DecodedCars2012 Hyundai Tucson
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD Gl, 4dr SUV AWD Gls/Limited, 4dr SUV FWD Gls, 4dr SUV FWD L/Gl
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 173.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,175–3,371 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 20% better than the average 2012 SUV - (20.9 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Hyundai Tucson is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 173 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,371 lb (4dr SUV AWD Gl).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 30 highway), 20% better than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 228 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Tucson — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Tucson →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Ulsan, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2012 Tucson configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD Gl | 173.2 in | 71.7 in | 65.4 in | 103.9 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,371 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV AWD Gls/Limited | 173.2 in | 71.7 in | 65.4 in | 103.9 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,371 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Gls | 173.2 in | 71.7 in | 65.4 in | 103.9 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,318 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV FWD L/Gl | 173.2 in | 71.7 in | 65.4 in | 103.9 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,175 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +20% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Tucson 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 25 | +20% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Tucson 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +10% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Tucson 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +21% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Tucson 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +5% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Tucson 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +11% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Hyundai Tucson (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Honda CR-V | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Subaru Forester | 23 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan | 24 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Kia Sportage | 25 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Ford Escape | 32 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (3)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 22, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 1,649,478 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Feb 5, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V063000 · 120,000 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.
- Risk
- A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will inspect for an oil pan leak, replacing it if necessary, and install an updated oil pressure switch, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 181.
Air Bags · May 13, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V245000 · 137,500 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel may come loose from its mounting.
- Risk
- An air bag assembly that is not properly mounted may result in an increased risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts that secure the driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 118.
Not every 2012 Hyundai Tucson is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Hyundai Tucson buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 157 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic — 24 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Power Train — 18 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 90,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Tucson years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 6 | 99 |
| 2025 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 450 |
| 2024 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 152 |
| 2023 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 182 |
| 2022 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 506 |
| 2021 Tucson | 25 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 80 |
| 2020 Tucson | 25 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 179 |
| 2019 Tucson | 26 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 385 |
| 2018 Tucson | 27 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 399 |
| 2017 Tucson | 28 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 1,094 |
| 2016 Tucson | 28 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 1,626 |
| 2015 Tucson | 25 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 229 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →