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HYUNDAI TUCSON

SUV Eruption: 2018 Hyundai Kona

May 24, 2018 by admin 14 Comments

Hyundai’s smallest SUV is big on surprises.

2018 Hyundai Kona
The 2018 Hyundai Kona brings sportiness to the small SUV range.

Let it be known that Hyundai arrived late to the subcompact SUV game. Let it also be known that despite its late entry, the 2018 Kona ranks up there with the very best models available.

Indeed, the 2018 Hyundai Kona may have been a long time coming, but the result is a model that matches well against the competition. And not only that, the all-new Kona is stylish, relatively affordable and offers available fun-to-drive characteristics.

2018 Hyundai Kona

Hyundai offers the 2018 Kona in four trims: SE ($19,500), SEL ($21,150), Limited ($24,700) and Ultimate ($27,400). Add $980 for the destination charge. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive (with a multi-link rear suspension) is a $1,300 option. Hyundai offers two engine choices and two transmission options.

The Kona arrives as Hyundai shakes up its utility vehicle offerings. Slotting beneath the compact Tucson, the Kona is joined by a pair of midsize models: Santa Fe Sport (5 passengers) and Santa Fe (7 passengers). Beginning in 2019, the two models will be known respectively as the Santa Fe (5 passengers) and Santa Fe XL (7 passengers).

2018 Hyundai Kona

From Kona, With Love

As implied, the little Hyundai is named for the Kona community on the west side of the Big Island. Interestingly, the Kona’s arrival to the market coincides with the eruption of the Kilauea volcano, which resulted in Hawaii’s most powerful earthquake in decades, never mind the intense lava flow and the destruction it has caused.

Pele is mad and maybe offering a Hyundai Kona sacrifice will appease it. Is it worth a shot?

Stylish, Modern Exterior

As for the model at hand, it has an unmistakable sporty flair in its design. Its front fascia reminds me of the previous-generation Jeep Cherokee with its narrow LED daytime lights at the top with separate headlamps and fog lights below. The Hyundai grille has a distinct crown shape and the hood offers multiple creases.

Along the sides, you will find deep sculpting, contrasting wheel wells and an upswept belt line. I especially like the touch at the rear roof pillar with the ribbed design meeting the liftgate spoiler. At the rear, you will find narrow wraparound tail lamps and puzzle-like combination lamps.

Standard equipment includes automatic headlights, LED lights, 16-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. Among the upgrades, you will find LED headlights and taillights, front fog lights, cornering lights, roof side rails, a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, power heated side mirrors, and 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels. You can also order a contrasting roof color — light gray or black — on select trims.

2018 Hyundai Kona

A Playful Cabin

Small SUVs mean correspondingly tiny cabins. But at least with this Hyundai, space is used wisely. It also makes for a usable rear seat, something the Ford EcoSport barely offers. I found the driver’s seat quite comfortable and very good sight lines present.

On paper, Hyundai shows room for five. Four is more like it. Cargo space measures 19.2 behind the second-row 60/40 split bench seat. Fold the seat down and you will find 45.8 cubic feet. That’s less than what the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3 offer, an arrangement that benefits seating room in the Kona. Hyundai supplies a temporary spare and a storage compartment under the floor starting with the SEL trim.

I will describe the Kona’s interior as “playful,” as in fun. My test model came with eye candy in the form of lime accents circling the vents and ignition button and the transmission shifter. Lime piping graces the seats as well. You will also find an instrument scoop, a large open area at the base of the center stack and ample in-door storage areas. The Kona is definitely geared toward youth who might toss camping gear inside or fit a surfboard on top.

Standard equipment includes power windows and door locks, cloth seats, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column and air conditioning. Options include a power driver’s seat with lumbar support, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, illuminated vanity mirrors and an automatic dimming rearview mirror.

2018 Hyundai Kona

Safety & Technology Highlights

Customers want tech features and Hyundai is very accommodating. The standard audio package includes six speakers, USB ports, an auxiliary audio jack, a seven-inch touch-screen display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and Siri and Google Now support. The connectivity features are at the top of their game — some luxury manufacturers still do not offer them or, as in the case of BMW, charge extra for them.

Options include HD Radio, satellite radio, wireless phone charging and an eight-speaker Infinity audio system. Blue Link connected car services come with the Ultimate trim exclusively.

On the safety front, all models have a rearview camera. Blind spot collision warning with rear cross-traffic assist is standard on all but the base trim. An available SEL Tech package adds Hyundai Smart Sense with forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist and driver attention warning. The Ultimate model adds a head-up display, high beam assist and reverse parking distance warning.

2018 Hyundai Kona

A Matter of Performance

Hyundai supplies two engine choices with the 2018 Kona. The first engine is a 2.0-liter inline-four with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. This one is also found in the Elantra and works with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Limited and Ultimate models have a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engine, generating 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Hyundai pairs this engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

My test Ultimate came with the hotted-up engine. I’ll reserve my comments about the base engine, which I’ve experienced in the Elantra. Suffice to say, it will get you where you’re going, but not with much excitement.

As for the turbo…oh, yeah! Once you get past the attendant turbo lag, the engine takes over with authority. Step-off acceleration is decent, but full-on power is a blast. My test model had all-wheel-drive and a multi-link independent rear suspension. This combination means the Kona is playful and tossable — take it on a twisty road and you may forget you are driving a utility vehicle. That the Kona sits relatively close to the ground is a benefit too — body roll was virtually non-existent. The transmission shifts gears with precision, serving up the right gear for the moment.

The last time I had as much fun with a tiny SUV as I did with this Hyundai Kona was five years ago. That is when my youngest son and I made the trek through the Appalachians in a Nissan Juke with a manual transmission. The little SUV bobbed and weaved, but it held its own.

