2015 Hyundai Tucson Performance

Reviewers are impressed with the 2015 Hyundai Tucson's easy maneuverability. They agree that the Tucson’s suspension is firmer than that of some rivals, and while some think it compromises ride comfort, others say it glides over rough roads with ease. Test drivers say the Tucson's transmission delivers fluid, timely shifts.

• "It's refreshing to hop into a Tucson and remember how fun a genuinely compact crossover can be." -- AutoTrader (2014)
• "Ride comfort is another area where the Tucson takes a backseat to the CR-V and Forester, which both offer a less jarring response to rough-road conditions." -- Kelley Blue Book (2014)

Acceleration and Power

The base 2015 Hyundai Tucson is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 164 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. A 182-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is available. Base models achieve an EPA-estimated 23/29 mpg city/highway, which is on par with the estimates of most SUVs in the class.

Reviewers complain that the base Tucson is slow, and that its engine lacks power for highway passing. They agree that the more powerful four-cylinder engine provides quicker acceleration, and a competitive amount of power. A few reviewers say the Tucson’s transmission offers quick, fluid shifts. 

• "Both 4-cylinder engines tend to be noisy, and we'd skip the base 2.0-liter 4-cylinder for the more powerful 2.4-liter engine so that there's at least competitive acceleration to go with the din. We found the Tucson's 6-speed automatic shifted smoothly and was fairly responsive to manual input." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "The smallish footprint of the Tucson seems to be paired with a similarly underpowered base engine, too. Decent performance can be had with the optional 2.4-liter engine, but there are much more inspiring options out there." -- Edmunds
• "Our only consistent complaint concerns what's under the hood, as the base 2.0-liter engine fails to provide confident passing power, even with an overhaul for 2014 that adds direct fuel injection. The 2.4-liter engine, which receives a similar overhaul this year, remains the pick of the litter." -- AutoTrader (2014)

Handling and Braking

With its compact size and tight turning radius, automotive journalists say the Tucson offers the easy maneuverability of a small car. Reviewers mention that the Tucson’s ride is a bit more firm than that of some rivals. Some say the firm ride compromises ride comfort, while others think it still remains comfortable over most road imperfections. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available.

• "On the highway, the Tucson rides quietly and comfortably. With its low-effort steering, the Tucson also navigates the concrete jungle and as nimbly as a compact hatchback car, and it remains composed around sharp turns, too. The Tucson's diminutive dimensions help it achieve a tidy turning circle, and in general, the Tucson gives you the comfort of a bigger crossover without feeling as large." -- Edmunds
• "The 2015 Tucson offers surprisingly responsive handling, with its firm suspension making it fun to drive on all kinds of roads, although some might find it too firm for day-to-day driving. The small size also makes it easy to maneuver in tight parking lots or in city traffic, although you'll want to double-check those huge blind spots before changing lanes." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "With its 103.9-in wheelbase and 173.2-in overall length, the Tucson is actually smaller than the compact Elantra sedan, so it's no wonder that this thing drives like a hatchback on its tiptoes. The Tucson does ride rather firmly, but we're not offended. Impact harshness rarely registers, and the payoff is that this little crossover can actually dance in the curves." -- AutoTrader (2014)