2005 Hyundai Tucson
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The all-new Hyundai Tucson expands Hyundai’s model line, becoming the number two SUV. Hyundai’s first entry into the small SUV segment, Tucson offers a lot for the money. Resembling its big brother the Santa Fe, Tucson is a versatile, comfortable alternative to what has become all too common today on U.S. roadways: The overbearing sport-utility vehicle.
We enjoyed driving the Tucson and quickly elevated it to the top of our Daily Driver list. This is just the right combination of vehicle for any kind of driving, whether it’s around town or on the highway. It’s quiet, comfortable and maneuvers well. Short drivers will find the Tucson a good choice as handles without much effort.
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SPECS
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| Engine | Hyundai Beta 2.0-liter DOHC 4-cylinder, inline with CVVT; horsepower, 173 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual standard; 4-sp. Shiftronic automatic |
| Wheelbase | 103.5 in. |
| Length | 170.3 in. |
| Width | 70.7 in. |
| Height | 66.1 in. |
| Brakes | ABS standard on all models; four-wheel, four channel |
| Traction control | Standard on all models |
| Tires | P215/65R-16 (GL); P235/60R-16 BF Goodrich Traction T/A (GLS, LX) |
| Wheels | 5-spoke 16x6.5 alloy (4-cyl); 6-spoke 16x6.5 alloy (V6) |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 5-sp. Manual 2WD: 22/27; 4WD: 21/26 mpg |
| 4-sp. Automatic 2WD: 22/27; 2WD: 20/26 mpg; 4WD: 19/24 mpg. | |
| Fuel Capacity | 15.3 gal. (L4); 17.2 gal. (V6) |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs (2.0 liter); 2,000 lbs (2.7 liter) with trailer brake: 1,000 lbs without trailer brake |
| Curb Weight | 3,240-3,548 lbs. |
| Warranty | 10 yr./100,000 miles |
With such standard equipment as traction control, antilock brakes and side-impact airbags (with a total of six airbags), Tucson far outweighs much of the competition. Hyundai has thought of all those goodies that make active people happy: durable, easy-to-clean plastic flooring, multiple tie-down locations for all their gear, plenty of cargo space, and an easily manageable vehicle to drive.
Versatility is the name of the game with Tucson. What’s your fancy? Two-wheel drive, four-wheel-drive? Manual transmission or Shiftronic automatic? Four-cylinder or six?
Tucson is available in three trim levels: GL, GLS and LX. Our test vehicle was the GLS with automatic transmission and the 2.7-liter V6 engine. Other standard equipment on our GLS included air conditioning, power windows/door locks and mirrors, ABS, traction control, keyless entry with alarm, heated outside rearview mirrors, heated windshield wiper rests, tinted glass, roof rack side rails, intermittent wipers, AM/FM/CD stereo system with six speakers, leather seating surfaces, fog lights and a power sunroof.
Also standard on the GLS is an MP3 player and woofer with the AM/FM/CD
system. Hyundai has included all the necessary elements for fine motoring and in a right-size SUV for all walks of life. We highly recommend this new entry into the Hyundai lineup.