Introduction

The 2020 Hyundai Tucson offers great value. Its styling, although handsome, isn't exactly trendsetting, despite being recently updated to echo the rest of the Hyundai crossover lineup. Size-wise, it fits between the Kona and Santa Fe. For 2020 there are no changes. 

The base engine is 2.0-liter inline-4, while a more powerful 2.4-liter version is available. Lacking turbochargers, neither engine is particularly powerful or efficient. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available on every model. 

The ride stands out but the steering is somewhat dull. The cabin lacks intrigue but it's quiet and has good materials. 

The 2.0-liter engine gets an EPA-rated 23 mpg city, 28 highway, 25 combined with front-wheel drive and 22/25/23 mpg with all-wheel drive. The more powerful 2.4-liter engine gets basically the same, 22/28/25 mpg in front-wheel-drive and 21/26/23 mpg in AWD. 

Crash-test scores are strong, with five stars overall from the NHTSA, and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. 

Every Tucson comes with automatic emergency braking and active lane control, while all models but the SE come with blind-spot monitors. Sport and Ultimate models get pedestrian detection, while the Limited model comes with adaptive cruise control with stop and go. A surround-view camera is optional on the Limited and Ultimate. 

Lineup

The 2020 Tucson comes as SE, SEL, Sport, Ultimate, and Limited. 

For more than $24,000, standard equipment in the SE includes the 2.0-liter engine, cloth upholstery, air conditioning, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, and automatic emergency braking with active lane control. For about $1,500, the Value package adds heated front seats, satellite and HD radio, blind spot monitors, keyless ignition, and an 8-way power driver's seat. 

The SEL comes with the 2.4-liter engine, and adds automatic climate control and extra USB ports. 

The Sport model jumps to nearly $29,000, adding an 8-speaker Infinity audio system, LED headlights, wireless phone charging, and styling flourishes. 

For nearly $30,000 the Limited adds power front seats, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and classier styling elements. The Ultimate gets adaptive cruise control, cooled front seats, heated rear seats, and an upgraded 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. A surround-view camera system is optional. 

Every Tucson gets Hyundai's excellent 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty as well as 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. All-wheel drive is optional on every model for $1,400. 

Walkaround

The angular LED running lights and upright grille (new last year) work well with the Tucson's generically handsome shape. The plastic body cladding is relatively subtle. 

Interior

The cabin, finished in black and gray trim, is simple and useful, and the quality of the materials is good. There are some hard plastics, but they're inoffensive. The Limited brings leather upholstery and better trim. 

The touchscreen sits front and center, and has clear displays. It's flanked by useful buttons and knobs. The six-way adjustable front seats are comfortable and supportive, while 8-way power adjustment is available. 

In the rear, two adults will be comfortable after they've slightly reclined the back cushion. Shoulder space is limited, but knee and head room are better. 

There's 30.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, which more than doubles to 61.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. 

Driving Impression

A 2.0-liter inline-4 is standard, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, but with just 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, acceleration is average. The 2.4-liter inline-4 makes 181 hp and 175 lb-ft, but despite the increase in power, it's not much quicker than the base engine. 

A drive mode selector has a Sport mode, which stiffens the steering and makes the transmission more responsive. We'd keep it in Sport mode all the time. 

Thankfully, the Tucson does boast impressive ride quality, so with the improved steering and transmission response, this small crossover can be better on long road trips than some rivals. 

Summary

The 2020 Hyundai Tucson covers all the crossover-SUV bases with good interior space, a lot of standard features, an excellent bumper-to-bumper warranty, and good looks. Power is average, and so is fuel economy, but the 2020 Tucson's ride quality sets it apart. 

 

-by Sam Moses with driving impressions by The Car Connection.