2005 Hyundai Tucson

A Tucson may have front-wheel drive or optional Borg-Warner electronic Interactive Torque Management four-wheel drive. Ordinarily, 99 percent of engine torque goes to the front wheels of a 4WD model. As conditions change, torque is sent to wheels with the most traction. A dashboard lock button provides a fixed 50/50 split, front/rear.


In addition to a fold-flat rear seat, the Tucson contains a folding front passenger seat. One-button folding stows the cushion, backrest and headrests in a single motion. At the rear is an easy-clean composite cargo floor, with six tie-down locations, three grocery hooks, and under-floor storage.


Fuel economy is a bonus. A Tucson with front-wheel drive and the 2.0-liter, 140-horsepower four-cylinder engine gets a fuel-economy estimate from the EPA of 22 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway. Four-wheel drive extracts only a 1-mpg penalty. With the 173-horsepower, 2.7-liter V-6, mileage estimates dip to 20/26 mpg with front-drive or 19/24 with four-wheel drive. A four-speed Shiftronic transmission is standard with V-6 power, and optional for the four-cylinder Tucson.

The Tucson GLS adds a 173-horsepower, 2.7-liter V-6 engine and four-speed automatic transmission.

Generally soft in overall feeling, the Tucson's suspension leans more toward cushiony than sporty. Although the ride is pleasantly smooth on most surfaces, undulating pavement and more vigorous bumps can toss occupants quite a bit. In fact, even moderate road imperfections may induce some motion within the passenger compartment.


Easy to drive, the Tucson demands little correction on straightaways, but handling is relatively humdrum. There's not as much sporty sensation as an Escape offers, though the difference isn't dramatic.