The Hyundai Tucson is the Korean automaker's smallest, entry-level SUV.Its most obvious competitor is the Honda CR-V.Like the CR-V, the Hyundai Tucson is strictly a five-seater, with no third-row-seating option.Both come standard with a four-cylinder engine, although the Tucson offers a V6, and the Honda does not.
We found the Tucson to be comfortable around town and on the highway, with light steering, adequate power from the V6, and a smooth four-speed automatic transmission.
The interior is nice: It doesn't look cheap, and the controls are easy to operate with big knobs.It's easy to get in and out of the front and back seats, and the rear seatbacks flip down easily.There's a decent amount of cargo space available.
We like its looks.It's nicely proportioned, with clean lines and short overhangs front and rear.Like Hyundai's slightly larger Santa Fe, the Tucson is a crossover rather than a truck-based SUV, built with unit-body construction, all-independent suspension, and a transversely mounted engine.
That said, we actually preferred the ride and handling of the four-wheel-drive Tucson models, even on dry pavement.On wet pavement, 4WD Tucsons don't spin their front tires the way the front-drive models do when accelerating from a stop.In snow, they benefit from an all-wheel-drive system that directs power to the rear wheels as road conditions change.A switch allows the driver to lock in a 50/50 torque split when creeping through drifting snow.Though not intended to be a highly capable off-road vehicle, the Tucson can certainly manage rocky dirt two-tracks and other light off-highway duties.
*Prices shown are Hyundai suggested retail prices only, and do not include taxes or license. Actual vehicle/accessory costs, labor and installation vary. Dealers set their own prices. Please consult your selected dealer.