forth into one app on your smart device.
Proximity keyless entry – If the key fob is on your person, the doors automatically unlock when you approach. Push-button start comes paired with proximity keyless entry.
2023 Hyundai Tucson XRT (starting at $33,275)
Building on the SEL, the XRT makes standard the SEL Convenience Package while adding a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. The XRT also gets a navigation-based curve control for its adaptive cruise control system.
In many ways, the XRT is an appearance package designed to make the Tucson look more rugged. In addition to 19-inch black alloy wheels, other elements like the outboard mirrors, window surrounds, and unique seating surfaces are black.
Exaggerated side cladding, exclusive lower front and rear fascias, and side steps come built into the exterior. Approach lights, a tow hitch, and roof cross rails are mounted, too.
Other than AWD, Hyundai doesn’t offer any factory-installed options.
Adding the destination fee to the XRT base price totals $34,570. Financing for 60 months at 3% interest with no money down amounts to about $621 per month. See 2023 Hyundai Tucson XRT models for sale
2023 Hyundai Tucson XRT includes:
XRT appearance elements – Beefed-up side cladding, unique front and rear fascias, black window surrounds, black outboard mirrors, a tow hitch, side steps, and more provide a unique look.
Dual-zone automatic climate control – A set-and-forget system, it divides the vehicle into left and right regions. It provides separate temperature settings for each zone and automatically maintains those preset temperatures.
Curve control – Using route information from the navigation system, curve control anticipates upcoming curves, automatically slowing the vehicle if it deems the adaptive cruise control speed is set too fast.
2023 Hyundai Tucson N Line (starting at $33,325)
A sporty appearance upgrade for the SEL, the Hyundai Tucson N Line also includes the features in the SEL Convenience Package.
Hyundai gives the N Line a unique grille, front fascia, and rear fascia. It also gains 19-inch N Line alloy wheels, black outboard mirrors, an N Line rear spoiler, approach lights, and a panoramic sunroof. Other enhancements are an N Line leather-wrapped steering wheel, an N Line leather shift knob, alloy pedals, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. Curve control, red accent stitching in the cabin, and an 8-speaker Bose premium audio system are standard as well.
Although the N Line exterior upgrades provide a certain degree of sportiness to the Tucson, its driving dynamics are the same as those of the standard Tucson.
There are no factory-installed options for the N Line.
Adding the $1,295 destination fee to the N Line base price brings the total to $34,620. With 3% interest for 60 months and no money down, financing comes to a monthly payment of approximately $622. See 2023 Hyundai Tucson N Line models for sale
2023 Hyundai N Line includes:
Unique N Line appearance elements – N Line appearance enhancements include red accent stitching in the cabin and N Line wheels, grille, front fascia, and rear fascia.
Bose audio system – This premium system features eight speakers, including a subwoofer.
Panoramic sunroof – This elongated sunroof stretches over both rows of seats, providing plenty of sunlight.
2023 Hyundai Tucson Limited (starting at $35,710)
Perched at the top of the Tucson trim-level range, the Limited builds on the SEL with its Convenience Package. It’s the ultimate Tucson in comfort and features.
A panoramic sunroof, more chrome exterior accents, a skid plate, and upgraded projector LED headlights adorn the Limited. A heated steering wheel, paddle shifters, heated rear seats, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are also included.
Leather seating, an 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat, driver’s memory seat, and ventilated front seats add to the Limited’s luxury quotient. The 8-speaker Bose audio system is standard, too.
Bolstering the safety and driver-aid technologies are front/rear park assist, reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing wipers, a surround-view camera, and a blind-spot monitor.
Hyundai also equips the Tucson Limited with Remote Smart Parking Assist and Highway Driving Assist.
You guessed it, Hyundai doesn’t offer any factory-installed options.
Adding the destination fee to the Limited base price totals $37,005. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $665 per month. See 2023 Hyundai Tucson Limited models for sale
2023 Hyundai Tucson Limited includes:
Remote Smart Parking Assist – Using the Digital Key, the driver can park the vehicle in a tight spot while standing outside the vehicle.
Highway Driving Assist – Capable of steering, accelerating, and braking the Tucson without driver input in certain situations, this is a semi-autonomous driver-assistance technology.
Rain-sensing wipers – When the system senses moisture on the windshield, it automatically engages the wipers. The wiper speed adjusts according to the volume of the rain.
Article doesn’t mention remote starting from fob. Very nice as an feature on our 2023 SEL