Let's dive deep into the Hyundai Tucson Sport (2017)! If you're in the market for a compact SUV, you've probably heard a thing or two about this model. Guys, we're going to break down what makes it tick, from its performance and features to its overall value. Is it a sporty SUV that lives up to its name, or is it just another face in the crowd? Keep reading to find out if the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport is the right choice for you. We will cover everything including engine performance, interior features, technology, safety and overall driving experience to give you a comprehensive look.

Overview of the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport

The 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport sits in a competitive segment, battling rivals like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape. What sets the Sport trim apart? Well, it aims to inject a bit more excitement into the Tucson lineup with unique styling cues and a slightly enhanced driving experience. At its core, it's still a Tucson, meaning you get Hyundai's reputation for value and reliability. But with the Sport trim, you also get a few extras that might just sway you if you're looking for something a little more engaging. It is important to see if these upgrades are more than just cosmetic and if they genuinely improve the overall experience. The Tucson is known for its sleek design and comfortable ride, the Sport trim builds on this foundation.

What we will discover in this review is what kind of target audience this car caters to and how the car serves their needs. Are you a young professional looking for a stylish and practical car? Or a small family needing space and safety features? The Tucson Sport tries to be all things to all people, which is not an easy task. We will delve into how well it achieves this and whether it offers a genuine alternative to the more established players in the compact SUV market. Let's see if the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport is more than just a name, and whether it truly offers a sporty and engaging driving experience.

Engine and Performance

When it comes to the engine and performance of the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport, you're looking at a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This little powerhouse churns out around 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. While those numbers might not scream “sports car,” the turbocharger does give it a decent amount of pep, especially in everyday driving situations. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which generally provides quick and smooth shifts. However, some drivers have noted that it can occasionally be a bit hesitant at low speeds. All-wheel drive is available, providing extra traction in tricky conditions. The Sport trim also features a slightly tweaked suspension for a more controlled ride. The key question we want to answer is how does this engine and transmission perform under different driving conditions.

Let's talk about real-world driving. In the city, the Tucson Sport feels nimble and responsive. The turbocharger helps you zip through traffic without much effort. On the highway, it's a competent cruiser, although you might need to plan your overtakes carefully, especially when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. Off-road, the available all-wheel-drive system provides decent grip for light adventures, but remember that this is still a compact SUV, not a rock crawler. Fuel economy is reasonable, hovering around 25-30 mpg combined, depending on your driving style and whether you have all-wheel drive. Overall, the engine and performance are adequate for most drivers, but don't expect a true sports car experience. The tweaks made to the Sport trim do improve the driving dynamics slightly, but it's more of an enhanced daily driver than a performance machine. Is this upgrade enough to warrant the Sport badge?

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the interior of the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport, you'll find a cabin that's well-built and reasonably spacious. The design is clean and functional, with easy-to-reach controls. The Sport trim adds a few unique touches, such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. These enhancements do elevate the interior ambiance, making it feel a bit more premium than the base Tucson models. Rear passenger space is adequate for adults on shorter trips, and the cargo area is competitive for the class. Folding down the rear seats expands the cargo area significantly, making it practical for hauling larger items. One thing to note is that the interior design, while functional, might not be as stylish or modern as some of its competitors. However, the focus is on practicality and comfort.

Let's talk features. The 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This is a big plus for smartphone users, as it allows for seamless integration with your mobile devices. Other standard features include a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. Optional features include a panoramic sunroof, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The infotainment system is relatively easy to use, but it's not the most intuitive system on the market. The screen resolution is decent, but it could be sharper. The sound system is adequate for most listeners, but audiophiles might want to consider upgrading. Overall, the interior and features of the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport offer a good balance of comfort, practicality, and technology. It might not be the most luxurious or cutting-edge interior in its class, but it's certainly a comfortable and functional space to spend time in.

Technology and Safety

In terms of technology and safety, the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport offers a solid array of features. Standard technology features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. These features provide a good level of connectivity and convenience for modern drivers. The infotainment system is user-friendly, although some competitors offer more advanced or intuitive systems. The rearview camera is a welcome addition, providing extra visibility when backing up. Optional technology features include a larger 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a premium audio system. The availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a major selling point, as it allows for seamless integration with your smartphone.

Safety is a top priority for most car buyers, and the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport doesn't disappoint. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a full suite of airbags. Optional safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These advanced safety features can help prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. The Tucson has received good crash test scores from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), further bolstering its safety credentials. Overall, the technology and safety features of the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport provide a good level of protection and convenience for drivers and passengers. The availability of advanced safety features is a major plus, making it a competitive choice in its class. The integration of smartphone connectivity also adds to its appeal for tech-savvy buyers.

Driving Experience

The driving experience of the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport is generally positive, offering a comfortable and composed ride. The Sport trim features a slightly tweaked suspension, which provides a bit more control and responsiveness compared to the base Tucson models. The steering is precise and well-weighted, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The ride quality is smooth and comfortable, even on rough roads. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, making long drives enjoyable. Noise levels are relatively low, creating a quiet and relaxing cabin environment. The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine provides adequate power for most driving situations, although it can feel a bit strained when accelerating hard or climbing steep hills. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission generally provides quick and smooth shifts, but it can occasionally be hesitant at low speeds.

In the city, the Tucson Sport feels nimble and easy to drive. The compact size makes it easy to park and maneuver in tight spaces. The rearview camera is a welcome addition, providing extra visibility when backing up. On the highway, the Tucson Sport is a comfortable cruiser, although you might need to plan your overtakes carefully, especially when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. The available all-wheel-drive system provides extra traction in slippery conditions, making it a good choice for drivers who live in areas with snow or rain. Overall, the driving experience of the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport is pleasant and uneventful. It's not the most exciting or sporty SUV on the market, but it's a comfortable and competent daily driver. The tweaks made to the Sport trim do improve the driving dynamics slightly, but it's more of an enhanced daily driver than a performance machine. It is clear that Hyundai focused on comfort and ease of use in the 2017 Tucson Sport.

Is the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport Worth It?

So, is the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport worth your hard-earned cash? That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Well, let's weigh the pros and cons. On the plus side, you get a well-equipped compact SUV with a comfortable interior, a decent amount of technology, and good safety ratings. The Sport trim adds a few unique styling cues and a slightly enhanced driving experience. The availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a major selling point for smartphone users. On the downside, the engine performance is adequate but not thrilling, the interior design is functional but not particularly stylish, and the fuel economy is reasonable but not exceptional. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual needs and priorities.

If you're looking for a practical and reliable compact SUV with a few extra features and a slightly sportier feel, the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport is definitely worth considering. However, if you're looking for a true performance machine or a cutting-edge interior design, you might want to look elsewhere. The Tucson Sport competes in a crowded segment, so it's important to compare it with other models like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape. Consider your budget, your driving needs, and your personal preferences when making your decision. Overall, the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport offers a good balance of value, features, and performance, making it a competitive choice in its class. I would recommend that you go and test drive the car yourself to see if it fits your personal taste. Only then can you make an educated decision that you will be happy with in the long run.