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2009 Hyundai Tucson Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2009 Hyundai Tucson Review:
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Hyundai Tucson Full Review
7.
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2009 Hyundai Tucson
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Hyundai Tucson should see no major changes. This compact crossover SUV is slightly smaller and less costly than Hyundai's Santa Fe. Tucson comes in GLS, SE, and Limited trims. GLS has a 140-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The SE has a 173-hp 2.7-liter V6 and 4-speed automatic transmission. Limiteds are offered with either the 4-cylinder or V6 and automatic transmission. All models are available with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is optional on SE and Limited V6. The AWD has a dashboard switch that locks in a 50/50 front/rear power split. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. A sunroof is available on SE and Limited V6 models. Limited has specific exterior trim, automatic climate control, and leather upholstery. Tucson lends its basic design to the Sportage at Hyundai's Kia division. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Hyundai Tucson.
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2009 Hyundai Tucson Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel economy | Acceleration (4-cyl) |
| Ride | Engine noise |
| Maneuverability | |
| Passenger and cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Cabin materials are attractive and well-assembled, with Sportage being slightly upscale of Tucson.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
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2009 Hyundai Tucson Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/14/2007
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2009 Hyundai Tucson Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Hyundai Tucson 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. | 3548 |
| 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.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /122 | 2.7 /165 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 140 @ 6000 | 173 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 136 @ 4500 | 178 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed manual | 20/25 | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | 19/25 | 17/23 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Hyundai Tucson 4-door wagon |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear 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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 10/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 7/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
South Korea
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
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Also in the 2009 Hyundai Tucson Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Hyundai Tucson Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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