2012 Hyundai Tucson Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$19,145 to $26,495

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.6

avg user rating

(8 reviews)
2012 Hyundai Tucson Preview summaryImage

Looking for a value-laden compact crossover? Check out the 2012 Hyundai Tucson. This 5-passenger mini-ute has been popular with both consumers and the automotive media ever since its introduction for the 2005 model year. A total redesign of what is now called the second-generation Tucson in 2010 styled up the exterior, while an extra, economy-minded base trim, sporting a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine and manual transmission, was added for 2011. It seems, though, that Hyundai finally seems to be resting on its laurels in planning no significant changes for the 2012 version.

Three trims, the just-added base GL, the midlevel GLS and the high-end Limited are once again offered, with both the GLS and Limited trims available as partial zero-emissions vehicles (PZEV). Though front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard throughout the line, each of the higher trims is also available with full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction and confidence. Cargo space is still maxed out at almost 59 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and all three trims offer plenty of passenger room and comfort. The Tucson’s ride is often noted by reviews as a tad stiff, but handling is better than average, especially for a crossover.

As has been the case for a number of years, the 2012 Tucson is expected to challenge – and to be challenged – by the likes of the Chevy Equinox, Honda’s somewhat bland CR-V, the Subaru Forester and Toyota’s well-received RAV4. Though these rivals offer more cargo space, Kia’s popular Sportage will run neck and neck with the Tucson for solid value while also remaining its equal, utility-wise if not stylistically.

Standard power in the 2012 Tucson GL comes in the form of a 165-hp, variable-valve-timed (VVT) 2.0-liter I4 engine that mates with a standard 5-speed manual transmission for 146 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed shiftable transmission, standard in the higher trims, is also available for the GL. Towing power with the 2.0-liter I4 is negligible, but mileage is expected to be in the range of 20 mpg city/27 highway in standard front-wheel-drive trims, and 23/31 with the available 6-speed automatic.

Both the 2012 Tucson GLS and Limited trims will again carry a 2.4-liter I4, also with VVT, along with the aforementioned 6-speed shiftable transmission. This combo will again put out 176 hp (170 hp in PZEV trims) and 168 lb-ft of torque (163 lb-ft in PZEV trims), good enough to haul 2,000 pounds of trailer with the proper equipment. Mileage for this hefty four-banger is anticipated to be 22/32. Finally, all transmissions feature a brake hill holder and descent control, with full-time AWD trims sporting Hyundai’s highly touted Intelligent Torque Controlled Coupling for a seamless transfer of power to the wheels that grip.

Appearance goodies and creature comforts, though spare in the 2012 Tucson GL, are far from non-existent. Expect this base trim to sport standard 17-inch steel wheels and an integrated rear spoiler on the outside, while the inside boasts premium cloth upholstery and simulated alloy trim on the dash and shift knob. Standard convenience goodies should once more include remote power door locks, power outside mirrors, tilt-wheel steering and air conditioning. Techno goodies will likely again include a single-CD player with 6 speakers, XM satellite radio and a USB connection.

The midlevel Tucson GLS trim ought to once more add standard 17-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, power windows and heated outside mirrors. Additionally, look for telescoping tilt-wheel steering and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, as well as standard phone pre-wiring with Bluetooth hands-free communications technology.

Moving up to the flagship Tucson Limited trim ought to once again beget 18-inch alloys, full leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, universal remote garage door opener, electrochromatic rear-view mirror, dual-zone climate control and 2 additional speakers. Leather and simulated alloy cabin accents are also expected to pamper passengers.

Options across the 2012 Tucson lineup include an auto-dimming inside mirror, universal remote transmitter (GL and GLS), tow hitch and carpeted floor mats. The GLS and Limited trims also offer optional remote engine start. Additionally, Limited trims can again be delivered with the available Premium Package, featuring a power-operated panoramic sunroof, DVD navigation, 350 watts of audio power with a subwoofer and a rear-view camera.

Standard safety equipment across the 2012 Tucson lineup is expected to include 4-wheel antilock braking (ABS) as well as traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags and front side-mounted airbags. Further standard safety features should include front head-restraint whiplash protection and a remote antitheft alarm. The GLS and Limited trims will likely boast turn-signal-integrated outside mirrors, with the Limited likely to once more sport standard front fog/driving lights and dusk-sensing headlights.

An unexpectedly cramped cargo area and comparatively tiny gas tank are among the pet peeves owners cite for 2011 Tucson trims. Additional complaints include some issues with black exterior paint, a distressingly stiff ride, an indecipherable navigation and rear-view camera screen in even tepid sunlight and a lack of warning chimes when headlights are accidentally left on. Honest value, however, remains the Tucson’s stock in trade, with its sharp looks, tolerable handling, plethora of standard features in the higher trims and its better-than-decent fuel efficiency also making more and more owners out of tire-kickers.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2012 Hyundai Tucson

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User rating:
by Vincent C
Jan 29, 2023
I liked this suv though Im tall. I could drive it comfortably, but I have a toddler, and the room for a car seat and toddler was pretty tight. I also didnt like the engine tick when I open the hood, though not sure if normal for those cars. But I would ask about it if you take a look at it. Overall, I think it would be a great car, 1 owner, was an older lady, and very low mileage for the yearJan 29, 2023
by Anonymous
Nov 27, 2022
Purchased a car from here a few weeks ago. I had a small issue with it so I went back, they fixed the problem right away, free of charge. Very friendly and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend for anyone looking to purchase a vehicle!Nov 27, 2022
by Sandra N
Mar 21, 2022
Feature are good. A Santa Fe would be a second option.Mar 21, 2022

2012 Hyundai Tucson Pricing

Original MSRP
$19,145 to $26,495
Price range
$7,545 to $8,235
Average price on CG
$7,709
YoY price change
$8,124 to $7,709

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 160 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): three 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: grocery bag holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack: with crossbars

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 18 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full · Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer · Solar-tinted glass: front · Tinted: windshield

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 160 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): three 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rails: silver

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leatherette · Upholstery accents: cloth

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 18 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer · Solar-tinted glass: front · Tinted: windshield

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 160 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): three 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: in dash · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rails: silver

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leatherette · Upholstery accents: cloth

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 18 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent · Solar-tinted glass: front · Tinted: windshield

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 160 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: leather · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): three 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rails: silver

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 18 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer · Solar-tinted glass: front · Tinted: windshield

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 160 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: leather · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): three 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: grocery bag holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rails: silver

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 18 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer · Solar-tinted glass: front · Tinted: windshield

See all trims (5)