12 Best Motor Oils for Hyundai Tucson

*Overview of the best according to the editors of Healthy Food Near Me. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The third generation Tucson is already five years old – respectively, the cars of the first years of production have either already left, or are preparing to leave the dealer service. Fortunately, in terms of choosing engine oil, the instruction manual does not contain omissions – the list of requirements for specific engines is written in it clearly and without discrepancies. Moreover, the manufacturer directly indicates the oils recommended by him:

For gasoline engines: Shell Helix Ultra ECT C2/C3 0W-30 or Helix Ultra A5/B5 0W-30 depending on engine model. The recommendations also indicate Helix Ultra AH 5W-30 oil, but it is not in the current Shell catalog for Russia.

For diesel engines: Shell Helix Ultra AP 5W30, Helix Ultra AP-L 5W-30. Both of these oils are currently missing from the Shell catalog.

Therefore, you need to refer to the applicability table to dot the i:

1. Gasoline engines 1,6 GDI, 1,6 T-GDI require the use of oils with strictly ACEA C2 or C3 quality classes. Since it is more important for us not a ghostly percentage of fuel economy, but an engine resource, it is obvious to choose C3 oils, which have the best viscosity characteristics at high temperatures and loads.

2. A 2,0 MPI gasoline engine requires oil with quality classes not lower than API SM / ILSAC GF-4, ACEA A5 / B5.

3. The 2,4 GDI gasoline engine does not require the mandatory presence of an “energy-saving” class according to ILSAC, only ACEA A5 / B5 are indicated in the requirements.

4. For the Smartstream D 1,6 TCI diesel engine, medium ash oils with quality classes according to ACEA C2, C3 and C5 are indicated. We also recommend C3 oils – we described the difference with C2 above, and C5 oils have an even lower high-temperature viscosity HTHS according to the standard (from 2,6 to 2,9 mPa * s, while for C3 oils the standard sets only the minimum – 3,9 .20 mPa * s), their typical “high-temperature” index is SAE 3. We especially note that there are no such oils in the list recommended by the Russian instruction at all, so we will focus on ACEA CXNUMX, as optimal for engine protection.

5. A 2,0 TCI diesel without a particulate filter is undemanding – it needs oil with a quality class of at least ACEA A3 / B4, with a particulate filter, the choice between the indicated ACEA C2 and C3 is obvious.

Thus, we can break down the requirements for quality and viscosity classes into five groups for different engines.

Rating of the best engine oils for Hyundai Tucson

The best oils for Hyundai Tucson with 1,6 GDI, 1,6 T-GDI engines

Shell Helix Ultra ECT C2 / C3 0W-30

Rating: 4.9

In any case, we would take the oil directly recommended by the manufacturer as a starting point for comparison, but in itself it shows itself very worthy. The oil is produced using GTL technology (synthesis from natural gas), that is, its “base” is cleaner and more stable than hydrocracked ones. There is reason to expect good viscosity stability, excellent low-temperature properties and a long service life.

Unfortunately, Shell is traditionally stingy in listing the main characteristics, but even they immediately attract attention with a pour point of -51 degrees with a kinematic “high temperature” viscosity (11,9 mm) that is high by the standards of this SAE class.²/s), this confirms the high stability of the base oil. The technical documentation on the manufacturer’s website does not indicate an important parameter that determines the washing properties of the oil and directly affects its resource – the base number. Therefore, we turn to an independent laboratory analysis.

The measurement gives us 8,81 mg KOH / g: for this class of oils, such a base number can be called very high, most often it turns out to be in the region of 6-7 mg in order to reduce the ash content. Thus, we can assert that the words from the official description of the oil, which guarantees excellent cleanliness in the engine, are not an advertising invention: Shell is one of the most alkaline medium ash oils on the modern market. In combination with the quality of the GTL base, this allows him to work out the service interval normally without the need to reduce it. The pour point was measured at -54 degrees: the oil can be used in all climatic zones of Russia. We also note the low sulfur content (less than 0,2%), which further emphasizes the purity of the “base”. Therefore, we will support the manufacturer’s recommendation and give this oil the first place, even taking into account the fact that due to the high base number in terms of sulfate ash content, it balances on the upper limit of the requirements for ACEA C3 – the oil definitely suits the Hyundai Tucson and serves it conscientiously.

TOTAL QUARTZ INEO EFFICIENCY 0W-30

Rating: 4.8

French motor oil was originally developed for high-powered BMW engines, and even got a recommendation from Rolls-Royce – this is a good reason to take a closer look at it. It’s worth noting that it’s head-to-head with Shell in terms of price, so a direct spec comparison is doubly interesting.