I’m thinking the Kona would have performed just as well on that trek, especially when pulling out of switchbacks. It acquitted itself nicely when cornering, something not a lot of small cars are able to do. Mark my words: the turbo all-wheel-drive Kona will make a name for itself.

2018 Hyundai Kona

Parting Thoughts: 2018 Hyundai Kona

The 2018 Kona is more than it has to be, going beyond simply filling a hole in Hyundai’s product line. The new model provides an affordable entry point to the brand and supplies a performance-oriented model when combining the turbo engine with all-wheel drive.

A Kona EV joins the lineup this fall, supplying approximately 250 miles of range on one charge. That’s about 100 miles further than the Nissan Leaf I recently drove and should appeal to consumers in markets where the charging network is strong and the incentives generous.

You will pay about $27,000 for the Kona Limited with all-wheel drive, reflecting the higher price point for utility vehicles. The smaller storage compartment may be its most significant demerit, but that is partially offset by a larger passenger seating area. In all, the Hyundai Kona does more than the new Nissan Kicks and makes the Chevrolet Trax seem downright dated.



2018 Hyundai Kona Specifications

Hyundai 2018 Kona
Segment Subcompact Crossover SUV
Base Sticker Price $20,480 (including $980 destination fee)
Price as tested $29,805 (Ultimate AWD)
Standard Engine 2.0-liter, inline-four
Horsepower 147 @ 6,000 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.) 132 @ 4,500 RPMs
Transmission Six-speed automatic
Optional Engine 1.6-liter, turbo I4
Horsepower 175 @ 5,500 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.) 195 @ 1,500 to 4,500 RPMs
Transmission Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Seating 2+3
Curb Weight (pounds) 2,890 (SE FWD); 3,344 (Limited AWD)
Wheelbase (inches) 102.4
Length (inches) 164.0
Width (inches) 70.9 (without mirrors)
Height (inches) 61.0
Headroom (f,r — inches) 39.6, 37.8
Legroom (f,r — inches) 41.5, 34.6
Shoulder room (f,r — inches) 55.5, 54.5
Hip room (f,r — inches) 53.3, 52.2
Storage (cubic feet) 19.2, 45.8
Gross vehicle weight (pounds) NR
Towing (pounds) Not recommended
Payload (pounds) 915/930
Fuel regular
Fuel Tank (gallons) 13.2
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway) 25/30 (2.0L AWD); 28/32 (1.6L FWD)(
Manufacturing Plant Ulsan, Korea

See Also — Premium Compact: 2018 Hyundai Elantra Limited

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2018 SUVs, all-wheel drive, dual-clutch transmission, Hawaii, HONDA HR-V, Hyundai Kona, HYUNDAI TUCSON, MAZDA CX-3, turbo

Crossing Over With the
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe

October 17, 2017 by admin 7 Comments

Revised Feb. 10, 2018, to reflect latest safety rating.

Hyundai’s largest SUV in Ultimate form.

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe competes in the midsize, three-row SUV segment.

Hyundai is just a few months away from welcoming a fourth SUV to its product line, the subcompact Kona. And it can’t come soon enough. Indeed, with sales of its compact Tucson up 26.8 percent year-to-date through September, strongly suggesting another small model would be well received.

As for its larger SUV models, the Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport, Hyundai counts those sales together. U.S. sales are actually down 2.7 percent through the first nine months as competitors such as the Dodge Durango and the Honda Pilot have also experienced a slight pull back in a highly competitive segment.

Following a major overhaul in 2017, the 2018 Santa Fe is a carried over.

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe

2018 Hyundai Santa FeHyundai offers the 2018 Santa Fe in three trims: SE ($30,850), SE Ultimate ($38,850), and Limited Ultimate ($39,550). Add $950 for the destination fee and $1,750 for all-wheel drive.

Both Ultimate models offer a $2,100 Tech Package, bringing in such features as smart cruise control with automatic stop/start, automatic emergency detection with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, an electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold, high intensity discharge headlights, dynamic bending lights, and high beam assist.

Fully optioned, your final price will come in at $44,350. And that was sticker price of my front-wheel drive ride for the week.

Exterior Highlights

The 2018 Santa Fe offers a look that is at once sporty as it is upscale. Flared headlamps, a gaping upper grille and a chrome-trimmed lower grille are among the standout touches. Hyundai brings its own style to what otherwise is a nondescript profile with distinct profile lines and sculpting. From the rear you’ll find a liftgate spoiler, wraparound combination lamps, and chrome trim.

Standard features include LED daytime running lights, heated dual power side mirrors, roof side rails, a chrome dual-outlet exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Available features include front LED fog lights, dual-power side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, 19-inch alloy wheels, a hands-free liftgate with automatic open, and premium sill plates. With the top trim, you’ll find HID headlights with dynamic bending light and LED taillights, and a panoramic sunroof.

Interior Overview

2018 Hyundai Santa FeMidsize, three-row crossover utility vehicles are generally roomy, although third-row seating space may sometimes prove tight, depending on the model. The Santa Fe has the expected room along with a clean interior dressed in soft touch materials. Two-tone touches on the dashboard and door panels along with woodgrain trim on the dash give this model a premium vibe. You’ll find some plastics present as well, disguised as metallic trim on the steering wheel, vent and instrument gauge surrounds and the door panels.

Standard features include full power accessories, 7-passenger seating with cloth seats, an 8-way power driver’s seat with 4-way lumbar support, sliding second-to seats with cargo-area releases, and rear seat ventilation.

Available features include an electroluminescent gauge cluster, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, leather seats, a power passenger seat with height adjustment, an automatic dimming rear mirror, and manual rear side window sunshades.

