2008 Hyundai Tucson Review (continued)
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Walkaround

For its first two model years, the Hyundai Tucson looked like a shorter version of bigger-sibling Santa Fe, which to an extent it was. The comparison was not necessarily in the Santa Fe's favor; if Tucson was a bit stubby, it was not nearly so quirky, with taut sides and business-like fender flares in place of Santa Fe's oddly undulating flanks.

Then, for 2007, Santa Fe went all sleek and sophisticated, chasing after the same up-level crossover look recently adopted by the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. That leaves Tucson, by default, more distinctive-looking; the last of the cute-utes.

The size difference between the two siblings has grown as well. Where before Tucson was just about 7 inches shorter overall than Santa Fe, on a wheelbase that was actually a half-inch longer; now Tucson is shorter by almost 3 inches in wheelbase and close to 14 inches overall. But remember that's because Santa Fe has grown, while Tucson remains the same size it always was.

The Tucson has clean lines with a relatively big grille up front and headlamps that blend in well with the hood line and edges of the fenders. The front bumper is a large one-piece molding that begins just below the grille, houses three large air openings and two fog lights (on models that have them) and then forms a spoiler at the bottom. Yet in profile this impressive piece of plastic barely protrudes in front of the grille opening. At the back, the outer edges of the rear bumper reaches up to the tail lights; this bumper sticks out a few inches, adding protection.

Tucson's rear tailgate slopes forward, avoiding the van-like vertical look of many other small SUVs. The rear window can be opened separately from the main tailgate, although it is not very big, making it ineffective for loading much more than small light stuff.

The SE comes with lower body cladding that runs from the front bumper, around the fenders and along the lower edges of the doors, to the rear bumper. Finished in gray, the cladding is not too obtrusive. Limited features a monochromatic look, with body-color cladding as well as the same body-color mirrors and door handles as the SE.

All models come with 16-inch alloy wheels; although the wheels on SE and Limited are more intricately styled. Roof rack side rails and tinted windows are also standard on all models.

Even though Tucson is not intended for serious off-road driving, it does have relatively short front and rear overhangs for clearance through gulleys and over obstacles. This is largely thanks to the Tucson's long wheelbase, fractionally longer than that of the Honda CR-V or Ford Escape, even though both of those vehicles are several inches longer overall. Tucson's longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs is a sign of superior design. The Tucson also has a relatively wide track, which helps improve its stability.

Interior Features

There's nothing cheap or Spartan about the interior of the Hyundai Tucson, although it won't be mistaken for a luxury vehicle. Trim accents are matte black in the GLS and metalgrain in SE and Limited. The SE comes with brightly colored cloth seats that some people find too gaudy, while others like the pattern as it brightens up the interior.

Tucson's new active front-seat head restraints help prevent whiplash by automatically reducing the space between itself and your head during certain rear-end collisions. This feature is highly recommended by safety organizations such as the IIHS.

Big radio and climate controls are mounted reasonably high for easy reach, as is the shift lever. The instrument pod contains three gauges with a decent-sized speedometer in the center and a smaller tachometer and fuel gauge off to the sides. The functions of the trip computer (standard in SE and Limited) have been expanded for 2008 to include drive time and average speed in addition to mpg and distance-to-empty.

Big storage pockets in each of the four doors contain an indent for a large cup, plus room for several maps or whatever. In addition there are a couple of cupholders in the center console. It's also nice to see a proper parking brake lever in the center instead of a pedal-operated parking brake. There are no fewer than three 12-volt power outlets; apart from the usual one at the front there is one in the rear cargo area and one at the back of the center console for use by the rear seat passengers. The rear armrest also includes a cupholder that can accommodate a juice box.

Thanks again to Tucson's long wheelbase, ingress to and egress from the rear seats is good. Once inside, rear-seat passengers will find adequate head and leg room for all but the tallest people. The rear seatback splits 60/40 to fold down with the push of single lever for more cargo space; you don't have to remove the headrests. The front passenger seat folds flat also, providing room for long objects or a convenient desk for a lone driver.

A reasonable amount of rear luggage space can be hidden by a solid rear cargo cover/parcel shelf. A large washable rubber mat covers a hidden under-floor storage area. The mat also helps protect the flooring, as well as providing a non-slip surface. There are six tie-downs at the side for securing cargo in addition to three grocery bag hooks.