The Tucson is fundamentally a pleasant, well rounded small SUV but originally, neither powertrain did it justice, until spring 2018.
Three powertrains are available: a lackluster 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic transmission; a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic; and a conventional 2.4-liter four-cylinder.
In terms of engine performance, the 2.0-liter is saddled with a poky 11-second 0-to-60 mph time as well as an underwhelming 24 mpg overall that's matched by other, quicker competitors. Shifting is not particularly smooth and the engine can get buzzy often.