Acceleration

2WD SE	AWD SE w/sunroof	Class Average
4	4	4.7

The 4-cylinder engine is fine for commuting, but it lacks the power to give Tucson and Sportage confident highway merging and passing ability. The V6 is stronger, but it is still weaker than some rivals' 4-cylinder 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

In Consumer Guide testing, AWD V6 Tucson and Sportage models averaged 20.8 mpg. Note: V6 models have a 17.2-gallon fuel tank and 4-cylinder powered versions have a 15.3-gallon tank. Both engines use regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

2WD SE	AWD SE w/sunroof	Class Average
6	6	5.3

Ride quality is a Tucson and Sportage asset. They're composed and comfortable around town and absorbent over all but sharp bumps at highway speeds. Sportage's suspension feels slightly stiffer than Tucson's and can jolt over sharp ridges, but it is not unpleasant overall.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD SE	AWD SE w/sunroof	Class Average
4	4	4.9

Reasonably agile for small SUVs, Sportage has a sportier feel and less body lean than the Tucson, but both are pleasant to drive. Steering is a bit over-assisted in Tucson, but is firmer in Sportage, and both are responsive. The brakes are capable, but the pedal felt a bit spongy to one tester.

Quietness

2WD SE	AWD SE w/sunroof	Class Average
5	5	4.7

Tucson has moderate tire roar on all but ultra-smooth surfaces. Sportage suffers from more tire roar and body drumming. Wind rush is well-checked in both. The 4-cylinder engine is coarse and buzzy. The V6 is quiet at cruise but strains loudly at full throttle.

Controls

2WD SE	AWD SE w/sunroof	Class Average
6	6	6

The gauges are unobstructed and clearly marked. All controls are grouped conveniently in the easy-to-reach center dashboard stack, though the low-mounted climate control panel can divert the driver's eyes from the road.

Details

2WD SE	AWD SE w/sunroof	Class Average
6	6	5.2

Cabin materials are attractive and well-assembled, with Sportage being slightly upscale of Tucson.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD SE	AWD SE w/sunroof	Class Average
6	6	6.2

Legroom is adequate, but headroom is generous. The seats are comfortable and have good side-bolster support. The thick rear roof pillars impede over-the-shoulder visibility. Entry and exit is easy.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD SE	AWD SE w/sunroof	Class Average
5	5	4.9

The available sunroof's housing cuts into headroom for taller riders. The seat is comfortable, but the seatback is a little too firm. Legroom is good and becomes tight only for taller passengers with the front seats far back. Some testers complained of tight foot space. Slim door bottoms mildly impede entry and exit.

Cargo Room

2WD SE	AWD SE w/sunroof	Class Average
8	8	8.2

The seatbacks fold without removing the headrests to create a flat load floor. Tucson's cargo area has a handy removable and washable mat. A cleverly segmented tray fits into the spare-tire compartment. Tucson and Sportage also have a convenient separate-opening liftgate window, but the gate itself doesn't rise high enough to clear a six-footer's head. There is poor in-cabin storage space.

Value within Class

2WD SE	AWD SE w/sunroof	Class Average
7	7	5.6

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 since 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 solid 2008 Recommended choices in this class.

Total Score

2WD SE	AWD SE w/sunroof	Class Average
62	62	60.7

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		42
Average Score		60
High Score		70