Those who cherish value enjoy meeting the Hyundai Tucson. Loaded with features and backed by America’s Best Warranty^™, it’s one of the more affordable compact crossover utility vehicles (CUVs). Tucson boasts a refreshed front end and new performance refinements, making it even more appealing.

The Tucson continues the tradition of offering a lot of features while keeping the MSRP low; $18,095 for 2009. The five-passenger compact CUV is available in three trims – GLS, SE and top-of-the-line Limited. The list of standard features on the GLS includes air conditioning, heated outside mirrors, full power accessories and a CD/MP3-compatible stereo with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.  The SE adds premium cloth upholstery, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a trip computer.

The Limited trim is nicely equipped with leather upholstery, monochromatic exterior, an upgraded Kenwood audio system with navigation and automatic temperature control. A V6-equipped Limited model comes with a standard sunroof.

The standard engine on the GLS trim is a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder that develops 140 hp and 136 lb/ft of torque linked to a five-speed manual. The powerplant for the SE trim is a 2.7-liter V6 with 173 hp and 178 lb/ft of torque mated to a four-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC® manual shift option. The Limited comes with a choice of the inline-four or the V6. Front-wheel drive is standard; four-wheel drive is optional for the SE and Limited models.

In testing by Emunds.com, the Tucson V6 went from zero-to-60 mph in 10.2 seconds. A reviewer from Kelley Blue Book writes that the Tucson “delivers satisfying levels of ride, comfort and performance.” With its higher stance, the CUV provides good visibility overall.

Outside, there is a newly designed grille that gives the Tucson a bolder look. The interior is modern and well designed with supportive and comfortable seats and plenty of headroom and legroom. If you have things to bring, the rear seat can fold flat easily, in a single motion, to increase cargo space from 22.7 cubic feet to 65.5 cubic feet. The front passenger’s seat can also fold down for even more space. 

Tucson’s re-engineered automatic transmission pays off with better fuel efficiency. EPA fuel estimates for the four-cylinder Tucson with an automatic are 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

The Tucson features fully independent suspension for a comfortable, yet stable ride. For peace of mind, standard safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS), antilock disc brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist, dual front airbags, front seat side-impact airbags, active front head restraints and front and rear side-curtain airbags. In government crash tests, the Tucson earned a top score of five stars for both frontal and side-impact protection.

As with its entire line of vehicles, Hyundai offers America’s Best Warranty™ – a five-year/60,000-mile limited bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as 24-hour roadside assistance for five years. 

The Hyundai Tucson offers reliability and quality that doesn’t leave you wanting for features. A test drive is a great way to see it all!