My test model came with six seats and there is a very good reason to want this feature: third-row legroom improves significantly, especially if a passenger desires to stick his leg out between the two middle-row captains’ chairs. The third-row isn’t a fan favorite as the seats have thinner padding — the better to fold down when needed. That said, the six-seat arrangement is the ideal one when carrying six adults. The middle seat passengers will thank you as they gain heated seats, armrests and cup holders, not to mention vent controls.

Safety Features and Ratings

Given that the 2018 Santa Fe is a carryover and the 2017 model achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ rating, the score is likely a carryover too. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn’t graded the Santa Fe at all since its 2017 update.

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe

The base model comes with a rearview camera. You’ll find a multi-view camera system on the two other trims, what features four cameras strategically placed around the vehicle to render a 360-degree view of the Santa Fe’s surroundings.

Standard features include downhill brake control, hill start assist control, and a driver’s knee airbag. Blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors come with the middle trim. Fully optioned, this model delivers lane departure warning, smart cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, high beam assist, and dynamic bending light technology — what expands night time views accordingly, enabling you to view eye shine before its too late.

Top Technologies

Besides the safety technologies mentioned in the previous paragraph, you’ll find a host of technologies across the model line.

All models come with Hyundai’s Blue Link connected car system, what provides app access to the vehicle. Blue Link enables owners to lock and unlock their car doors, start or stop the engine, control the lights, and sound the horn or turn it off. It also provides a vehicle status report, all from the ease of your smartphone.

Other standard features include Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, USB ports and an auxiliary audio input, and an audio system with a CD player, HD Radio, and satellite radio. A 7-inch color touchscreen display and six speakers come standard. You can also upgrade to an Infinity sound system and an 8-in touchscreen display with navigation.

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe

On the Road: 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe

Crossovers are big on delivering ride comfort, adequate power, utility and towing capabilities. Some models do it better than others — the Santa Fe keeps pace with the best of them.

All models have a 3.3-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque, a six-speed automatic transmission, and standard front-wheel drive. Available all-wheel drive, a 5,000-pound towing capacity, and a multi-link suspension system with a stabilizer bar are additional attributes.

The Santa Fe provides clear sight lines, a comfortable ride and generous acceleration. Press on the gas pedal and you’ll find ample power for picking up speed on a highway entrance ramp or while passing on a freeway. That said, if you opt for the front-wheel drive model as tested, expect some torque steer from time-to-time, especially if you decide to floor it. All-wheel drive largely mitigates that feeling, but at an added cost.

The transmission works seamlessly in the background, although I did wonder why Hyundai has yet to upgrade to an eight-speed unit, essentially the standard for 2018 models. That said, the Santa Fe checks off all the requirements in this segment.

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe

Parting Thoughts: 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe

There is a big price jump between the base SE and the next level SE Ultimate, $8,000 to be exact. For another $700 you’ll reach the Limited Ultimate.

If you choose the base model, you can add a Premium Package ($3,650), adding such driver assist features as blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist. You’ll also find front LED fog lights, dual power side-mirrors with turn signal indicators, a hands-free liftgate, keyless entry with push-button start, a leather interior, and other touches. Put it all together and you’ll come away with a roomy, comfortable and stylish SUV for about $35,000.

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe


2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate

  • Sticker price from $39,550
  • Price as tested: $45,000 (est.)
  • Seats 6
  • 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine
  • 290 horsepower @ 6,400 RPM
  • 252 foot-pounds of torque @ 5,200 RPM
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 110.2 inches
  • Length: 193.1 inches
  • Width: 74.2 inches
  • Height: 66.5 inches
  • Passenger volume: 146.6 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 13.5/40.9/80.0 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 2,000 pounds (5,000 pounds with trailer brakes)
  • EPA: 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 18.8 gallons
  • Curb weight: 4,017 to 4,198 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick+
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 7 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Montgomery, Alabama

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
See Also — Driven: The Third-Generation Honda Pilot


2018 Hyundai Santa Fe photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.


Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2018 SUVs, all-wheel drive, crossover, Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, HYUNDAI TUCSON, V6 engine

On the Road With the All-New 2016 Hyundai Tucson

August 24, 2015 by admin 20 Comments

2016 Hyundai Tucson

After several years of strong year-over-year sales, the Hyundai engine has transitioned from a raucous roar to a subdued purr. Much of that change can be attributed to a scarcity of utility vehicles in its product line, just when consumers are snapping up SUVs and choosing fewer cars.

That product scarcity means that the two SUV lines Hyundai currently offers — the compact Tucson and the midsize Santa Fe (standard and stretched wheelbase versions both) — must perform well. Additional models are in the works, but in the meantime, Hyundai has updated the Tucson to begin its third generation. This model competes with the segment leading Honda CR-V as well as the Toyota RAV4, Chevrolet Equinox, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Outback, Volkswagen Tiguan and the GMC Terrain.

The first generation Tucson was sold from 2005 to 2009, the second generation model from 2010 to 2015. The third generation model begins with the 2016 model year and is available in SE ($22,700), Eco ($24,150), Sport ($26,100), and Limited ($29,900) editions.

2016 Hyundai Tucson

The 2016 Hyundai Tucson

My test model was a 2016 Hyundai Limited FWD model with a sticker price of $31,100. The higher price came by means of carpeted floor mats ($125), a cargo cover ($190), and delivery charges ($895). Choose all-wheel drive and that adds $1,400 to your price across the Tucson line. Moreover, if you choose the Limited AWD with the Ultimate package (i.e., panoramic sunroof, advanced safety features, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats) your final price would run $34,945 before taxes and tags.

Price creep is affecting the entire market and budget-minded Hyundai is no stranger to the phenomenon. However, there is one important consolation here: Hyundai models come generously equipped and have the best warranty in the business (please see the specifications box that follows this article). Consider these factors when cross-shopping the Tucson.

