“It is a decent and affordable car. Mine is basic model but has many safety features and new technologies such as lane departure warning and correction, Apple CarPlay. Overall performance exceeds my expectations.”
2021 Hyundai Tucson: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson is a carryover with no major changes from 2020. It is the final model year of the third-generation Tucson before the fully redesigned 2022 model.
About the 2021 Hyundai Tucson
3rd generation (2016-2021), final model year; two years after the 2019 exterior and equipment update.
Hyundai positioned the Tucson as a compact five-passenger SUV for everyday commuting and family use, emphasizing straightforward controls, useful cargo space, broad safety coverage, and high feature content across the range. Its main distinction was the amount of connectivity, driver assistance, and comfort equipment offered through six clearly stepped trims, while FWD and AWD configurations served different climates without changing the basic cabin or utility-focused character.
The 2021 range starts with the straightforward SE, while the SEL adds a stronger 181-hp engine, heated front seats, and rear air vents. Sport focuses on LED lighting, premium audio, and wireless phone charging rather than added performance. Limited brings leather and a surround-view parking camera, while the highest-equipment trim adds a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, navigation, and adaptive cruise control.
2021 Hyundai Tucson specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 23 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 161 hp | 181 hp | 181 hp | 161 hp | 181 hp | 181 hp |
| Torque | 150 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 150 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 175 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 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| Heated Windshield | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| 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
What changed from the 2020 Tucson to the 2021 Tucson?
Nothing significant changed for 2021. The engines, equipment, safety systems, technology, body, and trim lineup carried over from 2020; minor paint revisions were the only documented differences.
Did the 2021 Hyundai Tucson get a new engine?
No, the 2021 Tucson kept the same engines as the 2020 model. SE and Value use a 161-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while SEL and higher trims use a 181-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder; both pair with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Did the 2021 Tucson receive new safety technology?
No, its safety technology carried over unchanged. Forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assistance, and driver attention warning remained standard, while higher trims included features such as blind-spot warnings, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control.
Is the 2021 Tucson the last year of its generation?
Yes, 2021 is the final model year of the third-generation Tucson. A larger, fully redesigned Tucson arrived for 2022 with a new 2.5-liter gasoline engine and the first U.S. Tucson Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models.
Is the 2021 Tucson meaningfully different from the 2020 model?
No, the 2021 Tucson is not meaningfully different from the 2020 model. When comparing used examples, condition, mileage, maintenance history, and trim equipment matter more than the model-year change.
2021 Hyundai Tucson Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Hyundai Tucson.
4.0
2021 Hyundai Tucson
(191 reviews)
“Hyundai Tucson or the Santa Fe is an excellent buy for the money! Solidly built, long-lasting, great warranty.”
“The Hyundai Tucson that I chose had all of the features that I wanted plus more. It is a gorgeous car inside and out. It was very important to me that the interior was loaded. I am so happy with this car. I was hesitant about the make, but after reading about it, I found out that it is one of the most reliable small SUVs out.”