How Long Do Hyundai Tucson Last? (Solved & Explained)

The Hyundai Tucson is a two row, five-seater compact SUV that has consistently been one of the best-selling SUVs in America.

The Tucson is great for modern-day adventure seekers and comes equipped with a wide range of modern safety and tech features.

If your looking to buy one then you might be wondering how long it lasts as part of your pre-purchase research.

In this article we’ll take a close look at the average lifespan of the Tucson….

Here is the Short Answer to How Long Hyundai Tucson Last:

The Hyundai Tucson is a robust SUV that can last up to 200,000 miles when well looked after, regularly maintained and driven conservatively. Based on an annual mileage of 15,000 miles you can expect a Tucson to last 13.5 years before breaking down or needing expensive repairs.

How Many Miles Can You Expect from a Hyundai Tucson?

The Hyundai Tucson has a fairly standard life expectancy, although it will outlive some of its rivals it’s not as durable as other SUVs in its class – however, we would expect most Tucsons to reach the 200k mark before encountering serious issues.

It would not be unusual for a Tucson to surpass these mileages however, a conservative, realistic estimate would certainly fall in this range – Hyundai aren’t renowned for vehicles that go on forever however they have a very respectable longevity.

There are numerous reports of owners surpassing 100,000 miles and many approaching the 200,000 milestone, however reports of reaching 300k are almost few and far between.

The lifespan of this SUV, and any vehicle for that matter is largely dependent on how well its looked after and the driving style it’s subject to.

To get the most life out of your Tucson we’d advise adopting smooth driving habits to reduce wear and tear on components and to stay up to date with factory scheduled maintenance intervals.

As a general rule of thumb – the more stress a vehicles engine is subject to, the greater the chance it will break down or require repairs.

With this in mind, we advise sticking to towing limits (1,500 – 2,000 lb depending on trim) and not hauling above the vehicle’s weight capacity which is around the 900lb mark.

Learning basic car maintenance can also play a significant role in boosting longevity, such as:

• Changing air filters
• Topping up coolant levels
• Regular oil changes
• Ensuring tires are kept at the correct pressure

Please also read our article Hyundai Tucson in snow & winter driving

How Soon Should You Expect Rust on a Hyundai Tucson?

The most recent Tucson models, think 2018 onward, have received very few rust-related complaints.

This was much more of an issue in the past however it seems as though Hyundai have got there act together on this one.

You may expect some degree of rust on the Tucson within 7 years or so. The most vulnerable parts are located on the undercarriage and the engine bay.

This will vary greatly depending on where you live and the how well you look after and rust-proof your Tucson.

For people living in the ‘Rust Belt’ vehicles will undoubtedly rust sooner due to the road salt that helps accelerates corrosion.

Similarly, those living by the coast will be affected by the salt content of the air thereby causing rust to onset faster, the same applies to those living in high humidity regions due to the added moisture in the air.

To help keep rust at bay we advise:

• Keeping your Tucson stored in a garage out of the elements
• Regular car washes especially after coming into contact with salt and
• Invest in a quality rustpoofing treatment – especially if you live in a higher risk area

Starting from model year 2005, all Hyundai vehicles come with a 7-year anti-perforation warranty, which covers rust and corrosion that has penetrated through the vehicle.

Related: 8 Most Common Problems With Hyundai Tucson (Solved)

How Long Do Hyundai Tucson Last Compared to Similar Models?

Below, we look at how the Hyundai Tucson compares against its main competitors.

Hyundai Tucson vs. Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V has good cabin space, comfortable seating, and offers stylish trim options.

Whilst the Hyundai Tucson has a unique exterior design, taller cabin height, and a better-looking interior. 

The Honda CR-V can last up to 50% longer than the Hyundai Tucson, at about 300,000 miles (or 20 years, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year).

You may also be interested in our article: 11 Honda CR-V facts and statistics

Hyundai Tucson vs. Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester has a premium interior finish, good safety features, and a unique appearance. 