2016 Hyundai Tucson

A More Polished Tucson

Even just a cursory look at the 2016 Hyundai Tucson reveals a more elegant and polished model. Its visage aligns closely with the Santa Fe, with both models reflecting a more contemporary expression of the brand’s fluidic design language.

That language is quite evident up front with a fascia that is at once bold as it is stylized with a pronounced horizontal grille offset by sporty headlamp assemblies with striking LED daytime running light highlights. A sporty lower lip grille opening and a creased hood completes the formulation.

The Tucson’s profile is marked by the wheel well trim and pronounced character lines — the first line runs from the front wheel arches to the rear deck and is located between the belt line and the door handles, the second represents a strong indentation toward the base of the doors and just above the rocker panels.

At the rear, the Hyundai Tucson is equipped with a rear spoiler, a power liftgate, wraparound tail lamps, rear fog lights and paired chrome exhaust finishers. Sporty wheels and roof side rails complete this small SUV’s complexion.

One of my favorite Hyundai features was present in the Tucson — the automatically opening liftgate. This component works when you approach the liftgate from the rear, stop and remain still with your key fob on your person. The Tucson senses your presence, slowly beeps four times and then the liftgate rises automatically. There is no need to swish your foot under the rear bumper ala the Ford Escape or fumble for your keys — you can do this effortlessly. Alas, only the Sport and Limited trim has this feature.

2016 Hyundai Tucson


2016 Hyundai Tucson

View manufacturer details and pricing


2016 Hyundai Tucson

New Engine and a Dual-Clutch Transmission

For 2016, Hyundai made some powertrain changes, although the base 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine remains. The base engine makes 164 horsepower and 151 foot-pounds of torque, and comes paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It is the engine of choice for both the front- and all-wheel drive versions of the Tucson SE.

Hyundai discarded the larger 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine in favor of a 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The new engine, also available on the midsize Sonata sedan, makes 175 horsepower and 195 foot-pounds of torque. That compares to the 182 horsepower and 177 foot-pounds of torque the 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine offered. The turbo is the standard engine for the Eco, Sport and Limited editions.

The powertrain pairing for the turbo engine brings in a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The advantage here is that the transmission provides rapid shifts between gears for a more sporty feel. The combination has also been tweaked in the Eco edition to help this crossover deliver a competitive 33 mpg on the highway for a 10 percent mileage improvement over the standard model. Notably, there are not too many dual-clutch transmissions on the market, most certainly not amongst crossovers.

2016 Hyundai Tucson

Exterior Features and Embellishments

As is common for most media fleet vehicles, usually top-of-the-line editions are presented for the test drive. Consequently, reviews are often skewed toward the models that few consumers will choose, mostly for price reasons. But the one thing about Hyundai is that even base models share many of the features found elsewhere in the model line.

For instance, all models come with alloy wheels, power accessories, a rearview camera, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, an adjustable driver’s seat, a touchscreen audio system, and air conditioning. The front bucket seats are comfortable and supportive; the rear seat can hold three with relative ease.

Move up to the Eco model and the front and rear fascia gain a more premium look. LED daytime running lights and halogen front fog lights are included, the side mirrors add turn-signal indicators, roof rack side rails are standard, and the driver’s seat gets lumbar support. The Sport model brings in larger wheels, the hands-free smart liftgate, push-button start, heated front seats, and important safety features such as blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane change assist.

Choose the Limited and your Tucson receives everything this model has to offer: exterior chrome embellishments, a shark-fin antenna, leather seating surfaces, a power front passenger seat, an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system, an 8-speaker premium audio system, dual-zone climate control, an upgraded instrument panel, Blue Link telematics, and premium door sills.

2016 Hyundai Tucson

Cabin Amenities and Upscale Features

If you forget that you’re driving in a mainstream vehicle when behind the wheel of most any Hyundai vehicle, that’s understandable. The automaker has long sought to provide premium features to its model line, giving it a definite mainstream+ feel inside and out.

From the driver’s perspective, the cabin folds out perfectly. All controls are within reach, canted toward the driver and easy to decipher. Some car interior layouts are almost a mess with too many switches and knobs to work with.

But in the Tucson, you have a center stack that is clean and sensibly arranged with color display above the climate control. At the base of the stack 12-volt outlets, an auxiliary input port and USB port are neatly arranged with an open compartment large designed to house your smartphone. To this day I still find that some manufacturers consider smartphones an afterthought — and it shows as the only place to house them is on top or inside the covered center storage compartment. In like manner, you may find that only a cup holder is suitable for the phone.

Hyundai is also especially adept at creating useful storage compartments. For example, each door has generous storage with large drink holders present. Moreover, growing families should find the rear seat ideal for their needs. The two outboard seats can hold a car or booster seats with the center position folded down to provide the drink holders. The rear seats, by the way are reclinable, tilting slightly to allow the rear passengers to relax.

2016 Hyundai Tucson

Hitting the Road

On the road this turbo provided the necessary kick to show that it means business. As is common to this type of forced induction scheme, slight hesitation is noted, what becomes most apparent when you want to floor it. It can seem like an eternity when you have only seconds to spare — a disconcerting feeling that some people refuse to utilize.

Nevertheless, the little four is a potent engine and is especially juiced for highways. You will have no trouble passing as you zip down the boulevard.

Most crossovers are not known for exceptional handling and the Tucson is in the middle of the pack. Generally speaking, the all-important NVH — noise, vibration and harshness — has been successfully managed. Braking is enhanced in the all-wheel-drive model as it has active cornering control, what mitigates understeer and cornering performance by braking the inside rear wheel and sending more torque to the outside rear wheel.

