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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Hyundai Tucson

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Overview

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2013 Hyundai Tucson Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.2

Hyundai's 2013 Tucson compact crossover competes with such well-established names as the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. To play in this league, Hyundai equips the Tucson with numerous options including front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), a choice of two engines and two transmissions and a healthy dose of standard equipment and styling bound to catch the youthful eye. The 2013 Tucson's value story doesn't end with its window sticker, however. Last year, the Tucson landed the #2 spot on Kelley Blue Book's list of best resale value in the compact SUV category. Still, with the launch of the new Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape, dealers may have to work a little harder this year to keep sales on track.

You'll Like This Car If...

In a field of boxy and sometimes bland crossovers, the 2013 Hyundai Tucson's edgy styling is a welcome sight. Hyundai loads the Tucson with standard features, yet keeps the price well below similarly equipped competitors. It even comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Some may find the Tucson's dramatic styling a bit wild. The small rear windows and low roof diminish rearward views out and cargo capacity, and there is no third-row seat option. Oddly, the Tucson does not offer Hyundai's Blue-Link infotainment system, a big negative for the tech savvy buyer.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.2
Driving Dynamics

5.7
Comfort & Convenience

6.3
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.9
Value

7.7
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#9

out of 10

MPG

#6

out of 10

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.0 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

2013 Hyundai Tucson Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

The 2013 Hyundai Tucson adds more standard equipment, with the GLS gaining foglights, automatic headlight control and heated front seats. The Limited trim picks up a proximity-key entry system with push-button start.

Driving the Tucson

2013 Hyundai Tucson Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Driving the 2013 Hyundai Tucson instills the driver with a sense of confidence via its responsive handling and stable ride; the Tucson's maneuverability in parking lots and tight spaces is...

also a big plus. Acceleration from the 170-hp, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is on par with the RAV4s, Escapes and Chevy Equinoxes in its class. The responsive 6-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, but the engine could be quieter at high revs, becoming annoyingly loud when accelerating to freeway speeds or when passing other vehicles. The Tucson's adept handling comes at the expense of ride comfort, with the tires seemingly transmitting every bump and road blemish into the passenger cabin. Due to the Tucson's sloping roofline and small rear windows, rear outward vision is hampered causing us to advise extra caution when changing lanes.

Favorite Features

VALUE FOR THE MONEY
Hyundai continues its "value-pricing" philosophy with the 2013 Hyundai Tucson, offering well-equipped vehicles for less money than the competition, as well as an ability to maintain its value over time.

EXPRESSIVE DESIGN
The 2013 Tucson's sculpted exterior shape still looks fresh after three years on the market and stands out among the crowd.

2013 Hyundai Tucson Details

2013 Hyundai Tucson Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Five passengers will find convenient access to the Tucson with its wide doors and low floor height. The dashboard and interior panels, although mainly hard plastic, are nicely textured. The controls are within easy reach, feel substantial – the beveled window switches are especially nice – and operate smoothly. Drivers will appreciate the nicely shaped (and almost supportive) 6-way adjustable seat. Second-row passengers may feel a bit claustrophobic due to the low seat cushion height, sloping roof, and high beltline. The 60/40-split seatbacks do not recline and may be too erect for some passengers.

Exterior

What distinguishes the 2013 Hyundai Tucson from the competition is its European sculpted styling. Although the Tucson is a utility vehicle, its shape is not boxy, but rather fresh and athletic. Up front, the Hyundai SUV sports a sculpted hood, aggressive 2-tier grille and wraparound headlights. From the side, the vehicle's aerodynamic shape includes a steeply raked windshield and sloping roofline with rear spoiler. On GLS and Limited models, the silver roof rails do double duty: They help accentuate the flowing lines of the vehicle and also carry cargo.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

All Hyundai Tucsons for 2013 come well-equipped and include air conditioning, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, three 12-volt outlets for all your electronics, and iPod/USB and MP3 auxiliary input jacks. Moving up to the GLS adds 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, heated mirrors, cruise control, automatic headlights, foglights, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and Bluetooth. The top-of-the-line Limited brings 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seating, power 8-way driver seat with power lumbar support and automatic dual temperature controls. All Tucsons have a safety/security roster that includes downhill brake control and hill-start assist.

Optional Equipment

Few options are available as all Hyundai Tucsons come generously equipped. An automatic transmission is $1,000 on the base GL trim. All-wheel drive is an option on the GLS and Limited models, providing extra security on wet roads. The Tucson SUV, however, is not meant for serious off-roading. The Premium Package on the high-line Limited includes a panoramic sunroof, navigation system, rearview camera, and premium audio system for the driver who wants it all.

