First Drive: 2005 Hyundai Tucson
The Santa Fe gets a little brother that's the same size
By Allyson Harwood
Photography by the Manufacturer
For 2005, Hyundai is introducing a brand-new SUV, the Tucson, that's nearly identical in dimensions, horsepower, and pricing to the maker's existing sport/utility, the Santa Fe. Why? Uhm...maybe because Hyundai prefers Arizona over New Mexico?
Actually, this seeming sibling rivalry is only temporary. By 2006, the Santa Fe will move upmarket, gaining size and probably a third-row seat. The new Tucson bows in as a more contemporary competitor for such compact SUVs as the RAV4, CR-V, and Escape.
Not surprisingly, the two Hyundai sport/utes share a lot of DNA. The Tucson's optional engine, a 2.7-liter V-6, is now the Santa Fe's base engine (the standard Tucson motor is a 140-horse, 16-valve, 2.0-liter four). Hyundai's four-speed automatic is used in both SUVs. The vehicles sport similar styling, but some of the lumps were ironed out for the new model. On the road, the Tucson radiates more refinement than its older brother. The 2.7-liter also feels more muscular in the lighter Tucson. On the downside, the Tucson's steering is slow, and the suspension is a bit soft.
You wouldn't know by looking at it, but Hyundai's new cute 'ute (based on the Elantra platform) rides on a wheelbase that's longer than the Santa Fe's. Overall length on the Tucson is shorter by nearly seven inches, but in many ways it's dimensionally comparable with its "bigger" brother. The Tucson has more front-seat headroom and front- and rear-seat legroom--though not as much cargo volume. The interior could stand a spiff-up: Standard seat and door-panel trim is a fabric that resembles a taupe bead curtain against a beige wall. The situation improves in the topline LX, which comes with leather.
The LX starts at just $21,844 (including destination). Build quality is excellent; not a squeak or rattle during our drive. No, Hyundai hasn't yet reached Toyota's lofty quality pinnacle, but it's getting close. The Tucson also boasts Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile warranty--and they don't get any bigger than that