Materials selection is on par with the price too- and some satin-finish trim on the door handles made a nice touch. The instrument cluster and dashboard are styled with some sculpting and depth, and multiple storage pockets are ideal to keep many at-hand items organized. All in all, functionally speaking, the cabin works terrifically.
The trouble is that an over-abundance of grey or black plastic covers almost the entire thing- from the steering wheel to the console to the doors. With the instruments lighting up in a dull green, the atmosphere inside can feel drab. It's an interior that could benefit from the sort of metallic accenting or contrasting colors offered by many competitors.
A slick navigation / audio system
The high-tech audio head-unit shines brightly in chrome and electronic blue from the middle of all the grey. It offers a slick, very easy to use and intuitive Garmin navigation system with touch screen- a rarity for a vehicle in this price bracket.
The navigation screen shares its space with an MP3 compatible stereo system. Controls are small, especially with gloves on, though the audio system boasts surprisingly powerful and punchy sound.
Four in a row makes this one go
The tester came with Tucson's two-liter four cylinder engine that generates 140 horsepower. It's clearly not trying to blow anyone's socks off with refinement or smoothness, though the mill is surprisingly peppy for its size.
It feels responsive and eager, as does the four-speed automatic transmission to which it's attached. The manual mode reacts quickly enough to make its use enjoyable, and automatic downshifts occur with little hesitation so that the little engine is always fully utilized. Mileage averaged about 11L / 100km on my watch during five days of cold winter driving.
Ride and handling can be described as 'car like'. Steering and response are agile and nimble, and Tucson has an appreciably small turning circle, too. On smooth roads it rides like a sporty car, and things only get uncomfortable when the surface beneath turns particularly nasty. It doesn't feel 'tippy' or 'clumsy'- two characteristics of concern to many new SUV shoppers.
Choices, choices
Consider Tucson for your young family or as a flexible, efficient second vehicle for your larger one. Be sure to also consider both the Subaru Forester and Jeep Patriot in this price range as well.
Ultimately, the as tested price of around $25,000 should prove respectable to most given the Tucson's flexible interior, peppy drivetrain, slick navigation and stereo system. It's all backed by a very competitive warranty, helping deliver the Tucson's promise of an accommodating, honestly priced machine.
photo:Justin Pritchard, Chris Koski
The trouble is that an over-abundance of grey or black plastic covers almost the entire thing- from the steering wheel to the console to the doors. With the instruments lighting up in a dull green, the atmosphere inside can feel drab. It's an interior that could benefit from the sort of metallic accenting or contrasting colors offered by many competitors.
A slick navigation / audio system
The high-tech audio head-unit shines brightly in chrome and electronic blue from the middle of all the grey. It offers a slick, very easy to use and intuitive Garmin navigation system with touch screen- a rarity for a vehicle in this price bracket.
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| The tester came with Tucson's two-liter four cylinder engine that generates 140 horsepower. |
The navigation screen shares its space with an MP3 compatible stereo system. Controls are small, especially with gloves on, though the audio system boasts surprisingly powerful and punchy sound.
Four in a row makes this one go
The tester came with Tucson's two-liter four cylinder engine that generates 140 horsepower. It's clearly not trying to blow anyone's socks off with refinement or smoothness, though the mill is surprisingly peppy for its size.
It feels responsive and eager, as does the four-speed automatic transmission to which it's attached. The manual mode reacts quickly enough to make its use enjoyable, and automatic downshifts occur with little hesitation so that the little engine is always fully utilized. Mileage averaged about 11L / 100km on my watch during five days of cold winter driving.
Ride and handling can be described as 'car like'. Steering and response are agile and nimble, and Tucson has an appreciably small turning circle, too. On smooth roads it rides like a sporty car, and things only get uncomfortable when the surface beneath turns particularly nasty. It doesn't feel 'tippy' or 'clumsy'- two characteristics of concern to many new SUV shoppers.
Choices, choices
Consider Tucson for your young family or as a flexible, efficient second vehicle for your larger one. Be sure to also consider both the Subaru Forester and Jeep Patriot in this price range as well.
Ultimately, the as tested price of around $25,000 should prove respectable to most given the Tucson's flexible interior, peppy drivetrain, slick navigation and stereo system. It's all backed by a very competitive warranty, helping deliver the Tucson's promise of an accommodating, honestly priced machine.
photo:Justin Pritchard, Chris Koski
2009 Hyundai Tucson 25th Anniversary Edition
2009 Hyundai Tucson 25th Anniversary Edition
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