2006 Hyundai Tucson: Road Test
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2006 Hyundai Tucson ▼
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- MSRP: $17,845 -$23,745
- Invoice: $16,864 -$21,964
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Our road test for the 2006 Hyundai Tucson includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Hyundai Tucson from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Hyundai Tucson, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Hyundai Tucson help you decide if a 2006 Hyundai Tucson is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD GLS | AWD GLS w/sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Four-cyl versions of Tucson and Sportage are fine for normal commuting, but lack power for confident highway merging and passing. V6 stronger, but no peppier than 4-cyl engine in Honda CR-V and has little reserve power for passing. No opportunity to test with manual transmission.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD GLS | AWD GLS w/sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
Test Tucson AWD GLS averaged 20.8 mpg in city/highway driving, slightly better than our test averages for V6 AWD Ford Escapes and Mazda Tributes. Note: V6 models have a 17.2-gal fuel tank, 4-cyls a 15.3-gal tank. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD GLS | AWD GLS w/sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
An asset, especially for Tucson. Tucson is composed and comfortable around town, absorbent over all but sharp bumps at highway speeds. Sportage a little stiffer and can jolt over sharp ridges, though not unpleasant.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD GLS | AWD GLS w/sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Both Tucson and Sportage are reasonably agile, with minimal body lean for small SUVs. Sportage has sportier feel, even less body lean. Steering responsive, if a bit overassisted in Tucson, more firm in Sportage. Capable brakes, but pedal felt slightly spongy to one tester.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD GLS | AWD GLS w/sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.1 |
Tucson has moderate tire roar on all but ultrasmooth surfaces; tire roar and body drumming more pronounced in Sportage. Wind rush well-suppressed. Four-cyl engine coarse and buzzy. V6 quiet at cruise, but strains loudly during rapid acceleration.
CONTROLS
| 2WD GLS | AWD GLS w/sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Gauges unobstructed, clearly marked. All controls grouped conveniently in easy-to-reach center dashboard stack, though low-mounted climate controls can divert driver's eyes from the road. Cabin materials in both are attractive and well-assembled; Sportage slightly upscale of Tucson.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD GLS | AWD GLS w/sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Adequate leg room, generous head room. Seats comfortable, with good side-bolster support. Tilt steering wheel is standard and helps tailor good driving position. Thick rear roof pillars compromise over-the-shoulder visibility. Easy entry/exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD GLS | AWD GLS w/sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Available sunroof's housing cuts into head room for taller riders. Comfortable seat, but seatback a little too firm. Leg room good; becomes tight only for taller passengers with front seats more than halfway back. Some testers complained of tight toe clearance. Slim door bottoms mildly impede entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD GLS | AWD GLS w/sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.3 |
Seatbacks fold without removing rear headrests to create flat load floor. Tucson's cargo area has handy, removable, washable mat. Clever segmented tray fits into spare-tire compartment in both Tucson and Sportage. Both also have separate-opening tailgate window that adds convenience, though gate itself doesn't open high enough to clear a six-footer. Poor in-cabin storage space.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD GLS | AWD GLS w/sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Both Tucson and similar Kia Sportage are fine light-duty people-movers with modest off-road capabilities. We prefer versions with the V6; it provides class-competitive power and is smoother than rivals' fours, though hardly more powerful. Impressive standard equipment lists, decent road manners, laudable cargo versatility, and generous warranties qualify these pleasant wagons as Recommended values.
Total Score
| 2WD GLS | AWD GLS w/sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 55 | 55 | 52.5 |
Total Score: 55
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