Hyundai Q2 Sales Strong? Sensible SUV Leads Charge

Hyundai’s second-quarter sales were strong, and a sensible, practical SUV—the Tucson—led the charge. In Q2 2024, Hyundai Motor America reported total sales of 205,520 vehicles, a 2.2% increase over the same quarter last year, with the Tucson compact SUV setting a new quarterly record of 55,261 units sold, up 16% year-over-year.

Formula

The calculator above works out your average pace and speed for a run, walk, or ride. You enter the total time in minutes and the distance in kilometers. The formula for pace is:

Pace (min/km) = Total Time (min) ÷ Distance (km)

Speed is the inverse, expressed in kilometers per hour:

Speed (km/h) = Distance (km) ÷ (Total Time (min) ÷ 60)

For example, if you run 10 km in 50 minutes, your pace is 5:00 per kilometer and your speed is 12 km/h. The same math works for miles if you convert distance to miles and interpret pace as min/mile.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: time = 50 minutes, distance = 10 km.

1. Pace = 50 ÷ 10 = 5.00 min/km (shown as 5:00)
2. Speed = 10 ÷ (50 ÷ 60) = 10 ÷ 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

The calculator returns a pace of 5.00 min/km and a speed of 12.00 km/h.

Why the Tucson Is the Sales Leader

The Tucson is Hyundai’s compact SUV, slotting below the three-row Santa Fe and above the subcompact Kona. It competes directly with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Nissan Rogue. Its appeal lies in a balanced package: a roomy interior, a long warranty (5-year/60,000-mile basic, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain), and a choice of conventional gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. In Q2 2024, the Tucson accounted for roughly 27% of Hyundai’s total U.S. sales, making it the brand’s single best-selling model.

Broader Hyundai Q2 Performance

Hyundai’s overall Q2 2024 sales of 205,520 units represented a 2.2% increase from Q2 2023. The first half of 2024 totaled 397,040 vehicles, up 1.6% from the same period in 2023. Other notable performers included the Elantra sedan (up 16% in Q2) and the Ioniq 5 electric crossover (up 25% in Q2). However, the Tucson’s growth outpaced the brand average, confirming its role as the volume leader. The Santa Fe, redesigned for 2024, also saw a 15% increase, but from a much smaller base.

How the Tucson Compares to Rivals

In the compact SUV segment, the Tucson holds its own on value and warranty. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 offer similar fuel economy and resale value, but the Tucson typically undercuts them on price by $1,000–$2,000 and adds more standard features. The RAV4 has a stronger off-road-oriented TRD trim, while the Tucson’s hybrid (38 mpg combined) beats the base RAV4 hybrid (40 mpg) slightly in the city, but the RAV4 wins on highway. The Tucson’s plug-in hybrid offers 33 miles of electric range, which is competitive with the RAV4 Prime’s 42 miles but at a lower starting price. The Nissan Rogue is a close rival, but the Tucson’s interior quality and tech (large touchscreen, digital cluster) are generally rated higher.

Common Problems and Reliability

Owners have reported a few recurring issues with the Tucson. The most notable is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine’s occasional oil consumption, particularly in 2022–2023 models. Hyundai has issued service bulletins and extended warranties for some engine problems, but not a full recall for this issue. The dual-clutch transmission (available on the N Line) can feel jerky in stop-and-go traffic, though the standard automatic is smooth. The infotainment system occasionally freezes, but a software update usually fixes it. Overall, the Tucson’s reliability is average for the segment, with J.D. Power ranking it mid-pack, below the RAV4 and CR-V but above the Rogue.

