2020 Hyundai Tucson S — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV

2020 Hyundai Tucson S

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $31,068–$37,149
Fuel Economy 25 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,100/yr
The 2020 Hyundai Tucson S scores 7.9/10 at Carivo, ranking #293 of 2454 suvs and an estimated $2,100/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2020 Hyundai Tucson S

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$31,068–$37,149

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

About the 2020 Hyundai Tucson S

The 2020 Hyundai Tucson S is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.9/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.7/10, while Performance at 7.0/10 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. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.8/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. On safety, it scores 8.7/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

With 7.0/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.6/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.

Priced from $31,068–$37,149, 25 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Tucson S sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Its value score of 8.2/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2020 Hyundai Tucson S will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.

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 2020 Hyundai Tucson S ranks #293 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 88% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $31,068 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 14%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2020 Hyundai Tucson S

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$10,500 ($2,100/year at $3.50/gal)
InsuranceVaries widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying

We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.

Which Tucson S Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2017 Hyundai Tucson S scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.9 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

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 (this review) 7.9/10$31,068
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 7.5/10$25,772 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2020 Hyundai Tucson S

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • 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
  • Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing

Common Questions — 2020 Hyundai Tucson S

Is the 2020 Hyundai Tucson S reliable?

We rate the 2020 Hyundai Tucson S's reliability 7.8/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.

Is the 2020 Hyundai Tucson S worth buying?

It scores 7.9/10 overall, ranking #293 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 88% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2020 Hyundai Tucson S cost?

The 2020 Hyundai Tucson S starts at $31,068 and ranges up to $37,149 across trims (MSRP when new). At 25 MPG, expect roughly $2,100/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Which Tucson S years should you avoid?

Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Tucson S years we've rated are 2015 (7.5/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.0/10). See the full year table above before deciding.

Owner Essentials — Hyundai Tucson S

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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