carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $16,960–$22,594 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2012 Hyundai Tucson at 7.1/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.8/10, while Performance at 6.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.3/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.8/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.3/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.6/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $16,960–$22,594, 15 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Tucson sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. The 7.4/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 14 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2012 Hyundai Tucson is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in technology and performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2012 Hyundai Tucson ranks #1814 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 26% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $16,960 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 53%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the Tucson model years we've scored, the 2012 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.0/10 | $31,621 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.0/10 | $31,621 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.9/10 | $30,700 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.0/10 | $29,779 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.9/10 | $28,858 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.9/10 | $27,937 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.9/10 | $27,016 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.7/10 | $26,095 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.7/10 | $25,174 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.6/10 | $24,253 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.6/10 | $23,332 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.5/10 | $22,411 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Engine and engine cooling / Engine 05/02/2019 · 19V063000 | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage. |
|---|---|
| Air bags 13/05/2014 · 14V245000 | Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel may come loose from… |
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip / Control unit/module 22/09/2023 · 23V651000 | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Hyundai models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