Segment and Model Considerations

So, will the 2016 Hyundai Tucson meet all the requirements for a shopper in the small crossover segment? It should and then some — with generous standard features and equipment not offered elsewhere (i.e., the automatic power liftgate, reclining rear seat, and a right knee pad) — the Tucson has an important edge and a compelling reason to purchase one in a crowded and highly competitive sector.


2016 Hyundai Tucson Limited FWD

  • Sticker price from $29,900
  • Price as tested: $31,110
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 1.6-liter 16-valve turbocharged gasoline engine
  • 175 horsepower @ 5,500 RPM
  • 195 foot-pounds of torque @ 1,500 to 4,500 RPM
  • 3.03 inches bore by 3.36 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 10.1-to-1
  • 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 105.1 inches
  • Length: 176.2 inches
  • Width: 72.8 inches
  • Height: 64.8 inches
  • Passenger volume: 102.2
  • Storage volume: 31.0/61.9 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds with trailer brakes
  • EPA: 25 mpg city, 30 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 16.4 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,369 to 3,580 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Not Yet Rated
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 7 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Ulsan, Korea

See Also — SUV Eruption: 2018 Hyundai Kona

2016 Hyundai Tucson photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2016 CROSSOVERS, all-wheel drive, dual-clutch transmission, Ford Escape, front-wheel drive, HYUNDAI TUCSON, LIFT GATE, SUV, TURBOCHARGED ENGINE

Thin SUV Line is Hurting Hyundai

June 11, 2015 by admin 1 Comment

Hyundai’s weakest link is its line of utility vehicles. As other manufacturers have the right product in place, Hyundai finds itself scrambling to compete. A Genesis-based SUV may be in the works, but it may not be the right product or the right time.

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai’s smallest SUV is its compact Tucson line.

It was never supposed to be this way. In the Hyundai Kia Automobile Group pecking order, Hyundai was to always outsell Kia by benefit of developing the platforms, powertrains and technologies that ultimately drive both product lines.

In May 2015, Kia nearly did the unthinkable: overtake Hyundai in US vehicle sales. Indeed, the smaller of the two paired Korean automakers sold 62,433 units to Hyundai’s 63,610, a margin of 1,177 vehicles (seeGoodCarBadCar). Hyundai still has a 47,000 plus unit lead for the year, but Kia has been enjoying year over year gains as Hyundai sales slip and its market share shrinks with it.

The two manufacturers offer a nearly identical product line, but Kia designs are unique. That customers are increasingly drawn more to the Kia Optima than to the Hyundai Sonata is one possible explanation, but it fails to underscore Hyundai’s greatest weakness: a thin SUV line.

In fact, that line up is comprised of just two models — the compact Tucson and the midsize Santa Fe. In the United States, Santa Fe is sold in standard and stretched wheelbase variants, the latter marketed as the Grand Santa Fe in some markets.

Clearly, Hyundai is failing to harness one of the more significant auto trends of our time: a consumer shift to utility vehicles. And that shift really has nothing to do with gas prices. Instead, the fuel economy ratings of some SUV models are downright efficient.

Hyundai Genesis

Hyundai may build an SUV based on this Genesis’ platform.

For example, let’s take a look at a pair of Honda models.

The 2015 Honda Civic is rated as high as 30 mpg city and 39 mpg on the highway. At the same time, the 2015 Honda CR-V is EPA-rated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Both models are compact vehicles, but the overall mileage difference is just 4 mpg — 33 mpg combined for the Civic and 29 mpg for the CR-V. Just a few years ago the difference would have been more like 10 mpg. But not anymore. At least not for Honda, Mazda, Chevrolet and a few other manufacturers.

On the other hand, Hyundai has yet to fully harness its SUV potential. Besides its thin product line, its own compact SUV offering (Tucson) is EPA-rated at 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. That’s 6 mpg highway (4 mpg combined) below the segment-leading Mazda CX-5. Moreover, its compact Elantra sedan is rated at 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The Elantra makes a combined 32 mpg to the combined 25 mpg for the Tucson, a difference of 7 mpg.

Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

The Santa Fe Sport is the smaller of Hyundai’s larger SUVs.

Not only is Hyundai’s SUV line thin, but its products are being beaten on the fuel economy front. That’s a recipe for weak sales.

This week, Automotive News said that Hyundai is considering building a larger SUV, one based on the rear-wheel drive Genesis sedan’s platform. That vehicle, if built, would take two to three years to hit the market and would target premium shoppers, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz customers.

It should be pointed out that Hyundai has gone with a larger SUV in the past and failed. Specifically, it offered the Hyundai Veracruz for six model years — 2007 to 2012, a vehicle applauded for its value and top crash scores, but derided for its plain styling. Kia also sold a version of the Veracruz for just one year — the Borrego. Poor sales assured that this model was “one and done.”

Inasmuch that Hyundai recognizes its SUV weakness, by the time the big SUV hits the market, gas prices may surge and reduce demand for such a model. To put it another way, it could be a case of “too little, too late.” And at a development cost that Hyundai may never recoup.

Perhaps a better approach for Hyundai would be a three-prong strategy to improve its existing SUV line as well as bringing in an entirely different vehicle. In view of fuel price instability, such a strategy could reinvigorate Hyundai and might offer some much desired separation from Kia.

Here’s an SUV blueprint to consider:

First, improve the Tucson’s fuel mileage.

As it stands right now, the Tucson is getting walloped on the mpg front. An mpg difference of 1 or 2 mpg isn’t that big of a deal, but the Hyundai Tucson has a 5 mpg void between it and the Mazda CX-5. You can read our review of the Tucson here.

Second, the stretched wheelbase Santa Fe needs to be overhauled and renamed.

In some markets, it is known as the Grand Santa Fe. No such distinction exists in the US. That makes it harder for Hyundai to market the vehicle.