The oil is produced on a combined “base”, in which polyalphaolefins predominate in terms of mass fraction over hydrocracked oil. This gives a high potential for resource and stability. Passport base number – 7,5 mg KOH / g, more than acceptable for medium ash oils. However, in any case, the Shell resource will be higher, in addition, a higher pour point is declared for Total – minus 45 degrees Celsius. High-temperature viscosity, taking into account the inevitable inconsistency between batches and measurement errors, can be considered identical with Shell – the technical documentation gives a figure of 11,6 mm²/from.

According to an independent analysis of a fresh oil sample, the gap between Shell and Total is growing even wider. Measuring the base number gives only 6,77 mg KOH / g, which is generally typical for ACEA C3 oils, but the difference with Shell is clearly not in favor of Total. The sample really freezes at -42 degrees – that is, Total loses in terms of low-temperature properties. However, we cannot fail to note the really low ash content of Total: in the long run, it is able to provide a better resource for catalysts and particulate filters. In a temperate and warm climate, with the availability of high-quality fuel, Total can be recommended, but Shell suits Russian realities better.

The best oils for Hyundai Tucson with a 2,0 MPI engine

LUKOIL GENESIS ARMORTECH JP 0W-30

Rating: 4.9

The price of domestic oil by the standards of this class is affordable – in the region of 1600 rubles per 4 liter canister. At such a price, he can be forgiven for a potentially low resource – the need for more frequent replacement will not hit his pockets, especially since, as practice shows, much more expensive oils, it turns out, need to be changed on a run of 7-8 thousand kilometers. By the standards of “economical” low-viscosity oils, it has a high alkalinity – 8,4 mg KOH / g is declared, a good high-temperature viscosity – 10,4 mm²/ s, the pour point is typical for inexpensive hydrocracking oils with an SAE 0W index: -48 degrees.

Laboratory analysis gives even higher alkalinity: more than 9 mg KOH/g. Accordingly, the oil is well compatible with medium quality fuels, during operation on which the base number drops faster. The high-temperature viscosity measured also exceeds the declared one – 10,6 mm²/With. With a gentle operating mode, the oil will be able to withstand a service interval of up to 10 thousand kilometers. The pour point slightly exceeds the declared one: -45 degrees, taking into account the simultaneous excess of high-temperature viscosity in a particular sample, we can attribute this to the increased proportion of the thickener, in general, taking into account the inevitable difference between different batches, the declared properties are maintained exactly. In most climatic zones of Russia, the characteristics of the oil are sufficient for confident all-weather operation.

The downside of an affordable price is that the oil has a fairly high sulfur content, and volatility is also high. If the first only indicates the degree of purification of the base oil and has little effect on the resource in real practice, then the second can lead to an increase in waste consumption.

LIQUI MOLY Molygen New Generation 5W-30

Rating: 4.8

If the temperature in winter does not drop below -30 degrees, then it is logical to use SAE 5W-30 oils if they have the required quality classes, especially since the Hyundai Tucson instruction manual mentions such a viscosity. Liqui Moly is directly indicated by the manufacturer as hydrocracking, but at the same time it costs twice as much as Lukoil: I would like to hope that this difference in prices will also make a difference in quality. Considering that the oil is produced in the Molygen line, it contains a proprietary molybdenum-based additive package – this is interesting in cases where the engine is operated harshly, is often loaded and runs at high speeds: in such conditions, such oils best reveal their potential.

The declared characteristics can be called average in the class: high-temperature viscosity 10,8 mm²/ s, alkaline number 7,2 mg KOH / g, pour point -42 degrees. Moderate volatility is also indicated (9,8% according to Noack), and according to sulfate ash content, the oil can be classified as medium ash (less than 0,8%) – for modern catalysts it can be considered safe.

Laboratory analysis confirms the quality of the base oil: the mass fraction of sulfur was only 0,168%, this is an excellent result. The pour point is really high, but fits into the requirements of the viscosity class – minus 39 degrees. In terms of high temperature viscosity and base number, the analysis data practically coincide with the manufacturer’s statements. The analysis also confirmed the presence of molybdenum, but, in addition to it, tungsten was also detected: this indicates the use of the most advanced anti-wear additive package. Thus, we can really recommend this oil in cases where engine loads are high, and for the southern regions of Russia: it will justify the high price with excellent wear protection and save the catalyst life.

