Which used Hyundai Tucson should you buy?

The third-generation version of the Hyundai Tucson was launched in 2015 and updated in 2018, before it was finally replaced by a new model at the beginning of 2021. This brought a bold new look and a notable improvement in interior quality.

A range of petrol and diesel engines were available on the Hyundai Tucson on sale from 2015 to 2020, with a mild hybrid diesel option joining the range in the summer of 2018. 

The 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine is preferable to the non-turbocharged version, but the diesel engines are better suited to the Hyundai Tucson. The 1.6-litre CRDi diesels will be fine for most people, but the 2.0-litre CRDi comes with four-wheel drive and healthy low-end muscle, making it ideal for towing.

The latest model, meanwhile, gives you a choice of standard, mild hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid 1.6-litre petrol engines. In entry-level guise, the Hyundai Tucson has a 1.6-litre petrol engine, two-wheel drive and a manual gearbox.

The latest version on sale since 2021 coincided with a significant price increase, but you can save money by looking for a nearly new or used example of either model.

Read our full Hyundai Tucson review

What used Hyundai Tucson trim levels are available?

The Hyundai Tucson comes with a wide range of trim levels. Read on for our guide to the S Connect, SE Connect, SE Nav, N Line, Premium, Premium SE and Ultimate specifications.

Hyundai Tucson S Connect

Available on the previous-generation Hyundai Tucson, the S Connect trim is a great choice if you’re buying on a budget. All S Connect models are powered by the same 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Prior to a mid-life facelift, the S Connect equivalent was the S trim, although this specification wasn’t as well equipped. S Connect highlights include:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Dual-zone climate control
• Seven-inch touchscreen media system
• Leather steering wheel
• Reversing camera
• Front foglights
• Emergency braking system
• Hill-start assist
• Lane assistance

Hyundai Tucson SE Connect

SE Connect is the entry-level version of the latest Hyundai Tucson, but it features lots of equipment that makes it feel more mid-range than base spec. There’s a good range of engines, including the standard 1.6-litre petrol, the mild hybrid and full hybrid. The hybrid is the most impressive, with a smooth transition between electric and petrol power. Key equipment includes:

• 17-inch alloy wheels (19-inch on the hybrid model)
• Roof rails
• Leather steering wheel
• Manual seat adjustment
• Driver’s seat lumbar adjustment
• 40:20:40-split folding rear seats
• Dual-zone climate control
• Rear privacy glass
• LED rear lights
• 10.3-inch touchscreen media system
• Sat-nav
• 10.3-inch digital instrument panel
• Digital radio
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Two USB ports
• Multiple airbags
• Forward collision avoidance
• Hill-start assist
• Lane assistance
• Tyre pressure monitoring

Hyundai Tucson SE Nav

SE Nav was the mid-range model and sweet spot of the old Hyundai Tucson line-up. Standard equipment included everything on the S Connect, plus the kit listed below. You’ll also find pre-facelift versions in SE and SE Nav trim. They’re a canny buy, because they add heated front seats and a cooled glovebox.

• Eight-inch touchscreen media system
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Cornering lights
• Rear parking sensors
• Rear privacy glass
• LED rear lights
• Silver skid plates

Hyundai Tucson N Line

The N Line trim was available on the old Hyundai Tucson, with styling designed to mimic Hyundai’s sporty N models. In addition to the equipment found on the SE Nav, this version features the following highlights:

• N Line cosmetic upgrades
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Keyless entry and start
• Heated front seats
• Sports suspension (T-GDi models)

Hyundai Tucson Premium / Premium SE

Available on both the old and current Hyundai Tucson, the Premium versions offer the kind of equipment you’d normally get with a more high-end machine, all for a more affordable price.

Premium is the mid-range trim on the current Hyundai Tucson, so it offers the best blend of price and equipment, as detailed below. The old Premium trim offers a similar level of kit, but look out for Premium SE models which add even more standard features. 

• Heated front seats
• LED headlights with cornering function
• Adaptive cruise control
• Heated steering wheel
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Keyless entry and start
• Upgraded Krell audio system with eight speakers
• Wireless phone charging
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Driver-assistance systems
• 19-inch alloy wheels (old Premium SE)
• Ventilated front seats (old Premium SE)
• Electric tailgate (old Premium SE)
• Electric panoramic sunroof (old Premium SE)

Hyundai Tucson Ultimate

The range-topping Hyundai Tucson Ultimate includes everything on the Premium trim, plus an array of additional equipment.

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Electrically adjustable and ventilated front seats
• Remote folding and heating for the rear seats
• Three-zone climate control
• Panoramic sunroof

Is a used Hyundai Tucson a good buy?

The Hyundai Tucson has become a popular SUV in the UK, and we can see plenty of reasons why. It follows the same blueprint as popular rivals like the Nissan Qashqai, and stablemate the Kia Sportage. It’s comfortable, spacious, practical and easy to drive.

But one thing that helps it stand out from the crowd is the five-year unlimited mileage warranty that it comes with when brand new.

Even if you go for a two-year old version and save thousands of pounds compared with a new model, you still get to make use of three years of that warranty – which is the same amount of standard cover you’d have with most new cars.

The Hyundai Tucson is also surprisingly upmarket, and built to a level of quality that should be up to the task of withstanding the rigours of family life. Add adequate seating for five, a large boot and a long list of standard equipment, and its appeal is clear.