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2005 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4WD
Hyundai’s Best Yet

It’s no secret we’re crazy about the Hyundai products and the all-new Tucson SUV is no exception. Upping the ante to seven vehicles in all, Hyundai has positioned Tucson in the small SUV segment. With lots to offer, Tucson is versatile, flexible and optioned out at a very reasonable price point.

The Tucson SUV is available in three models: GL, GLS and LX. Our test vehicle was the GLS trim level (at a little over $21,000) and included plenty of amenities, including the 2.7-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic, fog lights, windshield wiper deicer, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, metalgrain interior trim, illuminated ignition, door courtesy lights, chrome accents and bodyside cladding, power windows/locks, A/C, dual front airbags,, anti-lock braking and traction control, cruise, rear cargo cover and tray, roof side rails and AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers.

SPECS
Engine	2.0-liter, 16-valve DOHC, 4-cylinder, 140 hp. CVVT (standard); 2.7-liter, 24-valve DOHC V6, 173 hp. (GLS, LX)
Transmission	5-speed manual transmission, standard; 4-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic
Drivetrain	FWD, 4WD
Wheelbase	103.5 in.
Length	170.3 in.
Width	70.7 in.
Height	66.1 in.







Curb Weight	3240/3425 lbs. manual 2WD/4WD; 3370/3548 lbs. automatic
EPA Fuel Economy	22/27 21/26 mpg. Manual; 20/26 19/24 mpg. Automatic
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 gal.; 17.2 gal.
Tires	5-spoke/P215/65R16; 6-spoke/P235/60R16
Wheels	Alloy
Warranty	10-yr./100,000-mile powertrain, 5-yr./60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-yr./100,000-mile anti-perforation, 5-yr./unlimited 24-hour roadside assistance.

The above are standard features on the Tucson GL, with a few extra added to the GLS model. If you have to have leather, heated seats and 6-disc CD changer move on up to the top-of-the-line LX.

We were amazed at how many goodies one gets for a little over a mere $21,000. This is a great vehicle with a quiet, smooth ride, plenty of pickup and lots of leg and headroom inside. There is ample room and seating for five adults. The rear seat armrest holds two cupholders, and folds flat for storage and cargo, as does the front passenger seat. The AM/FM/CD/Cassette/MP3 audio system with six speakers has great sound and is easily operated. In fact, all the controls are easily manipulated. The IP is simple, yet funky and the metalgrain trim gives the interior an upgraded look.

Safety of course, is paramount and includes the dual airbags, front-seat side-mounted side-impact airbags and front and rear roof-mounted side-curtain airbags, 4-wheel drive and Electronic Stability Program that monitors the Tucson’s response to driver input. Working with the anti-lock braking system and traction control, the engine

We drove the Tucson quite a bit around town and on the highway and were more than pleased at its performance. The handling is tight and it maneuvers easily, making three-point turns and parking easy.

The Tucson is a capable, attractive and lively little sport-ute and we highly recommend it to those looking for versatility and comfort in a right-sized vehicle. Coming in all Hyundai vehicles will be standard XM Satellite radio making Hyundai the first major automaker to offer it.