Idemitsu Zepro Touring Pro 0W-30

Rating: 4.7

The Japanese company chose the main share of hydrocracking with an admixture of polyalphaolefins as the base oil, which made it possible to improve low-temperature properties (pour point – minus 47,5 degrees) while maintaining a fairly stable high-temperature viscosity (10,32 mm²/s according to technical documentation). However, the dominant share of hydrocracked base oil made Idemitsu close to Lukoil in terms of volatility and sulfur content, but at the same time, Japanese oil loses in terms of declared alkalinity – 7,84 mg KOH / g against passport 8,4 mg for Russian oil.

Real data from laboratory analysis indicate a greater proximity of the two competitors. The measured alkaline number – 8 mg KOH / g can be called good, the pour point is measured as -46 degrees. The high-temperature characteristics declared by the manufacturer, the analysis confirms. However, given that Idemitsu is more expensive, does not stand out against the background of Lukoil, which wins the rating in terms of price / quality ratio, and at the same time, the oil is produced with a classic additive package (that is, it cannot compete with Liqui Moly in terms of anti-wear properties at maximum loads), it inevitably goes to the last place in the ranking.

The best oils for Hyundai Tucson with a 2,4 GDI engine

Shell Helix Ultra A5 / B5 0W-30

Rating: 4.9

Fully fitting into the “letter” of the requirements of the instructions and directly recommended by her, we will again take the starting point. The oil, like Shell Helix Ultra ECT C2 / C3 0W-30, is produced using GTL technology. The list of declared characteristics is stingy – pour point -54 degrees, high-temperature viscosity – 9,6 mm²/s (we note that it is relatively small for SAE 0W-30, so it is necessary to look at the analysis of workings to exclude its loss from the requirements of the standard during aging). We also take into account that ACEA A5 / B5 oils, according to the standard, have a base number of at least 8 mg KOH / g – high-quality engine oil should have a good margin above this figure.

Let us turn to the analysis of a fairly fresh batch of oil – mid-2019. Kinematic viscosity at 100 degrees well exceeded the declared one – 10,45 mm²/ s, the alkaline number is excellent – 10,78 mg KOH / g. At the same time, the capabilities of the laboratory installation were not enough to measure the pour point – it turned out to be below the minimum possible for it -60 degrees, and this can be considered an excellent result: the oil can be used in the coldest regions of the country, and a decent margin of viscosity and base number will provide it high resource. This is confirmed by the analysis of working off at a run of 7500 km, in which the acidity of the oil practically did not increase, the high-temperature viscosity also did not fall, and the content of wear markers for metals turned out to be at a low level: the oil will withstand such a run normally even under harsh operating conditions, under “average” conditions (for which passport replacement periods are calculated) it can be changed according to the regulations.

Castrol EDGE 0W-30 A5 / B5

Rating: 4.8

The fact that this oil is suitable for the 2,4-liter gasoline Hyundai Tucson in terms of formal characteristics can already be seen from its trade name. The declared high-temperature viscosity, as in the case of Shell, is closer to the lower limit of the standard – 9,8 mm²/ s at the minimum allowable 9,3 mm²/ s, the pour point is declared only as -45 degrees. A relatively narrow viscosity fork, combined with a low flash point (206 degrees according to the technical documentation), clearly indicates the use of a hydrocracking base – and in this case, the average price of 3400 rubles for a 4-liter canister is definitely too big.

Let us turn to the data of laboratory analyzes and tests. According to the spectrogram, the oil is really hydrocracking, the data on viscosity and pour point given by the manufacturer are confirmed with high accuracy – that is, the oil in these positions completely loses to the better Shell. The base number is decent – 10,25 mg KOH / g, but in combination with a low “starting” viscosity and its decrease typical for hydrocracking oils as the car is used, we cannot classify the oil as high-resource – we can recommend changing it at around 7500-8000 kilometers, which at such a price is unprofitable.

The best oils for Hyundai Tucson with 1,6 TCI, 2,0 TCI DPF engines

Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30

Rating: 4.9

Here, judging by the spectrogram, the base oil includes several components at once: in addition to the main share of GTL, the presence of polyalphaolefins and esters can be noted. In terms of potential stability, it can thus successfully compete with pure GTL from Shell and even surpass it – but at a higher cost. Claimed kinematic viscosity at 100 degrees – 11,8 mm²/ s, pour point – minus 48 degrees. The ash content is indicated at the upper limit of the class requirements – 0,8%, which allows us to hope for high alkalinity.

Laboratory analysis confirms this: the oil has a base number of 8,61 mg KOH/g, thus surpassing Shell Helix Ultra ECT C3 5W-30 and almost equaling Shell Helix Ultra ECT C2/C3 0W-30. The high-temperature kinematic viscosity is confirmed, the pour point overlaps the declared one and is -50 degrees – the thermal stability of the oil is perfectly demonstrated. We can recommend it for all climatic zones, despite the “winter” class SAE 5W, not 0W. The ash content, however, really balances on the edge of the requirements of the standard – but this will not affect the real resource of the particulate filter.

