2015 Hyundai Tucson S — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2015 Hyundai Tucson S

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $25,772–$29,908
Fuel Economy 20 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,625/yr

Key Specifications — 2015 Hyundai Tucson S

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$25,772–$29,908

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2015 Hyundai Tucson S

With an overall Carivo score of 7.5/10, the 2015 Hyundai Tucson S earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.2/10, while Performance at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.6/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.2/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 6.6/10 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 comes in at 7.3/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.

Priced from $25,772–$29,908, 20 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Tucson S sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value lands at 7.9/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 11 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Bottom line: Think of the 2015 Hyundai Tucson S as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.

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 →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2015 Hyundai Tucson S ranks #947 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 61% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $25,772 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 29%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Tucson S Year Should You Buy?

Across the Tucson S model years we've scored, the 2015 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 8.0/10$36,364 Read review →
2024 7.9/10$35,305 Read review →
2023 8.0/10$34,245 Read review →
2022 7.9/10$33,186 Read review →
2021 7.8/10$32,127 Read review →
2020 7.9/10$31,068 Read review →
2019 7.6/10$30,009 Read review →
2018 7.7/10$28,950 Read review →
2017 7.6/10$27,890 Read review →
2016 7.6/10$26,831 Read review →
2015 (this review) 7.5/10$25,772

Pros & Cons — 2015 Hyundai Tucson S

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 20 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

More Hyundai Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Hyundai models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.