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2005 Hyundai Tucson GL 2.0 2WD / GLS 2.7 4WD Road Test

Style, Spunk and a Little Sass

As part of Hyundais new 24/7 program, which consists of seven new vehicles in 24 months, the all-new Tucson is just one model among several that are bringing the two-year plan to fruition. Also included on the list are the just-released 2005 Sonata and the upcoming, redesigned 2006 Accent. But why tamper with an already strong product line? To make it even stronger than it already is.

The all-new 2005 Tucson has already made waves, having topped the 2005 Strategic Vision Total Quality Studys small SUV segment, a study that evaluated the responses of over 40,000 new-vehicle owners who purchased their new 2005 vehicles during the October-November 2004 time period. According to the survey, "buyers were asked an extensive

The all-new 2005 Tucson has now joined Hyundais award-winning lineup. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

array of questions about their complete ownership experience including buying, owning and driving their new vehicles." Thats not too shabby.

This small SUV in itself isnt too shabby, either. From its eccentric exterior to its impressive interior, the Tucson has what it takes to compete in its category. It also has a choice of two trim levels, the GL 2.0 2WD and the GLS 2.7 4WD, with two different engines. My first test Tucson, the GL 2.0 2WD, came with the 2.0L, I4, CVVT

From its eccentric exterior to its impressive interior, the Tucson has has what it takes to make waves in its category. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

DOHC engine and standard five-speed manual transmission, which produced 140 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 136 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm.

My other test Tucson, the GLS, came with the 2.7L, DOHC V6 engine and four-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic, which produced 173 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 178 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Having been impressed with both engines, its a toss-up which one Id choose.

The shifts in the five-speed manual GL 2.0 2WD Tucson were fluid and the throws were not too long. The clutch wasnt a chore to

Its impressive how well the Tucson handles. Not that I would expect anything less from the award-winning Korean car manufacturer. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

push in and didnt feel chunky either, which is somewhat uncharacteristic of small SUVs. But it is nice to tackle rush hour traffic with an automatic transmission.

Both the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive Tucsons come with a cushy front MacPherson strut suspension with stabilizer bar, and a rear multi-link arrangement with stabilizer bar. The only difference I really felt between the two smooth-riding set-ups was that the V6 AWDs ride was stiffer. Once again, its a toss up between which one felt better because they are both very comfortable to ride on.

When it came to handling, the power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering leads the P215/65R16 tires with five-spoke aluminum

Cruising on the highway, the AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six-speakers, standard on both models, was swell. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

alloy rims on the GL, and P235/60R16 tires with six-spoke aluminum alloy rims on the GLS 2.7 4WD, into corners with precision and stability. Its impressive how well the Tucson handles. Not that I would expect anything less from the award-winning Korean car manufacturer, but it just exceeded my expectations.

At highway speeds, I did notice the GL FWDs steering wheel shook, but that was probably due to the alignment, because I didnt notice the shake on the GLS 2.7 4WD, and that one had about 1,500 additional miles on it. Otherwise, cruising on the highway, the AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six-speakers sounded great. Whats more, both trim levels come standard with front ventilated and rear solid disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control, making for solid handling, and fast and effective braking, in all weather conditions.

While its not the most interesting cabin Ive ever encountered, everything is neat, clean, and where is should be. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

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