carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $35,120–$41,995 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2020 Hyundai Tucson SL at 7.8/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. 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. We score reliability at 7.8/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 8.7/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance scores 7.0/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.7/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $35,120–$41,995, 25 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Tucson SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.0/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. 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.
Our take: The 2020 Hyundai Tucson SL is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
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 2020 Hyundai Tucson SL ranks #428 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 83% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $35,120 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Hyundai Tucson SL scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.8 — 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 (this review) | 7.8/10 | $35,120 | |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $33,923 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.7/10 | $32,726 | Read review → |
| 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 2020 Hyundai Tucson SL's reliability 7.8/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.
It scores 7.8/10 overall, ranking #428 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 83% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2020 Hyundai Tucson SL starts at $35,120 and ranges up to $41,995 across trims (MSRP when new). At 25 MPG, expect roughly $2,100/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
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.
