About the 2014 Hyundai Tucson

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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.

Matthew Keegan
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