2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport: Specs, Features & More

Hey car enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport, a crossover SUV that brought a sporty vibe to the Tucson lineup. We'll be looking at everything from the specs to the features that made this trim level stand out. If you're considering a used Tucson, or just curious about this model year, you're in the right place. Let's get started!

Understanding the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport

Alright, so what exactly made the 2017 Tucson Sport special? Well, it wasn't just a regular Tucson with a fancy name. Hyundai packed it with some upgrades to give it a more athletic feel. First off, the engine was a key difference. The Sport trim boasted a turbocharged engine, offering a bit more pep than the base models. This gave it a noticeable advantage, especially when you hit the gas on the highway or needed to merge into traffic. It wasn't just about speed, though; the Sport also received some visual upgrades to match its performance. You'd find unique exterior styling cues like different wheels, maybe some sporty accents, and a more aggressive stance. These details helped it stand out from the other trims and gave it a more dynamic appearance. The interior was also a bit more upscale, with features like upgraded upholstery and possibly some sport-specific trim. All of these elements combined to create a Tucson that aimed to be fun to drive while still retaining the practicality and versatility of an SUV. Think of it as Hyundai's way of saying, "Hey, we can make an SUV that's also a little bit exciting!" The Sport trim was designed for drivers who wanted a bit more excitement without sacrificing the comfort and convenience of a crossover. The 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport aimed to provide a balanced driving experience. It wasn't designed to be a track car, but rather a practical and enjoyable daily driver with a touch of extra flair. It was an excellent choice for those who needed the space of an SUV but preferred a more engaging driving experience than what was usually offered in its class. In essence, the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport was a blend of practicality, performance, and style, all wrapped up in a compact SUV package. It was a good option for those looking to inject a little bit of fun into their daily commute or weekend adventures.

2017 Tucson Sport: Engine and Performance Specs

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty and talk specs! The heart of the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport was its engine. This model came with a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. This little powerhouse was capable of generating a decent amount of horsepower and torque, offering a noticeable improvement over the base engine found in other Tucson trims. The turbocharger helped provide quick acceleration and made merging onto highways a breeze. The 2017 Tucson Sport typically offered around 175 horsepower. While not a sports car by any means, this output was enough to make the Tucson Sport feel peppy and responsive in everyday driving situations. More importantly, this specific engine produced approximately 195 lb-ft of torque. Torque is crucial for providing that feeling of "get-up-and-go" from a standstill, and the Tucson Sport delivered plenty. When it comes to transmission, the 2017 Tucson Sport was equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). This type of transmission is known for its quick and efficient gear changes, which further enhanced the sporty driving experience. The DCT helped improve acceleration and fuel economy, making it a win-win for drivers. The 2017 Tucson Sport often came with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The AWD system provided extra traction and stability, especially in inclement weather conditions. So, if you live in an area with snow or rain, the AWD version was a great choice. Fuel economy was also a factor for many buyers. The 2017 Tucson Sport managed to achieve decent fuel efficiency figures. While the exact numbers varied depending on the drivetrain, it was generally competitive with other vehicles in its class. The specific fuel economy figures could often range from around 25 to 30 MPG combined, depending on whether it was FWD or AWD. In summary, the engine and performance specs of the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport made it an appealing choice for those who wanted a bit more excitement from their SUV.

Interior and Exterior Features of the Tucson Sport

Let's talk about what you'd find both inside and outside the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport. Outside, the Sport trim generally got some unique design elements. These could include things like special alloy wheels, a more aggressive front fascia, and maybe some sporty badges to let everyone know it wasn't just any old Tucson. You might have also found LED daytime running lights, which not only look cool but also improve visibility. The exterior styling aimed to give the Tucson Sport a more dynamic and athletic appearance, setting it apart from the more basic trims. Now, stepping inside, the Sport trim often featured a more upscale cabin. You might find upgraded upholstery, possibly with contrasting stitching to give it a more premium feel. The seats themselves were often designed to offer better support, adding to the sporty experience. The interior design also included some unique trim pieces, perhaps in a different color or material, to further differentiate it. The infotainment system was usually a key feature. The 2017 Tucson Sport usually came with a touchscreen display, with features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to easily connect your smartphone. Navigation, premium audio systems, and other tech goodies were available as well, depending on the specific package. The Sport trim also often included other convenience features. This can mean things like keyless entry and push-button start, automatic climate control, and possibly even a panoramic sunroof to let in more natural light. Safety features were also a priority, with options like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert to enhance driver safety. In general, the interior and exterior features of the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport were designed to enhance both the style and the functionality of the vehicle. The exterior upgrades gave it a more sporty look, while the interior offered a more premium and tech-focused environment. Together, these features created a well-rounded and appealing package. The goal was to provide a vehicle that looked good, felt good, and offered the convenience and tech that modern drivers expect.