On the other hand, the Hyundai Tucson is bigger, comfier, and more reliable according to reviews from reputable automotive sites. 

The Subaru Forester edges the Hyundai Tucson in terms of average lifespan. Compared to the Tucson’s 200,000-mile lifespan, the Forester can last up to 250,000 miles (or almost 17, years based on 15,000 miles driven annually).

Please also read our article: how long do Subaru Forester last?

Hyundai Tucson vs. Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is well-rounded, has multiple engine options (hybrid option included), and has better fuel economy.

On the other hand, the Hyundai Tucson has more competitive pricing, high safety and reliability scores, and good warranty terms.

The Ford Escape has a slight advantage over the Tucson in terms of longevity. The Ford Escape can manage up to 250,000 miles (or almost 17 years, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year), while the Tucson can typically last only up to 200,000 miles (or 13 years, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year).

Below are additional comparisons:

How Reliable is a Hyundai Tucson?

Despite some poor reviews for older models – the Hyundai Tucson has received solid reliability ratings in recent years and it’s safe to say they are a good choice when looking for a reliable vehicle.

So much so that J.D Power awarded the 2018 Tucson a ‘Quality Award’ due to how few problems were reported by owners within the first 100 days of ownership and in 2021 they ranked it in 4th place out of all SUVs in terms of consumer ratings.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson scored a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating from RepairPal, ranking it in the 5^th spot out of a total of 26 compact SUVs.

J.D. Power gave a quality and reliability rating of “great” (88 out of 100) to both the 2020 and 2021 Tucson models.

Reliability Compared to Other SUVs

The Best and Worst Years for the Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson has generally received a low number of complaints per year, albeit with some exceptions.

According to the figures provided by J.D. Power and carcomplaints.com, the best Hyundai Tucson is the 2021 Tucson while the worst is the 2016 Tucson.

Although both the 2020 Tucson and the 2021 Tucson received the same positive reviews and overall score in the J.D. Power consumer survey (83 out of 100), we decided to go with the 2021 Tucson as the best version so far.

Aside from an all-new exterior design, the 2021 Tucson has a taller cabin height and more legroom all-round due to its longer wheelbase.

Honorable mentions go to the 2018 model year which received awards for its reliability and received few complaints.

Based on the records of carcomplaints.com, the 2016 Tucson recorded 217 complaints, which is the most number of complaints received (the second being the 2017 Tucson with 99 complaints).

The primary cause for complaints about the 2016 Tucson was transmission problems, specifically the lack or absence of acceleration from an idle or stopped position.

Related: 8 Best & Worst Hyundai Tucson Years (With Pictures) 

What About Recalls for the Hyundai Tucson?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database, the Hyundai Tucson has been recalled a total of 23 times since 2010.

A recall is issued when a manufacturer or the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) deems that a vehicle or one or more of its components creates an unreasonable safety risk or does not meet minimum safety requirements – recall related problems are fixed free of charge.

To find out if your Tucson has been subject to a recall, you can use the search portal on the Hyundai website, by simply entering your vehicle VIN number.

Here are the total number of recall campaigns per year for the Hyundai Tucson for the past decade:

Hyundai Tucson Model Year List

Below is a list of Hyundai Tucson models according to model years in North America:

First Generation

• 2005 Hyundai Tucson
• 2006 Hyundai Tucson
• 2007 Hyundai Tucson
• 2008 Hyundai Tucson
• 2009 Hyundai Tucson

Second Generation

• 2010 Hyundai Tucson
• 2011 Hyundai Tucson
• 2012 Hyundai Tucson
• 2013 Hyundai Tucson
• 2014 Hyundai Tucson
• 2015 Hyundai Tucson

Third Generation

• 2016 Hyundai Tucson
• 2017 Hyundai Tucson
• 2018 Hyundai Tucson
• 2019 Hyundai Tucson
• 2020 Hyundai Tucson
• 2021 Hyundai Tucson

Fourth Generation

• 2022 Hyundai Tucson

You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Hyundai Kona Last?

