2007 Hyundai Tucson: Road Test
Archived Review
2007 Hyundai Tucson ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $16,895 -$23,745
- Invoice: $15,966 -$21,964
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Hyundai Tucson
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2007 Hyundai Tucson includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Hyundai Tucson from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Hyundai Tucson, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Hyundai Tucson help you decide if a 2007 Hyundai Tucson is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| 2WD SE | AWD SE w/sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
The 4-cyl engine is fine for commuting, but lacks power to give Tucson and Sportage confident highway merging and passing. V6 stronger, but still weaker than some rivals' 4-cyl engines, with little power reserve for passing. No opportunity to test with manual transmission.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD SE | AWD SE w/sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 |
Test AWD V6 Tucson and Sportage averaged 20.8 mpg, slightly better than our test results 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 SE | AWD SE w/sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 |
A Tucson and Sportage asset. They're composed and comfortable around town, absorbent over all but sharp bumps at highway speeds. Sportage suspension feels slightly stiffer than Tucson's, and can jolt over sharp ridges, but is not unpleasant overall.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD SE | AWD SE w/sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
Reasonably agile for small SUVs. Sportage has sportier feel, less body lean than Tucson, but both are pleasant drives. Steering a bit overassisted in Tucson, firmer in Sportage, responsive in both. Capable brakes, but pedal felt a bit spongy to one tester.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD SE | AWD SE w/sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Tucson has moderate tire roar on all but ultrasmooth surfaces; Sportage suffers more tire roar and body drumming. Wind rush well-checked in both. Four-cyl engine coarse and buzzy. V6 quiet at cruise, but strains loudly at full throttle.
CONTROLS
| 2WD SE | AWD SE 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 panel can divert driver's eyes from the road. Cabin materials attractive and well-assembled, with Sportage slightly upscale of Tucson.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD SE | AWD SE w/sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Adequate leg room, generous head room. Seats comfortable, with good side-bolster support. Standard tilt steering wheel helps tailor good driving position. Thick rear roof pillars impede over-the-shoulder visibility. Easy entry/exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD SE | AWD SE w/sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
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 far back. Some testers complained of tight toe clearance. Slim door bottoms mildly impede entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD SE | AWD SE w/sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
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. Tucson and Sportage also have convenient separate-opening liftgate window, but gate itself doesn't rise high enough to clear a six-footer's head. Poor in-cabin storage space.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD SE | AWD SE w/sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
Tucson and its design cousin, the Kia Sportage, are pleasant light-duty people-movers with modest off-road capabilities. We prefer versions with the V6 engine; it provides class-competitive power and is smoother than rivals' fours, if hardly more potent. Lots of standard equipment, decent road manners, laudable cargo versatility, and generous warranties qualify Tucson and Sportage as Recommended picks.
Total Score
| 2WD SE | AWD SE w/sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 55 | 55 | 53.1 |
Total Score: 55
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
