2023 Hyundai Tucson SL — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2023 Hyundai Tucson SL

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $38,712–$46,690
Fuel Economy 28 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $1,875/yr

Key Specifications — 2023 Hyundai Tucson SL

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$38,712–$46,690

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

About the 2023 Hyundai Tucson SL

Our scoring places the 2023 Hyundai Tucson SL at 8.0/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.6/10, while Performance at 7.1/10 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 8.2/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 8.6/10 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 7.1/10 — 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 7.8/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.

Priced from $38,712–$46,690, 28 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Tucson SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.2/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Our take: The 2023 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 →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson SL ranks #180 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 93% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.6 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $38,712 starting price is about 7% above 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 →

Which Tucson SL Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2020 Hyundai Tucson SL scores 7.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 8.0 — 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.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 8.0/10$41,107 Read review →
2024 7.9/10$39,910 Read review →
2023 (this review) 8.0/10$38,712
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 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 →

Pros & Cons — 2023 Hyundai Tucson SL

✓ 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 — 2023 Hyundai Tucson SL

Is the 2023 Hyundai Tucson SL reliable?

We rate the 2023 Hyundai Tucson SL's reliability 8.2/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.

Is the 2023 Hyundai Tucson SL worth buying?

It scores 8.0/10 overall, ranking #180 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 93% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2023 Hyundai Tucson SL cost?

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson SL starts at $38,712 and ranges up to $46,690 across trims (MSRP when new). At 28 MPG, expect roughly $1,875/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

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