The Hyundai Tucson is a popular choice among compact SUVs, known for its stylish design, advanced safety features, and comfortable ride.
Whether you're a new owner or have been driving your Tucson for a while, this guide provides essential tips to help you make the most of your vehicle.
1. Bluelink Connected Car Services
Hyundai's Bluelink connected car service offers a suite of features designed for convenience and safety. By downloading the Bluelink app to your smartphone, you can access remote start with climate control, allowing you to pre-warm or cool your car.
A favorite feature is the "you forgot to lock your door" reminder. Bluelink allows you to remotely start and stop the engine, find your car, lock and unlock the doors, and even flash the lights or honk the horn to locate your vehicle.
It also provides valuable statistics such as remaining fuel, odometer readings, and the status of doors, windows, sunroof, engine, and lights, helping you stay on top of your vehicle's needs and plan trips accordingly.
Security capabilities are a standout feature. In the event of a vehicle theft, Bluelink's GPS tracking can assist law enforcement in recovering your car quickly.
Another convenient feature is the ability to copy and paste an address from a text message or Google Maps into the Bluelink app, sending the directions straight to your car's navigation system.
The SOS button on the rearview mirror allows you to request emergency services directly. In the event of an accident with airbag deployment, Bluelink automatically notifies the Customer Care team for prompt assistance.
2. SmartSense Safety Suite
The Hyundai Tucson comes equipped with a variety of advanced safety features designed to aid driver awareness and safety. Here’s a quick highlight of each feature and how to use it:
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist uses a high-resolution camera and radar sensors to detect potential collisions with vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
It alerts you through visual and audible warnings and can apply emergency braking if necessary. Customize its responsiveness via the settings menu under the Early, Normal, and Late options.
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist monitors your blind spots using radar sensors and a windshield camera. It provides amber indicators on the side mirrors for passive warnings and uses flashing indicators and audible alerts for urgent situations.
In imminent collisions, BCA engages the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to apply brakes and maintain lane integrity. Adjust warning settings in the vehicle’s menu.
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) uses a windshield-mounted sensor to monitor lane markers. It alerts you through visual and audible warnings if you unintentionally veer out of your lane and can apply slight steering pressure to guide you back.
Driver Attention Alert (DAA) monitors driving patterns for signs of drowsiness or inattention. It alerts you with visual and auditory signals if it detects erratic driving.
The system also notifies you when the vehicle ahead starts moving, which is useful in traffic jams. Access DAA settings through Setup > Vehicle > Driver Assistance on the LCD.
3. Maximizing Efficiency - From Eco Mode to Hybrid
To get the best fuel efficiency from your Tucson, whether you have a conventional or hybrid model, adopting smart driving habits is key.
Start by utilizing the Eco driving mode when appropriate, as it adjusts engine and transmission parameters for optimal fuel economy.
Your driving style also impacts fuel consumption. Avoid rapid acceleration and heavy braking, opting instead for smooth, steady speeds. When possible, use cruise control on highways to maintain a consistent speed.
For hybrid Tucson owners, familiarize yourself with the regenerative braking system. By anticipating stops and allowing the vehicle to slow gradually, you can recapture more energy, further enhancing your fuel economy.
Discover top tips to improve your fuel efficiency: Fuel Efficiency Hacks
4. Navigating the Panoramic Touchscreen Interface
The Hyundai Tucson's infotainment system offers a rich array of features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Start by familiarizing yourself with the main touchscreen interface, which displays key information like the clock, media, and outside temperature on the home screen.
Swiping through the screens allows you to access navigation, radio, climate controls, and more. The user profile feature is particularly useful if multiple drivers use the vehicle, as it saves individual settings for a personalized experience.
Connecting your phone via Bluetooth is straightforward: go to the setup menu, select device connections, and add a new device. Once paired, you can make calls, send texts, and stream music wirelessly.
For a seamless experience with apps, maps, and music, use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto by plugging your phone into the USB port.
Voice commands are an essential part of Tucson's system. By pressing the voice control button on the steering wheel, you can navigate to destinations, check the weather, and adjust climate settings.
For example, saying "Navigate to the nearest Starbucks" or "Set the climate control to 72 degrees" will prompt the system to execute these tasks.
The gauge cluster screen in front of the driver displays digital speed, fuel economy, and navigation directions. This screen also provides alerts from various safety features, such as Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA).
The built-in navigation system complements the phone's map apps, offering pinch-to-zoom functionality and displaying points of interest like gas stations and restaurants.
5. Essential Maintenance Tips
Here are some essential tips to keep your vehicle running smoothly, including some lesser-known but highly useful practices.
Regular fluid checks are a fundamental part of vehicle maintenance. Check your oil every couple of weeks, keeping the vehicle on level ground when doing so. For optimal efficiency, fill the oil to the 'Max' level.
It's important to regularly check the coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid levels. Make sure the washer fluid reservoir is filled with the right mix, and inspect your wiper blades for any signs of cracking.
Tire care is another critical part of maintaining your Tucson. Regularly inspect your tires for damage, cuts, or excessive wear. Proper inflation is also vital since 80% of tire problems are related to improper inflation, which can reduce mileage.