Hyundai would be better served by restyling the larger Santa Fe and giving it a different name. That’s a strategy that has worked with Ford in the Edge and Explorer, something Hyundai should follow.

Please read our review of the standard wheelbase model here and the stretched wheelbase model here.

Third, while I have no doubt that a Genesis-based SUV would excel, It isn’t the right product. At least not now.

What Hyundai could do is cast its eyes on the lower end of the market, specifically the smallest SUVs. Notably, the subcompact SUV segment is just now catching on and is a wave Hyundai is not riding.

We’ve had the Nissan Juke for several years, but now the Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, Fiat 500X, Chevrolet Trax and the Mazda CX-3 are out there. Its a volume business, one with higher profit lines than comparable subcompact cars.

A Hyundai SUV model based on the Rio platform would sell for thousands of dollars more than the Rio. Furthermore, customers would be more likely to buy this model than a big SUV regardless of where gas prices are headed.

Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe is offered in two- and three-row versions.

Discerning customers know that Hyundai has improved its products significantly since the beginning of the millennium. Those models are stylish, usually efficient and offer premium features at a competitive price. Consequently, its SUV weakness is costing Hyundai sales and may lead to further erosion unless this automaker resolves its SUV dilemma.

As far as Kia someday passing Hyundai, at least in US sales, that possibility is mostly a matter of pride for both brands. Joined at the hip since Hyundai bought Kia in the late 1990s, the fortunes of one is tied to the other, with the tide rising and falling concurrently for these two marques.

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: EPA, HYUNDAI GENESIS, HYUNDAI GRAND SANTA FE, Hyundai Santa Fe, HYUNDAI TUCSON, MPG, SUV

7 Headliners at the 2015 New York Auto Show

March 30, 2015 by admin 5 Comments

The 2015 edition of the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) begins this week, with the public show running from April 3 through 12. This writer is on his way to the Big Apple to attend dozens of news conferences and related events, and will share his findings here as well through Twitter (@theautowriter) and Facebook.

The New York show promises to have its fair share of hoopla to conclude the North American portion of the auto show circuit for the season. To that end, Auto Trends has identified seven headliners that will most likely be major newsmakers this week.

1. Cadillac CT6 Unveiled

Over the past few years, Cadillac has teased us with a pair of concepts — Ciel and Elmiraj — that have strongly hinted at the direction GM’s luxury brand might take. Long rumored that a six-figure, range-topping model was in the mix, confirmation of same only came last year.

The all-new Cadillac CT6 is *the* news story of the 2015 NYIAS. It is a five-passenger rear- or all-wheel drive model, designed specifically to do battle with the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8 and the Lexus LS. Built on an all-new Omega platform, it will be the most advanced model to come from GM, replete with leading-edge technologies and new or updated engines.

2. Scion is Back

Never did this writer think that Scion would be a news story again. Scion, introduced for the 2004 model year, is a Toyota sub-brand aimed at young, first-time buyers. The brand got off to a strong start, but within six years, it faded and has largely become irrelevant. Indeed, a few years back Toyota Motors gave Toyota dealers an option to not sell Scion vehicles. That’s a sure sign your marque is doomed.

Well, Scion is not doomed, at least not in the short term. New York will feature a pair of new models, including a subcompact IA hatchback based on the Mazda2 and a compact IM sedan. These two models plus the FR-S coupe may very well rescue Scion from oblivion.

3. Chevrolet Malibu is Now Relevant

The latest generation Chevrolet Malibu has struggled in an unforgiving segment and after three years, including a rushed second-year refresh, a new model debuts. GM simply could not wait the usual six years to turn this model over and will present a longer and more stylish Malibu in New York.

We have been told that the current model’s biggest problem will be resolved. Specifically, the wheelbase will be stretched by four inches to better accommodate rear-seating passengers. Furthermore, a legitimate hybrid contender will roll out in spring 2016, a full-on hybrid that taps Chevrolet Volt technologies.

4. Lexus RX and Closely-Held Secrets

The best-selling midsize luxury utility vehicle is the Lexus RX. A new model will debut in New York, but not much is known about it. Lexus is determined to maintain its leadership in a segment where Mercedes-Benz, Acura, BMW, Infiniti and Audi are fighting back. Further, an all-new Lincoln MKX is also being readied.

Some content that Lexus has played it safe with the RX and needs to make a bold statement with the new model. We have heard about new powertrains and technologies, but until the cover drops in New York, we really cannot say what those changes will be.

2016 Nissan Maxima
The all-new 2016 Nissan Maxima.

5. Nissan Maxima Already Revealed

Full-size sedans are not what they used to be. Certainly, if customers are shopping for cars, they are more likely to go with a midsize offering. Without doubt, the Nissan Altima has been a strong seller, while the brand’s flagship Maxima is long in the tooth and nearly forgotten.

Well, Nissan hasn’t given up on the Maxima and has been showing us a concept that points to this sedan’s styling direction. Moreover, the sedan’s final look has been shown since the Super Bowl, thus the New York unveil will be rather anticlimactic. However, a few things about the 2016 edition remain unanswered. Will a new engine be offered? Is all-wheel drive an option?

6. Jaguar XF Goes to Flatiron

The Jaguar XF has already been seen, thanks to a cleverly arranged water crossing in London last week. The second generation of this midsize, luxury saloon comes in longer, but lighter than the original. That’s a trend competing models have also been embracing.

Although the Jaguar XF will have its official news conference at the auto show, this model will also be on display in the city’s Flatiron district (23rd and Broadway) on Tuesday, beginning at 11 a.m. As for all the technical specification details, you’ll have to wait until April 1 for that news.

