2005 Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson continues two themes for Hyundai. One is naming vehicles for Southwestern towns. The other is building surprisingly satisfying sport utilities. Introduced as an '05, the Tucson is a tad smaller than the established Santa Fe. But, like the Santa Fe, it is full of pleasant surprises for the money.

As news continues to dribble in about financial struggles at GM and Ford, I can't help but note how Hyundai - the little Korean unknown - continues to watch its market share rise. It's an example of what happens when a company builds cars according to people's wants, prices them sensibly and stands behind them with a fat warranty. Hyundai used to be dismissed as no competition and, to some extent, with good reason. Quality issues plagued the product line early on. But it was determined to be a player. Its ever increasing sales shows it is succeeding. The Tucson represents another step in the right direction.

I spent a week with a Tucson GLS. It did not have 4-wheel drive - that's optional - but it did have a lot of other things.

The good news
What good fortune to get this little Tucson the very week my teenage son headed off to camp for the summer. From his massive footlocker to a 36-inch TV (All the staff tents have to have TVs!!�), everything he needed - make that "wanted" - fit nicely in the back of this Hyundai. The back seat folds flat creating 65.5 cubic feet of cargo room. The front passenger seat also folds flat for things like snow skis. Somehow, he managed to leave those at home.

Timing also gave me ample opportunity to test this little sport ute on the highway, the place where such vehicles are often least pleasant. This was another nice surprise. The Tucson's 2.7 liter V6 (borrowed from the Santa Fe) allows it to merge confidently into traffic, maintain the pace and step out to pass without a lot of fanfare. It is enough to keep its rather measly four-speed automatic from working overtime. The Tucson does offer a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder option, if you want to be even thriftier - and slower.

The Tucson also feels solid for its class. There isn't a lot of noise from either wind or engine, and the ride doesn't hum with vibration. Fully independent suspension smooths the ride, and the brakes provide sure-footed stopping power. All in all, it acts like a bigger boy than it is.

Also of note are the Tucson's long list of extras that come standard on my GLS model - everything from anti-lock brakes, electronic stability and six airbags to things like power heated mirrors and remote-locking doors. There is also Hyundai's grand 10 year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The bad news
Although I compliment the Tucson's highway performance, I am less enthusiastic about its city manners. The problem lies in that 4-speed transmission and the Tucson's ponderous weight for one so small. At 3,517 pounds, this little fellow outweighs some larger competition and pays the penalty at takeoff. Like most overweight sorts, getting up and going takes more time than it should.

I also find the interior looks much less refined than that of some of its competitors, especially the who-chose-this-fabric? cloth seats.

Is it worth it?
When compared to the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and Ford Escape, the Tucson stacks up well in price considering standard equipment, roominess and the great warranty. I like this little SUV.

But I don't quite understand what the Tucson does for the Hyundai lineup. To me, it is too similar to the Santa Fe, thus hitting on the same consumer base. The Santa Fe is more expensive, so it may be the one to suffer.

Particulars
Front-engine, 5 passengers, 5 doors, small sport utility vehicle
Price
Base: $19,999;
As tested: $20,009.
Notable standard equipment
AM/FM/Cassette/CD/MP3 with 6 speakers; power accessories; remote locking
Major options as tested
None
Safety standard
Airbags: Dual front, side and side-curtain
Three-point seatbelts at all positions
Brakes: ABS standard
Electronic Stability with Traction Control
EPA crash test rating:
Engine
Type: 2.7 liter DOHC 24V V6
Power: 173 bhp @ 6000 rpm; 178 lb-ft @4000 rpm
Redline: 6500 rpm
Drivetrain
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Front-wheel drive
Exterior/Interior Dimensions
Wheelbase: 103.5 inches
Length/width/height: 170.3 in./70.7 in./66.1 in.
Curb weight: 3517 lbs.
Ground clearance: 7.7 in.
Luggage capacity: 22.7 cu. ft. seat up/65.5 seat down
Suspension
Fully independent
Gas mileage
EPA rated at 20 mpg city/26 highway

During her 16 years reviewing new vehicles, Beth Stein has written for Nashville's dailies (circ. 185,000), national magazines and BestStuff.com. She appeared coast-to-coast on-air for Road Test Magazine, Car And Driver Television and Motor Trend Television.