Should you buy a Hyundai Tucson?

This is one of those cars that will exceed your expectations. Not that this is a particularly difficult thing to do, as this typifies a breed of car that's bought on price and warranty above all else. The biggest competition the Tucson is going to find is from the Kia Sportage which is established as one of the most popular family-sized SUVs out there. But there are bigger problems for the Tucson.

With the SEAT Ateca and Mazda CX-5 available for less outlay, it's very difficult to justify the Tucson, even though it doesn't do anything particularly badly. As to which model is best for you, it depends on what you're looking for. If you’re not a high-mileage driver, then a petrol-engined Hyundai Tucson begins to make some sense. They’re less costly to buy than the diesel equivalents, but you’ll be visiting filling stations more often – and paying more for the privilege.

'The Hyundai Tucson's biggest problem is the rival cars that you can get for the same – or less – monthly outlay. It's a decent enough offering, but we'd take a SEAT Ateca or Mazda CX-5 instead…'

– Keith Adams, Parkers editor

For the majority of buyers, the 136hp diesel – with the smooth-shifting DCT auto – makes the most sense. It’s front-wheel drive, too, so cheaper to run than the mild-hybrid Tucson with four-wheel drive. Should you be considering that 48-volt model, consider it a pacier Tucson rather than an eco-special.

While the Hyundai Tucson isn’t objectively the best mid-size five-seater crossover available by some margin, it nevertheless is a popular choice, with buyers won over by its combination of high equipment levels, reasonably low running costs and the reassuring appeal of the long warranty. But you can do much better for your money.

>> Our Parkers star ratings explained