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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $32,726–$43,075 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2018 Hyundai Tucson SL is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.7/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.6/10, 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. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.8/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. On safety, it scores 8.6/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
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. At 7.5/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $32,726–$43,075, 23 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Tucson SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. At 7.7/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 8 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 2018 Hyundai Tucson SL will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on performance if those matter to you; otherwise 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 →
The 2018 Hyundai Tucson SL ranks #564 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $32,726 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 9%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Hyundai Tucson SL scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.7 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.0/10 | $41,107 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.9/10 | $39,910 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.0/10 | $38,712 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.9/10 | $37,515 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.8/10 | $36,318 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.8/10 | $35,120 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $33,923 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $32,726 | |
| 2017 | 7.6/10 | $31,528 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.6/10 | $30,331 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.5/10 | $29,134 | Read review → |
We rate the 2018 Hyundai Tucson SL's reliability 7.8/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.
It scores 7.7/10 overall, ranking #564 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 77% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2018 Hyundai Tucson SL starts at $32,726 and ranges up to $43,075 across trims (MSRP when new). At 23 MPG, expect roughly $2,283/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Hyundai models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.