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By Autotropolis Editors
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Strengths: |
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Low price; good fuel efficiency; solid ride; loaded with safety features. |
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Changes: |
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Active head restraints join the Hyundai Tucson's already long list of standard features for 2008, and XM satellite radio and an auxiliary audio input join the list of standard features later in the model year. Also, a six-disc CD changer is now standard on the Limited model, and a new black leather interior replaces last year's gray leather. |
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Value: |
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The 2008 Hyundai Tucson is a very strong value, offering both a lower price and more standard features than several other vehicles in its class, including a full roster of safety features. It also has respectable fuel economy, with an EPA highway rating of up to 25 mpg, and a good ride relative to more trucklike sport-utilities. According to Hyundai, the Tucson is the only crossover SUV in its class with standard XM satellite radio and an auxiliary audio input (features added in the middle of the model year). |
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Overview: |
The Hyundai Tucson is offered in three different trims for 2008: the basic, budget-priced GLS; the SE, which incorporates a lot of popular equipment; and the Limited, which adds a long list of additional features and is almost worthy of being called a luxury vehicle.
A 140-horsepower, 2.0L four-cylinder engine is standard on the Tucson GLS, while a 173-horsepower, 2.7L V6 standard on the SE and Limited. The four-cylinder can be paired with a five-speed manual transmission, but the V6 gets a standard four-speed automatic.
SE and Limited models can be equipped with the Electronic Torque Management all-wheel drive system, which sends up to 99 percent of power to the front wheels but can send as much as 50 percent to the rear wheels when it's needed.
The system operates seamlessly by factoring in throttle position and steering-wheel angle as well as wheel slippage.
Electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, front seat-mounted side air bags, active front head restraints, and side curtain air bags that cover both rows of seating are all standard across the model line.
There's seating for five, and the rear seat is split 60/40 and folds forward easily to expand cargo space. The front passenger seat can also fold forward or backward for especially long objects.
Six tie-down points are provided, and the cargo floor is an easy-to-clean smooth material. As with most other crossover SUVs, the back hatch lifts up, but there's also a flip-up rear window that allows convenient loading.
Standard equipment on the GLS and the entire line includes 16-inch alloy wheels, an 80-watt CD audio system, and power windows, locks, and mirrors.
Later in the model year XM satellite radio and an auxiliary input jack will join the list of features. SE models bring a sportier appearance with bodyside cladding, fog lamps, and body-colored handles and mirrors, plus air conditioning, cruise control, a trip computer, and 140-watt CD/cassette sound system. |
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