DecodedCars2021 Hyundai Tucson
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 161–181 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 23 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 176.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,439–3,602 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 176 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,602 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (23 city / 28 highway), 5% worse than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Tucson — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Tucson →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Ulsan, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Tucson configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 176.4 in | 72.8 in | 65 in | 105.1 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,602 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 176.4 in | 72.8 in | 65 in | 105.1 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,439 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 28 / 25 | -5% | $2,700 | 361 |
| Tucson FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 25 | -5% | $2,700 | 363 |
| Tucson AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 25 / 23 | -4% | $2,900 | 385 |
| Tucson AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | -4% | $2,900 | 387 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.2% |
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson (this car) | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-5 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Kia Seltos | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 4, 2020 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 20V543000 · 652,024 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the recall population, and added certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. Recall repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.
Not every 2021 Hyundai Tucson is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Hyundai Tucson buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 39 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 12 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 9 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 28,944 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Tucson years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 6 | 99 |
| 2025 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 450 |
| 2024 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 152 |
| 2023 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 182 |
| 2022 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 506 |
| 2020 Tucson | 25 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 179 |
| 2019 Tucson | 26 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 385 |
| 2018 Tucson | 27 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 399 |
| 2017 Tucson | 28 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 1,094 |
| 2016 Tucson | 28 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 1,626 |
| 2015 Tucson | 25 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 229 |
| 2014 Tucson | 25 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 195 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →