Fresh off their success with the mid-size Santa Fe SUV, Hyundai introduces a worthy competitor to the mix, loading it with an unprecedented number of standard safety features for this price class, and a wealth of comfort and convenience equipment. All of it backed up by the carmaker's famous 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.
Tucson is somehow more handsome than its love-it-or-hate-it, curvaceous sibling. The hood and front fenders feature the same "bubble" look as the Santa Fe, but body cladding on the sides and around the wheel wells seem to soften the curves and lend the Tucson a more "manly" appearance. While still very round, the shape seems to work better on the Tucson, perhaps because of its shorter overall length.
Available in three trim levels, all standard front-wheel drive with a four-wheel drive option ($1,500), the Tucson is very nicely equipped with power windows, mirrors and door locks; cruise control; remote keyless entry with alarm; rear cargo cover; and a front seat that folds forward or backward to increase cargo capacity. The base GL ($17,499) is powered by a 140-horsepower four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission (automatic is an additional $850), and the GLS and LX versions upgrade to a173-horsepower V-6 with automatic transmission. To the GL features, the GLS adds body cladding, fog lights, an upgraded audio system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and upgraded interior materials (whose bright color may be a off-putting for some). Options on the GLS include a sunroof ($750) or a sunroof and in-dash CD changer package ($1,190). The LX adds the CD changer and leather seating, with the sunroof as a $750 option.
Where the Tucson truly excels is in the area of standard safety features. Standard on all models are dual front- and side-impact and side-curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes; traction control and stability control. While Tucson has not yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, it is hard to imagine poor results in a vehicle with so many active and passive safety features.
On the road, Tucson behaves more like a sedan than an SUV. The ride is smooth, the cabin roomy and comfortable. Engine response is excellent in the V-6, but I would shy away from the base model's four-cylinder; 140 is not much horsepower for an SUV, even a small one. Build quality is excellent as well, with no noticeable wind noise, squeaks or rattles. Cargo room is more than adequate at nearly 28 cubic feet, expanding to 65.5 with the seats folded. Front and back passengers will all find comfortable seating positions, although taller adults may not be happy in the back on long trips. But, the same can be said of any car in this class.
Tucson enters a class full of popular, quality vehicles. But, particularly when you consider the success of the Santa Fe, it has an excellent chance of grabbing customers away from Honda, Toyota and Ford. Safety-conscious consumers would be wise to give the Tucson more than just a passing glance.
Return
to the Auto Reviews home page.
