Hyundai Tucson 2021 review
Overview
The fourth-generation Tucson went on sale in the UK in January 2021 from £28,495, and it looked like nothing else in the class. The parametric jewel grille with hidden daytime running lights gave it genuine concept-car drama, while a roomier cabin, twin 10.25-inch screens and a fully electrified engine range moved Hyundai's family SUV firmly upmarket. Trims were SE Connect, Premium and Ultimate, with N Line and a 265PS plug-in hybrid joining later in 2021.
The headline engine is the 1.6 T-GDi 230PS full hybrid (227bhp) — note that the 215PS figure you will see in some listings belongs to the later facelift, not the 2021 car. It covers 0–62mph in 8.0 seconds and claims 49.6mpg, with a six-speed torque-converter automatic and standard front-wheel drive. Petrol and mild-hybrid versions sat below it, and every Tucson got the full Hyundai SmartSense safety suite plus a 5-star Euro NCAP rating.
Practicality is a Tucson strength: the hybrid's boot holds 616 litres — among the biggest in the class — and the cabin genuinely seats five adults in comfort. Premium trim brought heated seats, Krell audio and smart cruise for just £1,700 over SE Connect, and the 5-year/unlimited-mileage transferable warranty is a serious used-buy advantage.
It is not perfect: all hybrids sit on 19-inch wheels and the ride can be unsettled on UK roads, real-world economy is nearer 40mpg than the 49.6mpg claim, and a Kia Sportage handles tidily better. But used 2021 cars now change hands for £18k–£22k, and for space, kit and warranty cover at that money the Tucson is one of the smartest buys in the used family-SUV class.
UK price from: £28,495
Specifications
| Engine | 1.6L Smartstream T-GDi turbo + 44.2kW motor (1.49kWh) |
| Power | 230 PS (227 bhp) combined |
| Torque | 350 Nm |
| 0-62 mph | 8.0 seconds (FWD) |
| Top speed | 120 mph |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic (push-button) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive (4WD option) |
| Fuel economy | 49.6 mpg combined (WLTP) |
| CO2 emissions | 127 g/km (SE Connect) |
| Boot space | 616 litres (hybrid) |
| Kerb weight | 1,564 kg (hybrid Premium) |
| Euro NCAP | 5-star (tested 2021) |
| Warranty | 5 years / unlimited mileage |
Features
- Parametric Jewel Hidden Lights — DRLs integrated into the segmented parametric grille
- Twin 10.25-inch screens (infotainment + digital cluster) standard on all trims
- Premium trim: 19-inch alloys, LED headlamps, Krell audio, heated front seats and steering wheel, smart adaptive cruise
- Ultimate trim: panoramic sunroof, head-up display, 360-degree camera, power tailgate, leather upholstery
- Hyundai SmartSense safety suite: forward collision assist, lane follow and lane keep assist, multi-collision braking
- Bluelink connected services with remote start; Digital Key smartphone access on higher trims
- N Line sporty trim added later in 2021 with dark-chrome grille and leather/suede upholstery
- 616-litre hybrid boot (largest in class) with 60/40 split rear seats
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £32.99 | Typical UK pattern-part price |
| Oil filter | £9.68 | Typical UK pattern-part price |
| Cabin pollen filter | £13.99 | Typical UK pattern-part price |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £18.47 | Typical UK pattern-part price |
| 12V battery | £89.99 | Typical UK pattern-part price |
| Engine air filter | £15.99 | Typical UK pattern-part price |
Pros
- Cavernous 616-litre boot — among the largest in the family-SUV class
- Genuinely roomy for five, with a usable middle rear seat
- Strong standard kit plus 5-year/unlimited-mileage transferable warranty
- Hybrid sweet spot: 8.0s 0–62 pace with ~50mpg claimed and low company-car tax
- Striking design, and early used prices have fallen to £18k–£22k
Cons
- Ride can be harsh — all hybrids sit on 19-inch wheels with no smaller option
- Real-world economy trails the claim: nearer 40mpg vs 49.6mpg WLTP
- Glossy black centre console shows dirt; touch-only climate panel is fiddly
- Not the driver's choice — the Kia Sportage rides and handles tidily better
