Hyundai’s compact Tucson SUV boasts solid dependability despite being a budget model. While reaching 200,000 miles is possible with faithful maintenance, the reality is that the SUV’s longevity is closer to 150,000 miles or 13 to 15 years.
Key Points
- Most Hyundai Tucson years feature the same 2.0L and 2.4L engine offers. In general, these have been quite dependable when serviced.
- A Hyundai Tucson is likely to reach 150,000 miles. However, some years have costly powertrain problems that may retire them early.
- Look out for models from 2012 to 2014, which have 2.4L engines that are prone to failure. The problem tends to show at around 90,000 miles.
- Hyundai debuted the fourth-gen. Tucson for 2022 with all-new powertrain options. More time is needed to know the SUV’s longevity potential.
- For a budget vehicle, the Hyundai Tucson is a solid SUV. However, don’t expect one to last more than 200,000 miles without an investment.
How Long will a Hyundai Tucson Last? Owners Often Report 200,000 Miles or about 13 to 15 Years on Average
The Hyundai Tucson is the Korean automaker’s first entrant into the compact SUV segment. Debuting in 2005, the model has since built a name for being affordable and offering great overall value and dependability.
So, how long will a Hyundai Tucson last? Owner reviews and feedback on Vehicle History indicate the average life expectancy of a modern Tucson to be around 200,000 miles or 13 to 15 years, driving approximately 12,000 miles annually.
Of course, surpassing the 200,000-mile mark is not uncommon either.
“My Tucson 2.4L from 2013 has already passed 250,000 miles,” reports one owner on Vehicle History, “and it’s still on the expressway at 85 mph.”
Another owner of a 2015 Hyundai Tucson mentions hitting 463,000 miles after faithfully maintaining the SUV with moderate annual servicing, including changing the oil every 5,000 miles.
Discussions on popular enthusiast sites like Hyundai Forums seem to overwhelmingly support the 200,000-mile mark of longevity. In a recent thread from 2020, many owners of Tucsons from the model year 2010 onward mention seeing from 180,000 to over 200,000 on their odometers.
The original thread starter hit 200,000 miles on his 2012 Hyundai Tucson GLS AWD SUV in 2021, and the “majority are freeway miles.”
He says the “engine failed from rod bearing failure at 145k miles…[and was] replaced with a used 60k motor pulled from a wrecked Tucson. …I plan to keep the car to see how much the engine goes for this time (currently at 100k+).”
Maintenance is Key to the Tucson’s Longevity and Making it Last More than 200,000 Miles
How do you tell when a vehicle has reached the end of its lifespan? Using the same logic as an auto insurance company, the SUV has likely reached its peak performance when the cost of keeping it running exceeds roughly 75 percent of its value.
Consider a 2010 Hyundai Tucson with over 120,000 miles. With a starting Kelley Blue Book price of around $6,700, and an engine replacement costing at least $4,000, you might consider retiring the vehicle.
While a lot of it ultimately comes down to luck, routine maintenance is significant to a Hyundai Tucson’s longevity.
A Hyundai Tucson owner mentioned in a Vehicle History comment that they were able to reach over 218,000 miles so far on their 2009 Tucson due to “regular oil changes, routine maintenance, [and changing the] belts at 150,000 miles.”
With powertrain repairs being the costliest, protecting the SUV’s components is crucial. Services like regular oil changes and flushing the transmission fluid every 50,000 miles increase the odds of a Tucson SUV lasting 200,000 miles or more.
A full-service schedule, including when to change the brake pads, spark plugs, and more, can be found on Hyundai’s official VIN-search page.
Still, before buying a used Hyundai Tucson, always have a trusted mechanic inspect it for signs it’s been properly maintained.
Most Hyundai Tucson Years are Reliable, but Models from 2012 to 2014 with the 2.4L Motor May Need a New Engine
First-generation Tucson models (2005-2009) are simplistic and reliable. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s reports show minimal complaints made against any first-gen. model’s powertrain.
Hyundai switched from a four-speed automatic transmission to a six-speed for the SUV’s second generation. This new unit had a few early failure reports but wasn’t too problematic.
The Hyundai Tucson’s worst years, and those least likely to last, ran from 2012 to 2014, specifically with the 2.4L engine. These models are very likely to experience engine failure.
Dozens of owners mention hearing odd sounds from under the hood, followed by an immediate loss of power. When inspected, techs typically find the engine seized and no longer operable. Reports show the problem tends to show around 90,000 miles.
The third-generation Hyundai Tucson arrived for the 2016 model year. Engine complaints mostly mention hesitation or a lack of throttle response, but failure reports are limited.
A 2018 refresh left Tucson models from 2019 to 2021 with significantly fewer problems overall. Find out more about the problems and recalls affecting the Hyundai Tucson SUV in our previous article.
Fourth-generation Hyundai Tucson Debuts for 2022 with First New Engines in Over a Decade, but Reliability is Still in Question
The Hyundai Tucson has had the same engine options since the 2009 model. However, in 2022, the 2.0L and 2.4L engines were replaced by a 2.5L four-cylinder and a 1.6L hybrid powertrain. Also, transmission options now include either six- or eight-speed automatics.
Initial reviews of the compact SUV look to be stellar overall, but many claim the new powertrain options are dull and unrefined.
How long a 2022 Hyundai Tucson will last is still up for question. But, if the latest model is anything like earlier incarnations, 150,000 to 200,000 miles should be easily achievable.
How Long will a Hyundai Tucson Really Last? Though 200,000 is Possible, 150,000 is More Likely
Most Tucson model years are good for at least 150,000 miles when serviced regularly. However, before buying any used Hyundai Tucson, always have a tech inspect it for signs of proper maintenance.
If a unit hasn’t had its motor oil routinely changed, or the tranny fluid has never been flushed, its internals will reflect the oversights.
Be extremely cautious of Tucson units from 2012 to 2014 with the 2.4L engine. These have dozens of reports of engine failure at an average of just 90,000 miles, with owners spending over $4,000 to replace the faulty motor.
Yes, a Hyundai Tucson can last 200,000 miles, but that last 50,000 might not be worth the shop bills.
Photos: Hyundai
