“The transmission started acting funny right after my 7 day return limit. Couldn't find somewhere to check it out.”
2018 Hyundai Tucson: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson is a reorganized trim lineup, while the Sport switched to an exclusive 181-hp 2.4-liter engine. This was not a redesign or broad refresh, and the basic body, cabin, and chassis carried over.
About the 2018 Hyundai Tucson
3rd generation (2016-2021), final year before the 2019 mid-cycle refresh
Hyundai positioned the Tucson as a right-sized compact SUV for everyday commuting, passengers, and cargo without the bulk of a larger family SUV. Its main strengths were a comfortable ride, useful rear-seat room, straightforward controls, and a high level of comfort and infotainment equipment across much of the range. Three gasoline engines and FWD or AWD versions let the model span basic transportation, stronger performance, and premium comfort roles.
The 2018 Tucson ranges from the essentials-focused SE to the leather-lined Limited, which pairs a turbocharged engine with navigation and LED lighting. SEL adds everyday comforts such as heated front seats and a 7-inch smartphone-compatible touchscreen, while Value emphasizes convenience with a panoramic roof and hands-free power liftgate. Sport stands apart with its 181-hp 2.4-liter engine, and Limited provides the most upscale cabin.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
SEL joined the lineup, SE Plus was renamed SEL Plus, and the Eco and Night trims were dropped. Value also gained a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, an auto-dimming mirror, and rear parking sensors.
Powertrain
Sport switched to an exclusive 181-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic.
Tech
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto expanded across most of the lineup, including a standard 7-inch touchscreen on SEL. HD Radio became standard from SEL upward.
Safety
Value gained rear parking sensors.
2018 Hyundai Tucson specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 7-Spd EcoShift | Auto, 7-Spd EcoShift | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 21 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 28 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 164 hp | 164 hp | 181 hp | 175 hp | 175 hp | 164 hp |
| Torque | 151 lb-ft | 151 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 151 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 61.9 cu-ft | 61.9 cu-ft | 61.9 cu-ft | 61.9 cu-ft | 61.9 cu-ft | 61.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.2 in | 38.2 in | 38.2 in | 38.2 in | 38.2 in | 38.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| Heated Windshield | ||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2018 Hyundai Tucson redesigned?
No. The 2018 Hyundai Tucson carried over its basic body, cabin design, and chassis. Its main updates were a reorganized trim lineup, broader smartphone integration, added Value equipment, and a different Sport engine.
What changed in the 2018 Hyundai Tucson trim lineup?
The 2018 Tucson added SEL, renamed SE Plus as SEL Plus, and dropped the Eco and Night trims. The continuing Value trim also received more comfort and convenience equipment.
What engine does the 2018 Hyundai Tucson Sport have?
The 2018 Tucson Sport has an exclusive 181-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. It replaced the Sport's previous powertrain rather than marking the arrival of an entirely new trim.
Which 2018 Hyundai Tucson trims have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Every 2018 Tucson trim above the base SE has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SEL uses a 7-inch touchscreen, while SEL Plus and Limited pair smartphone integration with built-in navigation.
What was added to the 2018 Hyundai Tucson Value trim?
The 2018 Tucson Value gained a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, an auto-dimming mirror, and rear parking sensors. It also retains a turbocharged engine, heated front seats, a hands-free power liftgate, and blind-spot monitoring.
2018 Hyundai Tucson Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Hyundai Tucson.
4.1
2018 Hyundai Tucson
(338 reviews)
“Good mid size SUV for the price, good fuel economy. Decent power and acceleration for a small engine. Good cargo space.”
“I love my car! I love the roominess it provides in the back row. I love that the seats recline for my teens when we travel, they have a more comfortable ride. I enjoy having the extra space in the back for luggage and groceries. The things I do not like, and wish were different would be the power. It is very light weight, so it takes a little while to get up and going especially if accelerating from low speed.”