Under the Hood

The 2013 Hyundai Tucson offers two 4-cylinder engine choices: a 165-hp 2.0-liter in the base GL and a 2.4-liter on the mid-level GLS and top-level Limited models that produces 176 horsepower for ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) states and 170 horsepower for partial zero-emissions vehicle (PZEV) states. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the GL, while a 6-speed automatic is standard on the GLS and Limited. Drivers can opt for all-wheel drive on the Tucson GLS or Limited.

2.0-liter inline-4
165 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
146 lb-ft of torque @ 4,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/26 mpg (manual), 22/29 mpg (automatic)

2.4-liter inline-4
ULEV:
176 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
168 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
PZEV:
170 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
163 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg (FWD), 20/27 mpg (AWD)

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Hyundai Tucson has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just over $20,000 for the entry-level GL and topping out at around $30,500 for the high-level Limited with all-wheel drive and the Premium Package. Similarly equipped competitors such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 not only cost more than the Tucson, but they do not have Hyundai's longer warranties. The Tucson excels in the area of resale, beating out historical favorites like the Forester and RAV4. A look at the Fair Purchase Price on kbb.com shows what others are paying for the 2013 Hyundai Tucson in your area, so be sure to check it out before you buy.

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2013 Hyundai Tucson Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.0

Out of 10

Based on 78 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.5/10

Quality

8.3/10
Reliability

8.7/10

Performance

8.0/10
Comfort

8.3/10

Styling

8.6/10

Love my Hyundai

By gachpe (FL) on Friday, July 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "affortable price, stylish and fun to drive"

Cons: "noise level"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I was a Jeep owner for over 20 years and decided to downsize for better gas mileage. Test drove a few smaller suv's and crossovers, and when I test drove the Tuscon, I immediately knew it was going to be my next vehichle. Great value for the price, along with both stylish exterior and user friendly interior. The ride is pretty smooth and it can get out of its own way if the need arises. The few complaints I have are minor...interior noise level is a little high, the Bluetooth feature is not reliable even after dealer fixed it, and the small anchors for the floormats keep coming off. Overall I love it and would absolutely recommend this vehichle."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Don't want to get rid of this car

By Fishy (DE) on Thursday, July 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "excellent value"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Have had this auto for three years, routine maintenance, gas mileage 26 in town and 30-31 on the road. I wish I thought the new models were as good"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Good car it works very well for standard use

By Edsel (FL) on Wednesday, May 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,400

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "Manoeuvring and gas"

Cons: "Space and comfort"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I am really pleased with this car. Previously I had a Ford Escape and the difference between this two cars it's huge, the Tucson have a lot more capability of manoeuvring. The Escape has more space and it's more comfortable but the Tucson is OK."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Best vehicle ever owned

By Lok (ND) on Saturday, April 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great fun driving and sitting"

Cons: "Little noisy on highway !"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I own 2013 Hyundai Tucson over a year, and it's just excellent vehicle I had ever owned. It's just amazing to drive . Compared with it's rival it is very competitive. Anyway much cheaper then any others. It does definitely make little noise while on highway drive but feels like 4 wheeler while driving. But when I start the cars I has my friends often asked me, is your car started yet ? So on city driving it doesn't make much noise. And it does gives excellent gas mileage ."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Very disappointing, never again

By not happy owner (NC) on Tuesday, March 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,450

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great warranty, looks good"

Cons: "Noisy, poor workmanship."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"Have had on-going problem with lack of acceleration response when pushing gas pedal. Problem is difficult to duplicate. Dealership has made several attempts but not able to duplicate this problem. This is a SAFETY issue! Also road/wind noise very noticeable. Hyundai has tested and says it is within allowable limits. I think it is very poor. Not happy with this vehicle and have not had any real satisfaction from Hyundai corporate."

12 people out of 14 found this review helpful

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Great cross over

By curlyw (NM) on Wednesday, February 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 105

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Very responsive handeling, fun"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I traded my Uplander for this . Basically downsizing. Funny thing was the Tucson has more cargo space. Some say the ride is a little rough, but if you ever drove or own the Sonata you will find the handling characteristics the same.I own the GLS model Tucson and when thinking of the smaller rear window still gives you plenty reward vision. For passing you have great view on the sides with the side windows placement. Now for the rear seating I had a fairly big fellow in the back seat and without adjust the front seat he was very comfortable with plenty of leg room. yes the 4 cylinder motor is a bit noisy, but that is par for most 4 bangers. Over all the style,looks and handling is great on this vehicle."

17 people out of 18 found this review helpful

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See all 78 reviews