Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson (also called the JM) is a compact crossover SUV launched in 2005. It shares its Hyundai Elantra-based platform with the redesigned 2005 Kia Sportage, and it is Hyundai's first effort at cracking the small SUV market. While perhaps not as luxurious as some of its contemporaries, the Tucson offers a number of options and affordable pricing to keep it competitive within the market.

See Wikicars' comprehensive Hyundai Tucson Review.

Recent Changes

 * Though not expected to be unveiled until the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Hyundai has released teaser images of the forthcoming second-generation model, variously dubbed ix35 (Europe) and Tucson ix (Korea), as early as the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance weekend. No details are available yet save for the already common knowledge that the new CUV will take its styling from the ix-onic concept car shown in Geneva. The new car was designed under Hyundai design director Oh Suk-Geun.

Changes for 2006 were minimal. The LX became the Limited and got color-coded cladding, automatic climate control, and a high-performance sound system. The GLS retained the gray cladding but 'HYUNDAI' is no longer branded into the cladding on the front doors. The GLS also got improved cloth seats with the option of a heating element. Both GLS and Limited got redesigned alloy wheels. The base GL remains unchanged.

For 2007 the GLS was moved down to replace the GL, and the SE was introduced to take the place of the GLS as the middle trim. Cosmetically, as the Tucson was only introduced in 2005, not much has changed. The major changes include 3 new exterior colors to choose from, and some upgrades to interior items such as the audio system.

Styles and Major Options
The 2007 Tucson comes in three different trims: the GLS, SE, and Limited. The standard for the GLS is a 2.0L 140hp I-4 engine and a 5-speed manual transmission, while the SE and Limited are powered by a 2.7L 173hp V6 and 4-speed automatic. All models are equipped with a base front wheel drive with an option for and automatic full-time four wheel drive. Some of the standout features for each trim include:

GLS
 * 16" silver alloy wheels
 * Cloth seating and door trim
 * Full floor console
 * Cargo concealed storage
 * 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system
 * Tilt steering wheel
 * Speed sensitive wipers

SE

Adds to or replaces GLS features with:
 * Premium cloth seating
 * Metal-look dashboard insert
 * Leather shift knob and steering wheel
 * Cargo net
 * Manual front air conditioning
 * 6-speaker AM/FM/Casette/MP3/CD audio system with automatic equalizer
 * Trip computer

Limited

Adds to or replaces SE features with:
 * Heated front seats
 * Leather seating and door trim
 * Auto-dimming day-night rearview mirror
 * Roll-up cargo cover
 * Automatic air conditioning
 * Compass and exterior temperature monitor
 * Wiper park

Pricing
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Gas Mileage
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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Engine and Transmission
The Tucson is initially powered by Hyundai's 2.4 litre Theta II Inline-4 which produces 176 hp @ 6000 rpm and 168 lb-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm mated to either a 6-speed Manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®, with power routed to either the front wheels or all four. A 2.0 litre Inline-4 is expected to join the powertrain list later in the year.

Performance
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If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

Reliability
The 2010 Hyundai Tucson is protected by the Hyundai Advantage. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Tucson buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) and that service includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of these coverages.

Safety
The Tucson received very high marks from the NHTSA in safety tests carried out by the organization. For all front- and side-impact crash tests, the Tucson received 5-Star ratings, and in tests for rollover, the Tucson received 4-Star ratings for both two wheel drive and four wheel drive. Some of the standard safety features found on the tucson include:
 * Traction control
 * Electronic stability control
 * Front and rear anti-roll bars
 * Four wheel anti-lock brakes
 * Driver/passenger front-impact airbags
 * Driver/passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags
 * 1st/2nd row overhead airbags
 * Occupancy sensors
 * Side impact bars

Photos
2010 Tucson

Colors
Colors will vary by trim, and a full list is viewable at CarsDirect.com. Some of the possible choices include:

Exterior
 * Alpine Frost
 * Brilliant Copper
 * Desert Sage
 * Nautical Blue
 * Nordic White
 * Platinum
 * Stone White

Interior
 * Beige
 * Gray

Main Competitors

 * Honda Element
 * Toyota RAV4
 * Ford Escape
 * Mazda Tribute
 * Jeep Liberty
 * Mazda Tribute
 * Honda CR-V
 * Subaru Forester

Hybrid Models
There are currently no hybrid models of the Tucson in production.

Unique Attributes
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Interior
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Resale Values
According to Kelley Blue Book, the Tucson is expected to "retain 55 percent of its original value at 24 months and 40 percent at 48 months. The V6 GLS and Limited four wheel drive models fare better, holding 59 percent at 24 months and 44 percent at 48 months."

Criticisms

 * "Being car-based and with no 4WD-low setting, we wouldn't advise heavy-duty off-roading or attempting to climb over fallen limbs." - Cars.com
 * "Leather reminded us of vinyl as much as cowhide, and interior plastics are hard and uninviting to the touch." - AutoWeek
 * "Like other small SUVs, the Tucson isn't really a contender for offroad treks, despite its 7.8-inch ground clearance when equipped with four-wheel drive. Comfortable enough on the road with its soft and easy-riding suspension, the Tucson doesn't feel particularly sporty in regular driving." - Kelley Blue Book
 * "Hyundai must improve its steering, which provides nothing you could describe as "feel"; it's a rubbery and disconnected experience." - AutoWeek

Generations
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First Generation/Origins: (2005-2009)
Powertrains are a 2.0 L I4 with a five-speed, front-drive manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic transmission with "sport shift" manual shifting capability or a 2.7 L V6 available with the automatic only. Four wheel drive is optional with a Borg-Warner torque controller system. In some markets, the Tucson is also available with a 2.0 L diesel engine equipped with common rail technology.

In the United States, the Tucson is offered in base GL, mid-line GLS, and top-tier Limited (formerly LX) trim levels. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, six airbags, electronic stability control, a CD player, alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and premium cloth seats. The GLS adds to the roster with contrasting gray body cladding, a different alloy design, an AM/FM/Cassette/CD as well as fog lights and a front windshield wiper de-icing grid. The Limited adds leather seating surfaces, a 6-disc in dash CD changer, body-colored cladding, automatic climate control, and heated seats. The GLS and Limited are only available with the 2.7-liter V6. The GL comes only with the 2.4-liter four cylinder.

The Tucson offers modest cargo space but its easy-to-fold seats can expand this volume. Even the front passenger seat folds flat for extra-long cargo. All Tucsons come with this feature.

One major selling point of the Tucson is its safety feature content. There are dual-stage frontal impact airbags, torso side-impact airbags built into the front seats, and curtain airbags for side-impact protection for front and rear passengers. The front passenger airbag has a deactivation feature where if the seat is unoccupied, the airbag will not deploy in the event of a frontal collision, saving on repair costs.

Worldwide
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Design quirks and oddities
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Awards
The Tucson received accolades from Japan Good Design Award and Canadian Car of the Year Best New Crossover award for 2005.

Picture Links
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 * Hyundai Tucson (Black)
 * Hyundai Tucson (Blue)