7. New Hyundai Tucson Debuts

Okay, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson was already revealed in Geneva. Further, photos of the North American spec model have been out since February. So, there is not much more to say about this model, at least for right now.
What will be interesting to watch is how well the new Tucson will compete in a segment dominated by the Honda CR-Z, itself all-new for 2016. Moreover, Toyota will debut a RAV4 Hybrid, what should coincide with a major mid cycle refresh for this compact SUV.

New York, New York

Yes, there will be many other news stories in New York, including a handful of surprises. Mitsubishi will show us a new Outlander, Kia will reveal a refreshed Optima and the Aston Martin Vulcan will make its US debut. For this purpose, Auto Trends will share those findings throughout the week.

 

Filed Under: Auto Shows, Automotive News Tagged With: CADILLAC CT6, Chevrolet Malibu, HYUNDAI TUCSON, JAGUAR XF, LEXUS RX, NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW, Nissan Maxima, SCION IA, SCION IM

Compact Crossover: 2014 Hyundai Tucson Limited FWD

June 13, 2014 by admin 3 Comments

2014 Hyundai Tucson Limited FWD edition.
2014 Hyundai Tucson Limited FWD edition.

Invariably, when I am asked my opinion about a new passenger vehicle, the conversation includes one or more crossover utility vehicles (CUVs). These models are immensely popular and represent today’s version of the sport utility vehicle.

SUVs are built on truck-based platforms while CUVs have “crossed over” to car-based platforms. Crossovers are more rigid, get better fuel economy, are roomier, but lack the off-road characteristics of traditional utility vehicles. Still, a CUV is not a minivan and most likely will be chosen as the family vehicle, more so than a sedan and certainly much more so than a minivan.

2014 Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai has a pair of crossovers in the mix. The Hyundai Santa Fe is a medium-sized model with an available stretched wheelbase edition. The Hyundai Tucson is a compact model, a second generation edition now in its fifth model year. Several of its competitors, including the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape are newer, putting Hyundai at a slight disadvantage. But that will change soon as the upcoming 2015 model starts the third generation and includes a limited available fuel cell edition.

Notably, both the Toyota and the Ford get better gas mileage and although the power numbers are nearly the same, I have to give the performance edge to the RAV4 over the Tucson. My only test drive of the current generation Escape was one that was equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine. It was not the most powerful engine in the Escape’s three-engine line up and it was certainly smaller than the 2.4-liter four cylinder engine found in the Tucson.

And that Tucson engine was the larger of two engines offered, with the other displacing at 2.0 liters making 164 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 151 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. As equipped, the tested Tucson was rated at 182 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 177 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. All Tucson models are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

What the Hyundai Tucson does deliver is a handsome looking utility vehicle with a form that is not radically different from its competitors. The “fluidic sculpture” design influence of the Hyundai brand is evident although hardly as radical as seen in the Sonata, the midsize sedan that introduced that look.

In the Tucson you still get several notables including a flared headlight assembly with LED daytime running lights, a trapezoidal grille, contrasting body skirting and in the case of the Limited edition, a two-section panoramic sunroof.

Three Trim Levels

The 2014 Hyundai Tucson is priced from $21,450 (GLS) and is also sold in SE ($23,500) and Limited ($26,200) editions. Front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available and ultra-low emissions versions can be had. As tested, the Tucson listed for $29,835 as it included a $2,750 technology package that added the special sunroof, the LED running lights, brought in a navigation system and upgraded the audio package.

That price surprised me as it nearly equalled what my wife paid for her RAV4 earlier this year, a model equipped with all-wheel drive. Hyundais are typically priced slightly below the competition and include more standard equipment, but those attributes were not apparent.

As a consumer, I have difficulty wrapping my mind around the prices of today’s small crossovers. Most buyers, however will consider mid grade trims, with cloth seating surfaces wholly sufficient. It is entirely possible that you can find one for about $25,000 by giving up all-wheel drive and through dogged negotiating.

2014 Hyundai Tucson Limited

Comfortable Interior

Inside, the Hyundai Tucson provides comfortable seating all around. The Limited edition brings in leather seating surfaces and heated front seats, along with keyless entry, push button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a leather gearshift knob. You also get a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power heated side mirrors with embedded turn signal indicators, dual zone climate control, a 4.3-inch color display and a rear view camera.

The comfort level for the driver is quite good with sufficient bolstering and support all around. Only the driver seat is power operated, the front passenger seat adjusts manually. The Limited edition provides cruise and secondary controls on the steering wheel. Windows, door locks and mirror controls are easily found on the door — a 45 degree angled layout that is especially helpful.

Also set at an angle are the oval shaped housings for the analog tachometer and odometer. It provides a sporty look with a digital driver information’s display found between the two.

Storage and Technology

Props to Hyundai for a center console compartment that is both attractive and functional. It provides an easy place to store your smartphone while you are driving and includes a pair of 12-volt outlets as well clearly labeled auxiliary, iPod and USB ports. Front and rear map lights, illuminated sun visor mirrors and a sunglasses holder are also included.

Between the front seats is a deep, covered storage compartment with a removable tray. This model also has an average-sized glove box, in-door bottle holders and storage, plus four cup holders. The front seats feature seatback pockets; the rear seat folds in 60-40 fashion.

Hyundai provides the Tucson Limited with a removable cargo compartment cover (squeeze it in from both sides to remove). That cargo department also features a 12-volt outlet, but no cargo hooks. A small light on the driver’s side illuminates the area. A full spare tire sits below the floor with enough room to also house an emergency kit or a brush ice scraper.


2014 Hyundai Tucson Limited FWD

View manufacturer details and pricing


On the Road

Gasoline direct injection is new for 2014, replacing the previous multiport injection. The result is improved engine response and torque.

Put the transmission into gear and the Tucson shifts smoothly without any perceptible lag or hesitation. Under normal conditions, the engine runs smoothly. Floor the pedal and the response is immediate and met with a whine as the engine is worked to its limits. It isn’t the most powerful engine in it class, but it gets the job done.

