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You love the utility of an SUV, but you’re not willing to invest in oil futures to drive one on a regular basis. That’s where the 2012 Hyundai Tucson comes in. It blends the utility of a compact SUV with the fuel economy you’d normally expect to see in a compact car.

 

How is it possible for a utility vehicle like the 2012 Hyundai Tucson (MSRP $19,045) to turn in an EPA-estimated 32 mpg on the highway? It takes fanatic attention to detail and a willingness to embrace innovation. Hyundai engineers surveyed every system to wring as much fuel economy as possible from the Tucson. From the technologically advanced Active ECO System that modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response, to the low rolling resistance silica tires, there’s no stone unturned.

 

Take, for example, the task of providing a comfortable cabin in hot weather. It’s a critical need, especially for a vehicle that’s named for a city in the sun-baked state of Arizona. It’s important to deliver a powerful heating and air conditioning system, but those systems are also notorious for robbing fuel economy and power thanks to their added weight and many moving parts. Hyundai revised the system so that it not only increases fuel efficiency, it also speeds cooling of the interior, and the examination didn’t stop there. The 2012 Tucson features solar glass, which keeps the cabin cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning in the first place.

 

The result is that the Tucson GLS and Limited are more fuel-efficient than the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape four-cylinder equipped models while featuring a longer wheelbase than the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Subaru Forester.

 

The Tucson GL is powered by a high-output 2.0-liter Theta-II four-cylinder engine that produces 165 hp at 6,200 rpm and 146 lb/ft of torque at 4,600 rpm. EPA fuel economy estimates for the Tucson GL FWD model with the available six-speed automatic transmission SHIFTRONIC^® are 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The 2.0-liter four offers Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), and a two-stage Variable Intake System (VIS), which enables switching between long and short intake runners for a performance increase in all conditions. Tucson GLS and Limited models feature the Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine. The 2.4-liter engine is rated at an estimated 176 hp and 168 lb/ft of torque. Tucson GLS and Limited models boast an estimated 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway fuel economy rating with the six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC^® and FWD. Even when equipped with AWD, the Tucson still delivers an estimated 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, exceeding AWD versions of competitive vehicles.

 

The 2012 comes standard with agile handling and responsive steering that makes you forget that you’re driving something with such utility and versatility. MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems offer more precise wheel control and a smoother ride. Coilsprings and fade-resistant gas-charged dampers provide a comfortable ride and precise handling. Rack-and-pinion Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) offers the dual benefit of nimble and refined handling dynamics while saving fuel and reducing interior noise by eliminating the belt-driven pump commonly used to provide power steering.

 

The Tucson features an advanced electronic AWD system that automatically activates under any driving condition when needed, distributing power equally and optimizing driving performance. Under normal driving conditions, power distributes to the front wheels only, reducing fuel consumption. When the road turns slippery, power distributes automatically to the wheels with the most grip. The system also includes a driver-selectable AWD lock allowing for a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear wheels for off-road and very slippery conditions.

 

The Tucson also features Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC). HAC keeps the vehicle from rolling backward on steep ascents. DBC controls speed on steep declines without having to use the brake. Neither of these features typically found on luxury SUVs is available on CR-V, Rogue, RAV4 or Escape.

 

The 2012 Hyundai Tucson provides both amazing fuel economy and the kind of driving performance that a crossover driver demands. Visit with us today to find out how the Tucson can offer you the best of both worlds.