2005 Hyundai Tucson

Sales of big SUVs might be sinking as fuel prices rise, but smaller models appear to be doing fine at dealerships. Hyundai launched its first sport-utility vehicle, the compact Santa Fe, back in the 2001 model year. Now, for 2005, the South Korean automaker has added the smaller Tucson SUV to its lineup.

Built on a heavily modified Elantra platform, Hyundai says the Tucson is the lowest-priced vehicle in the U.S. with six airbags.

Size isn't the only difference between the Tucson and Santa Fe. Both a four-cylinder engine and a V-6 are available for the Tucson, while the Santa Fe offers a choice of two V-6 engines.


Built on a heavily modified Elantra platform, the Tucson is similar to Hyundai's Santa Fe in many ways, but with less cargo space. Ground clearance is 7.8 inches, although the Tucson does not target off-road users. At 103.5 inches, the Tucson's wheelbase is the longest in its segment. Overall length is 170.3 inches, and the Tucson is 68.1 inches tall.


Hyundai says the Tucson is the lowest-priced vehicle in the U.S. with six airbags and a stability-enhancement system as standard equipment. Applying braking force as needed, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) helps correct understeer and oversteer. Antilock braking and traction control are standard, too.

On the distinctive dashboard, beneath a hooded cluster, the large white-on-black central speedometer is easy to read.

"Weight is really the ultimate report card," said John Krafcik, vice-president of product planning and strategic planning. Competing against the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Tucson displays a more conventional look than Hyundai's Santa Fe.