The 2017 Hyundai Tucson FWD 1.6L gets 27 MPG combined, a respectable number that places it among other compact crossovers appealing to shoppers who want value and practicality more than ultimate fuel efficiency. This Tucson isn’t aiming for hybrid-level mileage; it’s made for typical drivers who want a reliable, comfortable, and affordable vehicle, and its fuel economy reflects this.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 Tucson FWD with the 1.6L turbo and automatic transmission are 25 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the frequent stops and starts of urban driving, where the Tucson’s small engine can struggle slightly during initial acceleration, using more fuel. On the open road, the 30 MPG highway rating is easier to reach because the engine cruises more efficiently. This split makes the Tucson suitable for suburban owners who do both city errands and highway commuting.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the 2017 Hyundai Tucson FWD 1.6L will cost $1,600 per year in fuel. This is based on driving 15,000 miles annually and on national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will change depending on how you drive, whether you drive mostly in the city or on the highway, and on local gas prices. Drivers who mostly drive in the city and accelerate quickly will probably spend more than $1600.

Real-world expectations

EPA provides standardized testing results, but actual fuel economy often differs. Many Tucson drivers report numbers from the low 20s to the low 30s MPG, depending on how and where they drive. Hard acceleration, frequent hard braking, and speeding will hurt fuel economy. Those who drive more smoothly and carefully can expect to see numbers close to the EPA estimates, or even slightly better. Keeping tires properly inflated and driving smoothly will help achieve the best real-world MPG.

How it compares

The 2017 Hyundai Tucson FWD 1.6L is competitive within the crowded compact crossover market. A 2017 Honda CR-V (FWD, non-turbo) gets a combined 28 MPG, slightly better than the Tucson. A 2017 Toyota RAV4 (FWD) gets 26 MPG combined, a little less. The Mazda CX-5 from the same year, known for its sporty handling, achieves about 27 MPG combined, the same as the Tucson. The Tucson’s fuel economy is therefore acceptable for its class, and buyers may choose it for its styling, features, or price. You can view all Hyundai fuel economy data to see how the Tucson compares to other models in the brand’s lineup, and see TUCSON MPG across all years to understand its evolution.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2017 Tucson 1.6T is more efficient with gentle acceleration. The small turbocharger performs optimally when not constantly used for maximum boost, so avoid flooring it at every stop. Smooth throttle control saves fuel and reduces wear on the engine and transmission.

The Tucson’s automatic transmission can help. Leaving the car in Drive and allowing the computer to select gears is usually more efficient than shifting manually, especially in stop-and-go traffic. The transmission is programmed to select the most fuel-efficient gear for the current conditions.

Regular maintenance is critical. Be sure that the Tucson’s engine air filter is clean and the spark plugs are in good condition. A dirty air filter limits airflow, causing the engine to work harder and use more fuel. Worn spark plugs cause incomplete combustion, wasting fuel and reducing performance.

Tire pressure is important for fuel economy. Regularly check your tires and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the driver’s side door jamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, raising fuel consumption. Checking tire pressure is a simple way to improve MPG.

Reduce unnecessary weight by removing any extra items from the trunk and backseat to lighten the load. Carrying extra cargo in your Tucson decreases its fuel efficiency. Each extra pound requires more energy to move, reducing MPG.