Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson (also called the JM) is a compact crossover SUV launched in 2005. It shares its Elantra-based platform with the redesigned 2005 Kia Sportage.

Powertrains are a 2.0 L I4 with a five-speed, front-drive manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic transmission with "sport shift" manual shifting capability or a 2.7 L V6 available with the automatic only. Four wheel drive is optional with a Borg-Warner torque controller system. In some markets, the Tucson is also available with a 2.0 L diesel engine equipped with common rail technology.

In the United States, the Tucson is offered in base GL, mid-line GLS, and top-tier Limited (formerly LX) trim levels. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, six airbags, electronic stability control, a CD player, alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and premium cloth seats. The GLS adds to the roster with contrasting gray body cladding, a different alloy design, an AM/FM/Cassette/CD as well as fog lights and a front windshield wiper de-icing grid. The Limited adds leather seating surfaces, a 6-disc in dash CD changer, body-colored cladding, automatic climate control, and heated seats. The GLS and Limited are only available with the 2.7-liter V6. The GL comes only with the 2.4-liter four cylinder.

The Tucson offers modest cargo space but its easy-to-fold seats can expand this volume. Even the front passenger seat folds flat for extra-long cargo. All Tucsons come with this feature.

One major selling point of the Tucson is its safety feature content. There are dual-stage frontal impact airbags, torso side-impact airbags built into the front seats, and curtain airbags for side-impact protection for front and rear passengers. The front passenger airbag has a deactivation feature where if the seat is unoccupied, the airbag will not deploy in the event of a frontal collision, saving on repair costs.

As of August, 2006, base prices for the Tucson in the United States are as follows:

GL 2WD $17,845

GL 4WD $19,345

GLS 2WD $20,845

GLS 4WD $22,345

Limited 2WD $22,245

Limited 4WD $23,745

The Tucson received accolades from Japan Good Design Award and Canadian Car of the Year Best New Crossover award for 2005.

Changes for 2006 were minimal. The LX became the Limited and got color-coded cladding, automatic climate control, and a high-performance sound system . The GLS retained the gray cladding but 'HYUNDAI' is no longer branded into the cladding on the front doors. The GLS also got improved cloth seats with the option of a heating element. Both GLS and Limited got redesigned alloy wheels. The base GL remains unchanged.

Real world experience

Although the V6 has an estimated 20/26 EPA mileage estimate, actual mileage has been significantly less. Driving at 65 mph for over an hour resulted in a mileage of 24 miles per gallon, and normal city driving averages between 17.5 and 18.7 miles per gallon.

Picture Links

• Hyundai Tucson (Black)
• Hyundai Tucson (Blue)

Note: All these pictures have copyrights and are not for commercial use / Images taken from Google Search

External links

• HyundaiUSA's Tucson homepage
• "Build your own Tucson" at HyundaiUSA.com

This page includes content from the Wikipedia article Hyundai Tucson.