Trim Levels and Options

When it comes to the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport, while there was generally just the "Sport" trim itself, Hyundai usually offered different packages and options that could be added to enhance your experience. These packages often included upgrades to the features already present in the Sport trim. For example, you might have found a Premium Package, which could have added features like a premium audio system, a larger touchscreen display, or even leather seats. Tech packages were another popular option. These could include advanced safety features, such as lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. These features greatly enhanced the safety of the vehicle. There might also be other options to consider, such as all-wheel drive. As mentioned before, AWD provided improved traction and stability, making it a great choice for those who lived in areas with inclement weather. Different wheel sizes and designs were another way to customize your Tucson Sport. The standard wheels for the Sport trim were usually stylish alloy wheels, but there might have been options to upgrade to larger or more unique designs. There were also typically several exterior color options available, allowing you to personalize the look of your Tucson Sport. Colors could range from classic options like black, white, and silver, to more vibrant colors to make your Tucson stand out. Interior color schemes and material choices were also part of the customization process. Depending on the packages, you could choose from different upholstery options. This allowed for further personalization of the interior. When you were shopping for a 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport, it was important to consider the various packages and options to find the perfect fit for your needs and preferences.

Driving Experience and Handling

So, how did the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport actually drive? Well, the driving experience was one of the key differentiators that Hyundai aimed for with this trim. The turbocharged engine provided a noticeable step up in performance compared to the base models. The quick acceleration made it easy to merge onto highways and navigate through traffic. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) further enhanced the driving experience. The DCT provided quick and efficient gear changes. The steering was generally well-weighted, offering a good balance between responsiveness and ease of use. This made the Tucson Sport easy to maneuver in both city driving and on the open road. The suspension was tuned to provide a good balance between ride comfort and handling. It was able to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, while also providing enough stiffness to offer a more engaging driving experience. While not a sports car, the Tucson Sport provided a level of handling and responsiveness that was above average for its class. The all-wheel drive (AWD) option further improved the driving experience. This provided added traction and stability, especially in slippery conditions. This was a valuable feature for those who lived in areas with snow or rain. The overall driving experience of the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport was designed to be both enjoyable and practical. The Sport trim offered a combination of performance, handling, and comfort. The Sport trim aimed to make daily commutes and weekend adventures more fun. The 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport offered a driving experience that stood out from the crowd. The turbocharged engine and sporty suspension combined to create a vehicle that was fun to drive, while still being practical and comfortable for everyday use.

Common Issues and Reliability

When you're looking at a used car like the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport, it's a smart move to consider common issues and reliability. Generally, Hyundai has a decent reputation for reliability. However, like any vehicle, the Tucson Sport has its own set of potential problems. One area to watch out for is the engine. The turbocharged engine in the Sport trim, while providing more power, can sometimes be more prone to issues than the naturally aspirated engines. Potential problems might include oil leaks, or in some rare cases, engine knocking. The dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is another component to keep an eye on. While the DCT provides quick gear changes, it can also be a bit more complex. Potential problems with the DCT can include rough shifting or, in more severe cases, complete failure. Regular maintenance and proper care are important to prevent potential issues. Make sure to follow the recommended service schedule outlined in the owner's manual. Another area to look out for is the infotainment system. While the touchscreen and technology features are generally well-received, sometimes the system may encounter software glitches. These can manifest as slow response times, or occasionally, a complete system freeze. The 2017 Tucson Sport also had a few recalls. Recalls are issued by the manufacturer to address potential safety defects. When considering a used Tucson Sport, it's a good idea to check the vehicle's history for any open recalls. These can be addressed for free by a Hyundai dealership. The overall reliability of the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport is generally regarded as being average for its class. Regular maintenance and addressing any issues promptly can help ensure a long lifespan for the vehicle. If you are considering purchasing a 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport, it is always a good idea to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. The mechanic can identify any potential problems or issues that may not be apparent during a casual inspection.

Should You Buy a 2017 Tucson Sport?

So, after all this information, should you actually consider buying a 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport? Well, that depends on your needs and priorities. The 2017 Tucson Sport is a compelling choice if you are looking for a compact SUV that provides a good blend of performance and practicality. The turbocharged engine offers a noticeable step up in performance, making it fun to drive. If you value a more engaging driving experience, the Sport trim is a good choice. The Sport trim includes features that enhance the driving dynamics. The 2017 Tucson Sport is also a good choice for those who value technology and features. The Sport trim comes with a variety of tech-savvy features, from the infotainment system to the safety systems. It is also a good choice if you appreciate the style and design of the Sport trim. The exterior styling gives the vehicle a more dynamic and athletic appearance. However, there are also some things to consider. If fuel economy is a top priority, then you might want to look at other options. While the 2017 Tucson Sport has decent fuel economy, it might not be as good as some other compact SUVs. If budget is a major concern, the Sport trim might be slightly more expensive than the base models. It is important to compare prices and options to ensure that the vehicle fits your budget. Before making a decision, it's also a good idea to check the vehicle's history report. It is also good to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a trusted mechanic. Overall, the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport is a good option.

Thanks for tuning in, folks! I hope this deep dive into the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport has been helpful. Whether you're considering buying one or you're just a car enthusiast, I hope you've learned something new today. Happy driving!