But it is important to ensure there are no major flaws in the crossover design and reliability.
This refers to the third generation Hyundai Tucson, produced from 2015 to 2021 with a mid year update in 2018, a model period well known for balancing practicality and value in the compact crossover segment.
An expert from Za Rulem, the oldest authoritative automotive publication in Russia, discussed engine choices that tend to perform best in the secondary market for this crossover, with emphasis on long-term ownership considerations and expected maintenance needs.
Controversial engine options
Diesel variants often appear attractive for a used Tucson due to perceived longevity. However, the 2.0-liter diesel engine producing 185 hp shows notable sensitivity to fuel quality and oil condition, and it demands careful, regular maintenance to reach higher mileage without issues. A 400 thousand kilometer life might be possible, but only with stringent care and consistent service intervals.
The 1.6-liter diesel engine (D4FD, 136 hp) also presents concerns, particularly regarding lubrication practices and the pairing with a single automated manual transmission. This combination has given some owners pause over reliability and smoothness in daily driving.
The 1.6 turbo petrol engine (G4FJ, 177 hp) shares similar worries, adding a weak timing chain risk to the list of potential maintenance considerations for the long-term ownership scenario.
Remaining engine options
Two petrol engines remain the more common choices in the Tucson lineup for many markets, with displacements at 2.0 and 2.4 liters. The widely used 2.0-liter G4NA unit, rated around 150 hp, has shown some cylinder-wall wear in early batches. This issue has been traced to a combination of fuel grade, engine temperature, and oil level at startup. An upgrade in 2017 introduced additional oil jets to address the wear pattern, which improved long-term durability. The 2.4-liter engine shares a similar history in terms of wear mitigation and requires attentive maintenance practices to reach higher mileages. In both cases, owners who adhere to recommended fuel grades, service schedules, and engine care can expect substantial longevity, often exceeding 300,000 kilometers when proper care is maintained and no shortcuts are taken with maintenance or quality fuels.
Read about other weaknesses of the popular Hyundai Tucson crossover in the March issue of the magazine Behind the Wheel — currently on sale.
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The discussion above reflects insights from the article Hyundai Tucson III: 2015-2021, originally published in Za Rulem in 2023, and synthesized for used-car buyers and enthusiasts.
Attribution: Za Rulem 2023.