2017 Hyundai Tucson
The 2017 Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV that offers a compelling blend of style, practicality, and value, making it a strong contender in a competitive segment. It strikes a balance between everyday usability and a surprisingly refined driving experience, catering to a wide range of buyers looking for a versatile and reliable vehicle.
Highlights
- Engine Options: The 2017 Tucson offers two capable and efficient engine choices:
- 2.0L Naturally Aspirated Four-Cylinder: This engine provides 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It's a solid choice for daily commuting and general use, prioritizing fuel economy.
- 1.6L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder: This more potent engine delivers 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, also connected to a 7-speed EcoShift Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT). The turbocharged option offers a more engaging driving experience with quicker acceleration and a slightly sportier feel.
- Advanced Safety Features: Hyundai equipped the 2017 Tucson with a suite of available advanced safety technologies designed to enhance driver awareness and prevent accidents:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Utilizes sensors to detect potential frontal collisions and can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid an impact.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without an activated turn signal.
- Blind Spot Detection (BSD): Monitors the vehicle's blind spots and alerts the driver with visual cues in the side mirrors if a vehicle is detected.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): Detects approaching vehicles from the sides when reversing out of a parking spot and provides an audible and visual warning.
- Backup Camera: Standard on all trims, providing a clear view of the area behind the vehicle when in reverse.
- Trim Levels: The 2017 Tucson was available in four distinct trim levels, each offering a progressively richer feature set:
- SE: The base model provides essential features for comfortable and safe driving, including a 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a backup camera.
- SE Plus: Builds upon the SE with enhancements like a larger 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and upgraded audio system.
- Sport: Adds a sporty flair with unique exterior styling cues, 19-inch alloy wheels, and the more powerful 1.6L turbocharged engine.
- Limited: The top-tier trim offers premium amenities such as leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and all the advanced safety features.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Stylish Exterior Design: The Tucson boasts a modern and attractive exterior design with Hyundai's signature hexagonal grille and sleek body lines.
- Spacious and Comfortable Interior: The cabin offers a good amount of passenger space for its class, with comfortable seating and a user-friendly layout.
- Smooth Ride Quality: The suspension is well-tuned to absorb road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride for daily commuting and longer journeys.
- Excellent Value Proposition: The Tucson generally offers a strong feature-to-price ratio, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Hyundai Tucson is typically a straightforward and pleasant experience. For maintenance, routine oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks will be the most common requirements. Hyundai vehicles are generally known for their reliability, and the Tucson is no exception. Following the recommended maintenance schedule in the owner's manual will help ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Parts are readily available and generally reasonably priced.
Insurance costs for the 2017 Tucson will vary depending on factors such as your driving record, location, age, and chosen coverage levels. However, as a compact SUV with a good safety record, it generally falls into a moderate insurance cost bracket. It's always advisable to get quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best rates.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 Hyundai Tucson is a well-rounded vehicle, there are a few potential considerations for buyers to be aware of:
- Turbocharged Engine Lag: Some drivers may notice a slight delay in acceleration from a standstill with the 1.6L turbocharged engine, a characteristic common to some turbocharged powerplants before the turbo spools up.
- Road Noise: While the ride is generally comfortable, some reviewers and owners have noted that road noise can be more pronounced at highway speeds compared to some premium competitors.
- DCT Transmission Behavior: The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission can sometimes exhibit a bit of hesitation or a less smooth engagement at low speeds in certain driving conditions.
- Limited Base Engine Power: The 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, while adequate for daily driving, can feel a bit underpowered when fully loaded or when attempting quick overtakes.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Hyundai Tucson stands out as a competent and stylish compact SUV that delivers on its promises of practicality, comfort, and value. With a choice of efficient engines, a well-equipped interior, and a suite of available advanced safety features, it offers a well-rounded ownership experience. While there are minor considerations regarding the turbocharged engine's lag and potential road noise, these are often outweighed by the Tucson's overall strengths and its strong appeal to families and individuals seeking a reliable and versatile daily driver.