Monitoring your vehicle for signs of overheating is especially important on extremely hot days. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge, and if your car starts to run hot, shut off the air conditioner and roll down the windows.
If this doesn't help, turn on the heater to circulate coolant through more of the engine. If the temperature continues to rise, stop the vehicle as soon as possible to avoid serious damage.
6. Comfort & Convenience Features
Your Hyundai Tucson is packed with comfort and convenience features designed to enhance your driving experience. Explore these lesser-known amenities to fully enjoy your vehicle.
The panoramic sunroof has three positions: tilt up, partially open to prevent buffering noise, and fully open for maximum airflow.
The back seats recline for passenger comfort and have handles at the cargo opening to easily lower and lock them flat. Rear seatbelts can be neatly stored in a holder on the door well.
Heated and ventilated seats can be quickly turned off with a one-touch and hold function. The dual-zone automatic climate control allows you to adjust fan speed while maintaining auto temperature settings.
7. Cargo Space and Flexibility
Your rear seats can be easily folded down to significantly increase cargo space, perfect for transporting larger items. The handles to lower the rear seats are conveniently located at the cargo opening, allowing you to quickly create a flat load floor.
The cargo shade can be stored under the cargo floor, which can be raised or lowered to create additional storage space.
The hands-free smart liftgate makes loading and unloading easier when your hands are full. It automatically opens when you stand behind the vehicle with the key fob, and the button to close the liftgate is illuminated for easy access in the dark.
For those who need to tow, the Tucson is prewired for a trailer hitch, saving time and effort. Hyundai includes a plug near the bumper for trailer connections, and the vehicle has pre-drilled holes and threaded nuts already in place for mounting a hitch, eliminating the need for drilling.
8. All-Wheel Drive System for Various Terrains
The 2024 Hyundai Tucson's Drive Mode Select system offers various modes tailored to different terrains and driving preferences. The default drive modes include Normal, Sport, and Smart.
Normal Mode is your go-to setting for everyday driving, providing a balanced performance for daily commutes and city driving. Sport Mode enhances horsepower, acceleration, and steering precision, making it ideal for spirited drives or situations requiring sharp handling.
Smart Mode is adaptive, learning from your driving patterns and seamlessly switching between Normal and Sport modes as needed, such as when overtaking on the highway.
For models equipped with HTRAC All-Wheel Drive or the hybrid Tucson, there are additional modes. Eco Mode focuses on maximizing fuel efficiency by moderating acceleration and adjusting interior features like air conditioning, making it perfect for long road trips.
Snow Mode limits RPM and torque to maintain traction on slippery, snow-covered roads, enhancing safety and control during adverse weather. To switch between driving modes, use the driving mode selector near the gear shifter or on the steering wheel.
9. Towing with Your Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson can tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it ideal for small trailers and lightweight boats.
Load the trailer evenly, placing about 60% of the weight toward the front, and securely fasten all items to prevent shifting. Adjust your side mirrors for a clear view of the trailer, and use extended towing mirrors if needed.
Drive smoothly, accelerating and braking gradually, and maintain lower speeds on highways. If your Tucson has Tow Mode, activate it to optimize performance.
After towing, check your vehicle and trailer for any signs of wear or damage, focusing on the tires, hitch, and lights.
10. Warranty and Coverage
Keep detailed records of all services and repairs, as this documentation is crucial for warranty claims. Adhere to the maintenance schedule outlined in your owner’s manual to avoid voiding your warranty.
Be sure that any replacement parts or accessories are genuine Hyundai parts, as non-Hyundai parts may not be covered. Regularly inspect your vehicle for any potential issues, as early detection can prevent small problems from becoming major repairs.
Hyundai’s factory warranty includes standout features like a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is five years longer than many competitors. However, this is available only to the original owner and excludes commercial uses.
The New Vehicle Limited Warranty provides bumper-to-bumper coverage for 5 years/60,000 miles, with some parts like infotainment systems and batteries covered for shorter periods and high-wear items like brake pads, filters, and wiper blades covered for 1 year/12,000 miles.
Learn everything about your vehicle’s warranty: Know About Warranty
Enjoy Your Tucson
Owning a Hyundai Tucson comes with a host of benefits, from its advanced safety features to its comfortable and versatile design. By following these tips, you can ensure that your Tucson remains in excellent condition and continues to provide a reliable and enjoyable driving experience.
Take advantage of the technology and features available, and always stay informed about your vehicle's needs to make the most of your ownership experience.
Bad gas mileage should do better
AC ssucks.Dealer claims because it has a black interior. and the remote start is horrible 110 degrees outside and remotely last 10 minutes
I have a Hybrid and average 36 mpg. Extremely happy.a good vehicle.
Lane assist works a bit different than other brands. Instead of beeping, the steering wheel vibrates. Even though my phone is connected via Bluetooth, the remote start won’t work. The phone will lock the doors but nothing else. I need to use the fob to remote start the car. It would be nice to have rabbit tracks to see the last 500 miles traveled. I also miss my heads-up display that I had on my Highlander. For a down-sized vehicle, it is fun to drive.