2005-2008 Hyundai Tucson: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2005-2008 Hyundai Tucson and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Cargo room
Cons
- Acceleration (4-cyl)
Vehicle Highlights
Hyundai unveiled an all-new compact SUV for 2005. Tucson was slightly smaller and less expensive than Hyundai's Santa Fe SUV, but built on a similar car-type platform. It offered 4- or 6-cyl engines and front- or all-wheel drive. GL, GLS, and LX models were available; all had a liftgate with separate-opening glass. GLs came with a 140-hp 4-cyl with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. GLSs and LXs used a 173-hp V6 and the automatic transmission. Tucson came with either front-wheel drive or an AWD system that lacked low-range gearing but had a dashboard switch that locked in a 50/50 front/rear torque split. ABS, traction/antiskid control, and an antiskid system were standard. So were front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Leather upholstery and heated front seats were exclusive to LX models, where they were standard. A sunroof was available on GLS and LX. Tucson shares its design with the Kia Sportage.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Hyundai Tucson AWD GLS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 54 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2005-2008 Hyundai Tucson. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2005-2008 Hyundai Tucson.
Year to Year Changes
2006 Hyundai Tucson:
Top-line LX was renamed Limited, adding automatic climate control in the bargain.
2007 Hyundai Tucson:
Tucson carried over unchanged.
2008 Hyundai Tucson:
The 2008 Hyundai Tucson is largely unchanged, but a new 4-cylinder Limited model became available.
Our road test for the 2005-2008 Hyundai Tucson includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2005-2008 Hyundai Tucson and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2005-2008 Hyundai Tucson is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Four-cyl models are fine for normal commuting with a light load, but they lack power for confident highway passing. V6 models are stronger but also short on passing punch, and are no quicker than most 4-cyl rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav4. Test AWD V6 models averaged 20.8 mpg. Compared to other compact SUVs, Tucson's ride is composed and comfortable around town, absorbent over all but sharp bumps at highway speeds. It's quite agile at lower speeds, steering is responsive, and corners are taken with moderate body lean. On the freeway, tire noise intrudes on all but very smooth surfaces, but overall noise levels are moderate for the class. The 4-cyl engine is loud under acceleration, the V6 much more refined. Interiors offer adequate head and leg room, though tall rear-seat passengers might find limited head room beneath the optional sunroof, and leg room tight with the front seat pushed far back. Rear passengers might also find the seatback a little too firm. Entry/exit is easy in front, but more difficult in back due to narrow door bottoms. Drivers face clearly marked, unobstructed gauges. Climate controls are mounted low, and thus can divert the driver's eyes from the road, but they're easy to reach, as are the high-mounted audio controls. Materials are attractive and well-assembled. Thick roof pillars compromise over-the-should visibility. Rear seatbacks fold without removing headrests to create a flat load floor that's covered by a removable, washable mat. A clever, segmented tray fits into the spare-tire compartment. A separate-opening tailgate window adds convenience, though the gate itself doesn't open far enough to clear a 6-footer's head. Besides the usual glovebox and console box, there's little in-cabin storage space.
Value for the Money
Tucson is a fine light-duty people-mover with modest off-road capability but fine on-road manners. V6 models are preferred for their class-competitive power. An impressive list of standard features means there are no "stripped" models, which makes shopping for a used one easier. Note that only the 5/50 bumper-to-bumper warranty is transferable to a second owner; Hyundai's highly touted 10/100 powertrain warranty is not.
Tucson is a fine light-duty people-mover with modest off-road capability but fine on-road manners. V6 models are preferred for their class-competitive power. An impressive list of standard features means there are no "stripped" models, which makes shopping for a used one easier. Note that only the 5/50 bumper-to-bumper warranty is transferable to a second owner; Hyundai's highly touted 10/100 powertrain warranty is not.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Hyundai Tucson AWD GLS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 54 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Hyundai Tucson includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Hyundai Tucson .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Battery:
The battery may go dead if vehicle not driven for several days due to problem with MP3 radio. (2006-07)
Cold-starting problems:
Some 4WD vehicles may not start in cold weather due to water freezing in the exhaust pipe between the converter and muffler. (2005)
Engine noise:
Knocking noises from the 2.0L engine may be caused by some aftermarket oil filters. (2004-06)
Engine stalling:
In below freezing temperatures the engine may not start due to ice in the exhaust pipe, requiring replacement with one that does not have a dip. (2005)
None:
Fresh air intake hose may detach from the airflow sensor on 2.7L engines requiring a redesigned clamp. (2005)
Sunroof/moonroof:
The sunroof may rattle because the mounting screws vibrate loose requiring lock washers or Loctite. (2005)
Transmission problems:
Transmission may engage harshly or be delayed when shifting out of park due to a faulty engine control module or powertrain control module. (2005-07)
Water leak:
Water may leak into the passenger compartment when raining or using a carwash if the blower is on high speed requiring sealing of the fresh air intake area. (2005)
Water leak:
Water may leak onto the front floor requiring installation of a deflector below the fresh air intake grille. (2005)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $540 |
| Alternator | $340 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,850 |
| Brakes | $560 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $610 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $2,130 |
| Exhaust System | $675 |
| Radiator | $800 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,110 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $900 |
Our price chart for this generation Hyundai Tucson details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| Tucson GLS | $14,500-16,500 | $13,200-15,000 | $9,000-10,200 |
| Tucson SE, Limited | $16,500-19,000 | $15,000-17,300 | $10,600-12,200 |
| 2007 | |||
| Tucson GLS | $12,100-13,500 | $10,900-12,200 | $6,800-7,600 |
| Tucson SE, Limited | $13,600-15,800 | $12,400-14,400 | $8,000-9,300 |
| 2006 | |||
| Tucson | $10,500-13,000 | $9,500-11,700 | $5,600-6,900 |
| Tucson Limited | $12,500-14,000 | $11,300-12,600 | $7,100-8,000 |
| 2005 | |||
| Tucson | $9,300-11,500 | $8,400-10,400 | $4,800-6,000 |
| Tucson LX | $11,200-12,500 | $10,100-11,300 | $6,000-6,800 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Hyundai Tucson include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.5 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 170.3 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.1 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3425 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 65.5 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.2 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.3 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.1 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.8 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.2 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
A 2.0-liter 140-hp 4-cylinder engine with 136 lb-ft of torque was offered with 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. A 2.7-liter 173-hp V6 with 178 lb-ft of torque was available with the 4-speed automatic only.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 210.5 | 140 | 136 | 5-speed manual: 21/26 4-speed automatic: 22/27 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V6 | 2.7 / 162 | 173 | 178 | 4-speed automatic: 19/24 | 4-speed automatic: 20.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: South Korea
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Hyundai Tucson include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2006 Tuscon |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2005-2008 Hyundai Tucson directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2005 Tuscon:
Defective parking-brake lever may not engage or may allow vehicle to roll when engaged. Dealer will replace parking-brake-lever assembly.
2005 Tuscon:
The antiskid system may inappropriately reduce power and apply the brakes while driving, resulting in a skid or crash. Dealer will reprogram the antiskid system hydraulic electronic control unit.
2007:
Safety testing indicated that if a small stature adult driver, not wearing a seat belt, is involved in a frontal or near frontal crash, deployment of the driver air bag may result in an insufficient margin of compliance as measured by the test dummy used in the NHTSA test. Dealers will replace the driver air bag module.
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