Shell Helix Ultra ECT C3 5W-30

Rating: 4.8

This GTL-based engine oil was created specifically for diesel engines with particulate filters. Considering that in the description on the website the manufacturer emphasizes high detergent properties, we can, as in the case of Shell Helix Ultra ECT C2 / C3 0W-30, assume a high base number (the manufacturer himself does not indicate it in the documentation), but at the same time suspect sulphated ash closer to the upper limit of requirements for MidSAPS oils.

Therefore, we immediately turn to laboratory analysis. The base number of 7,47 mg KOH/g is not a record, at the same time the ash content is really high, like in Helix Ultra ECT C2/C3. At the same time, their high-temperature viscosity is almost the same: here the analysis showed 11,8 mm²/With. The pour point is minus 44 degrees, for SAE 5W-30 this is a good result.

Since Hyundai recommends a viscosity of 5W-30 for diesel engines, we include this particular oil in this section of the rating. However, our experts would still recommend using Shell Helix Ultra ECT C2 / C3 0W-30 for these engines, since with equal ash content and identical high-temperature properties it has a higher alkalinity, which is not superfluous for a diesel engine in Russian conditions. However, a laboratory analysis of workings shows that Shell Helix Ultra ECT C3 5W-30 can withstand a ten thousandth run on real roads without any complaints.

TOTAL Quartz INEO MC3 5W30

Rating: 4.7

As a budget option, we can offer oil from Total, which has the right viscosity and ACEA C3 certification. However, it should be taken into account that its declared alkaline number is not so high – 7 mg KOH / g, and the pour point is indicated only at -36 degrees, that is, it has worse starting characteristics in cold weather compared to Mobil 1 or Shell and potentially a shorter resource (which partially pays for the low price).

Laboratory tests show that the pour point is lower than expected: -39 degrees, high temperature viscosity is 12,3 mm²/ s despite the fact that the maximum for this class according to SAE is 12,5 mm²/With. That is, the oil has an excellent margin for viscosity drop during aging, and it will retain reliable lubrication at increased thermal loads. The base number is close to the passport number – 6,73 mg KOH / g, in general, it is typical for ACEA C3 oils.

Typical for hydrocracking oils and the behavior of Total during operation. Viscosity drops (therefore, a good margin for it is a plus), as is the base number – to the lower limit of the standard requirements, it drops just in time for 7-8 thousand kilometers, which we will call the optimal replacement period for Total.

The best oils for Hyundai Tucson with a 2,0 TCI engine without a particulate filter

Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30

Rating: 4.9

Quite affordable (on average 2200 rubles per 4 liters) GTL oil has the required ACEA A3 / B4 quality class, a good pour point for SAE 5W-30 of -39 degrees and a passport kinematic viscosity at 100 degrees of 11,77 mm²/With. For him, we have the most recent laboratory analysis from 2020, so the data we use is as up-to-date as possible.

The use of the GTL base allowed the real characteristics of the oil to exceed the passport ones: at a high-temperature viscosity of 12 mm²/ s it simultaneously has a pour point of -50 degrees. This allows us to recommend it for all regions of Russia, and a high base number of 12,4 mg KOH / g will allow us not to be afraid of its rapid drop when using high-sulfur fuel: the oil can be called perfectly adapted to the conditions of our country. Ash content with such alkalinity can be considered moderate (1,18%), and since we are talking about an engine without a particulate filter, it does not have a critical value.

G-Energy Synthetic Active 5W-30

Rating: 4.8

Affordable (within 1400 rubles per 4 liters) domestic hydrocracking oil shows itself well, despite the price – and, given the low requirements of diesel two-liter Tucson without a particulate filter, it also suits them well. The declared kinematic viscosity of the oil is 11,8 mm²/ s at 100 ° C, pour point -40 ° C, base number – 11,1 mg KOH / g: for this price, the oil looks very good.

Real tests of a test sample in the laboratory showed figures close to those declared. By high temperature viscosity (12,11 mm²/ s) and pour point (-42 degrees), the oil overlaps the passport data, the base number is slightly lower – 10,52 mg KOH / g. The sulfur content is high (0,3%), but normal for a budget oil. At the same time, there is even molybdenum in the additive package – which is atypical for budget oil. For its price, it can be recommended by us unequivocally – a smaller potential resource in comparison with Shell, it easily pays for the difference in cost.

Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.