Are Hyundai Tucson Expensive to Maintain?

The average total annual repair cost of the Hyundai Tucson is $426 (or approximately $36 per month).

Based on information gathered from RepairPal, the Tucson’s annual average maintenance and repair cost is significantly lower than the average for compact SUVs ($521 or roughly $43 per month). 

This means that you can save up to $95 per year on standard maintenance procedures for your vehicle.

How Long Do the Brakes of Hyundai Tucson Last?

The brakes of modern-day Hyundai Tucson models can last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, but this depends on driving habits.

This lifespan is an estimate and can be affected by your driving style and traffic conditions in your area.

How Long Do the Tires of Hyundai Tucson Last?

Most tires of the latest Hyundai models, including the tires of the Hyundai Tucson, can last up to 50,000 miles or over 3 years (based on 15,000 miles of driving per year), but this can depend on the type of tires equipped.

If your Tucson is fitted with sportier, high-performance tires, expect better control and performance but at the cost of a shorter lifespan and heftier price tag.

Related: How Long Do Hyundai Tucson Tires Last? (With Examples)

How Long Do the Transmissions of Hyundai Tucson Last?

Most modern-day automatic transmissions, including the transmission used by the Hyundai Tucson, are capable of lasting up to 200,000 miles or a little over 13 years (based on 15,000 miles of driving annually).

If you find any issues with your Tucson’s transmission such as difficulty in changing gears, loud noises when shifting, or a fluid leak, immediately have it checked at an authorized service center as this not only affects performance but also poses a safety risk.

How Long do the Spark Plugs of the Hyundai Tucson Last?

You can expect the stock spark plugs of Hyundai Tucson models to last up to an average of 105,000 miles or 7 years (based on 15,000 miles of driving per year). 

The Hyundai Tucson’s spark plugs are made of Iridium, the most durable and long-lasting type of spark plug today, which typically lasts between 60,000 and 150,000 miles.

What About Insurance Cost of the Hyundai Tucson?

The average insurance coverage for the Hyundai Tucson is $1,294 per year or $108 every month.

If you have a clean history of driving, expertinsurancereviews.com estimates that you can save up to $534 a year by utilizing insurance policy discounts.

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Hyundai Tucson

There are several guides online that can teach you how to prolong the life of your Tucson. Here are a few of the most important tips:

• Drive smoothly – this includes acceleration and braking – This will reduce wear and tear on components.
• Keep up to date with factory scheduled maintenance – intervals can be found in your owner’s manual.
• Keep fluids topped up and check fluid levels regularly – This includes oil, radiator fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, A/C coolant, windshield washer fluid.
• Check your tire pressures at regular intervals – low pressure is dangerous and lowers gas mileage
• Check engine oil every two weeks – Oil is important for lubricating parts and prevents them from wearing out to quickly
• Store in a garage, out of the elements – Reduces exposure to moisture and thus limits rust

Resources

1. https://carsalesbase.com/us-hyundai-tucson/
2. https://repairpal.com/reliability/hyundai/tucson
3. https://www.cars.com/research/hyundai-tucson-2010/recalls/ 
4. https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2020/hyundai/tucson/se-awd 
5. https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2021/hyundai/tucson 
6. https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2016/hyundai/tucson 
7. https://www.motorbiscuit.com/will-the-2021-hyundai-tucson-be-a-better-suv/ 
8. https://repairpal.com/reliability/hyundai/tucson 
9. https://repairpal.com/reliability/honda/cr-v 
10. https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/tucson
11. https://www.motorbiscuit.com/how-reliable-is-the-hyundai-tucson/ 
12. https://www.motorbiscuit.com/you-need-to-avoid-the-hyundai-tuscon/
13. https://www.carproblemzoo.com/hyundai/tucson/frame-rust-problems.php 
14. https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/tucson