How to Choose the Right Tucson Trim

The Tucson comes in SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and N Line trims, plus hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. Here is a practical guide:

• SE (base) – Best for budget buyers; includes LED headlights, 8-inch touchscreen, and forward-collision warning. No blind-spot monitoring.
• SEL – Adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a power driver’s seat. This is the sweet spot for most buyers.
• XRT – Off-road styling (black wheels, roof rails) but no extra capability. Only choose if you like the look.
• Limited – Adds leather, ventilated seats, a 10.25-inch screen, and a panoramic sunroof. Worth it for comfort.
• N Line – Sporty appearance and a dual-clutch transmission, but no power increase. Avoid if you want actual performance.
• Hybrid/PHEV – The hybrid (38 mpg combined) is the most efficient; the PHEV (33-mile electric range) is best for short commutes.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Tucson comes standard with Hyundai SmartSense, which includes forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning. Blind-spot monitoring is optional on lower trims but standard on SEL and above. The IIHS named the 2024 Tucson a Top Safety Pick, and the NHTSA gave it five stars overall. The highway driving assist (adaptive cruise with lane centering) works well but is not as smooth as Ford’s BlueCruise or GM’s Super Cruise. The Tucson’s safety suite is comparable to the CR-V and RAV4, but the RAV4 offers a more mature adaptive cruise system.

Costs of Ownership

The 2024 Tucson starts at $28,085 including destination. The hybrid starts at $33,950, and the plug-in hybrid at $39,600. Over five years, the Tucson’s total ownership cost (depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance) is estimated at around $38,000, which is about $1,000 less than the RAV4 and $2,000 less than the CR-V, according to Edmunds data. The warranty is the best in the segment, but resale value is lower than the RAV4 and CR-V, so the long-term cost advantage narrows if you sell after five years. Fuel costs vary: the gas model gets 26 mpg combined, the hybrid 38 mpg, and the PHEV gets 80 MPGe in electric mode.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Tucson doesn’t fit, consider these:

• Honda CR-V – More cargo space, better resale, but pricier and less standard tech.
• Toyota RAV4 – Best fuel economy in hybrid form, more off-road options, but a firmer ride.
• Nissan Rogue – Similar price, more comfortable seats, but less engaging to drive.
• Kia Sportage – The Tucson’s corporate twin, with a bolder design and slightly different feature packaging.
• Mazda CX-5 – More fun to drive, premium interior, but smaller back seat and less cargo room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hyundai Tucson hybrid worth the extra cost?

Yes, if you drive more than 12,000 miles a year. The hybrid costs about $5,000 more than the gas model, but it saves roughly $600 per year in fuel (at $3.50/gallon). Over five years, you break even, and you get more torque and a smoother powertrain. If you mostly drive city miles, the hybrid’s advantage grows.

What is the real-world fuel economy of the Tucson?

The gas model typically returns 26–28 mpg combined in mixed driving, which matches the EPA rating. The hybrid often exceeds its 38 mpg rating, with owners reporting 40–42 mpg in warm weather. The plug-in hybrid gets about 30–33 miles of electric range in real-world conditions, which drops to 25 miles in winter.

Does the Tucson have a third row?

No. The Tucson is a two-row compact SUV. If you need three rows, look at the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Kia Sorento, which are larger and offer optional third-row seating. The Santa Fe is about $10,000 more but provides genuine three-row capability.

How long does the Tucson’s battery last in the hybrid?

Hyundai warranties the hybrid battery for 10 years or 100,000 miles, and the PHEV battery for the same. In practice, hybrid batteries typically last 150,000–200,000 miles. Replacement cost is $3,000–$5,000, but many owners never need it.

Is the Tucson good for tall drivers?

Yes. The front seats have 39.5 inches of headroom and 41.4 inches of legroom, which accommodates drivers up to about 6’5″. The rear seat has 39.5 inches of headroom and 41.3 inches of legroom, so two tall adults can sit comfortably. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes, and the seat height adjusts over a wide range.

Why is the Tucson outselling the Santa Fe?

The Tucson is cheaper (starting at $28,000 vs. $35,000), more fuel-efficient, and suits the majority of buyers who don’t need three rows. The Santa Fe is larger and more expensive, so it appeals to families with kids. In Q2 2024, the Tucson outsold the Santa Fe by about 3:1, which is typical for compact vs. mid-size SUVs.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0 | 100000
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2