Handling is quite good for a compact crossover. MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems work to give a smooth ride and optimum control. You can even disconnect traction control if you prefer a more spirited drive. A switch located behind at the base of the dashboard to the left of the steering column handles that. That switch is next to one that controls hill descent, useful for when you are trailering. The Tucson is rated to pull between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds, depending on the model.

All Things Considered

Hyundai’s infotainment interface, Bluelink, is easy to figure out. The automaker makes use of knobs and switches, presenting a colorful display that is sensibly laid out. The turn-by-turn voice directions were clear although twice it indicated turns on roads in the opposite direction. For instance, had I turned left instead of right, I would have ended up in someone’s driveway.

Besides the Ford and the Toyota, other Hyundai Tucson competitors include the Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox and the Mazda CX-5. The CX-5, for example, delivers far superior fuel economy coming in at 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway for best in segment numbers. Another CUV to consider is the similar Kia Sportage.

What Hyundai does have that no competitors offer are outstanding warranties. Its original warranty lasts for five years or 60,000 miles and its powertrain warranty is for 10 years or 100,000 miles. The warranties alone provide a competitive edge for this powerful Korean automaker and with very good quality including fit and finish, the Hyundai Tucson should not be easily dismissed.

2014 Hyundai Tucson Limited FWD

  • Sticker price from $26,200
  • Price as tested: $29,835
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 2.4-liter 16-valve four cylinder engine
  • 182 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
  • 177 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,000 rpm
  • 3.46 inches bore by 3.82 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 11:3-to-1
  • Six-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 103.9 inches
  • Length: 173.2 inches
  • Width: 71.7 inches
  • Height: 66.3 inches
  • Passenger volume: 101.9 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 25.7/55.8 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 1,000 to 2,000 pounds
  • EPA: 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway
  • Regular gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 10.5 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,294 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Good, except Poor in Small Overlap Front
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 7 years/Unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Ulsan, Korea

More Car Reviews

Bavarian Fest: 2014 BMW 535d xDrive

Hauled It: 2014 Nissan NV200 Cargo Van

Midsize Maven: 2014 Hyundai Sonata Limited

Trekking With a 2014 Audi Q7 TDI Quattro


2014 Hyundai Tucson Limited FWD photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2014 MODELS, BLUELINK, crossover, CUV, Ford Escape, front-wheel drive, HYUNDAI TUCSON, Toyota RAV4

About the 2014 Hyundai Tucson

October 22, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

New base engine powers Hyundai’s compact SUV.

Introduced in 2005, the Hyundai Tucson plunged the Korean automaker right into the middle of the very competitive small crossover utility vehicle segment. The Toyota RAV4, Honda’s CR-V and the Ford Escape were segment stalwarts, but the Tucson quickly found room by offering numerous convenience features as standard equipment. The big changes, however, came five years later when Hyundai applied the SUV version of its fluidic design to its second generation model. For 2014, the Hyundai Tucson has received a refreshing with new projector beam headlights and LED accents now standard.

2014 Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai’s Tuscon returns for 2014 with refreshed look.

Exterior Enhancements

Besides its front fascia enhancements, the 2014 Hyundai Tucson also comes with LED taillights, a shark-fin antenna with the Tucson Limited, and roof side rails with a panoramic sunroof. New 17-inch standard and 18-inch optional alloy wheel designs grace this CUV. This model is sold in GL, GLS and Limited editions.

Cabin Touches

The refreshed five-passenger Tucson gains several important interior updates including a 4.3-inch LCD touchscreen 160-watt, six-speaker audio system with a rearview camera. A Bluetooth hands-free phone system is now standard. The Tucson Limited now comes with Standard Blue Link and Hyundai Connected Care. An updated navigation system with a larger seven-inch touchscreen display is now available. That system also includes HD radio technology.

Steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls are now standard across the model line. A tilt and telescopic steering wheel is also found in every 2014 Hyundai Tucson. This model now receives cupholder illumination, new interior colors, and floor console mounted rear vents.

Hyundai Tucson Performance

As before, customers have a choice of 2.0- and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines. The next generation of the smaller engine is new for 2014 and is equipped with direct injection. It is rated at 164 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 151 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The larger engine makes 182 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 177 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. Both Tucson models are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting capabilities. Active ECO is standard, a driving mode that increases fuel efficiency by 5 to 7 percent.

Hyundai estimates that fuel economy will come in at 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for the smaller engine and 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for the larger engine. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available across the Tucson line.

Handling and Safety Features

The Tucson is outfitted with MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. Coil springs at all four wheels and a selective damping system help to improve ride and handling. Hollow front and solid rear stabilizer bars are standard. This model also boasts greater turn angles and matches the Toyota RAV4’s turning circle at 34.7 feet while also beating its major competitors.

Like every model in this manufacturer’s fleet, the Hyundai Assurance protection system is included. It provides some of the best warranties in the auto industry including a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty that is also fully transferable and a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Your Hyundai Tucson is also protected by a 5-year, unlimited miles roadside assistance plan.

Looking Ahead

The refreshed Hyundai Tucson provides an update that keeps this model highly relevant in a very tight segment. In addition to the models already mentioned, the Hyundai competes against the Nissan Rogue, the Mazda CX-5, Chevrolet’s Equinox, the Subaru Forester, and the Jeep Compass. Look for Hyundai to follow up with an all-new model in two years.


See Also — Compact Crossover: 2014 Hyundai Tucson Limited FWD

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America.

Filed Under: New Models Tagged With: 2014 MODELS, CROSSOVER UTILITY VEHICLE, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, HYUNDAI TUCSON, sport utility vehicle, Toyota RAV4

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