2008 Hyundai Tucson

We have owned our Hyundai Tucson for just over a year. We did quite a bit of comparison shopping before buying it and choose it for the features it offered compared to the cost. We compared it to the Toyota RAV4, Chevy Tahoe. Ford Escape and Kia Sorrento. The main features we were looking for were four-wheel drive, fair fuel economy, comfort and easy handling. After researching and driving all of the models listed in new condition, we found the Tucson to be the best by far.

The Toyota RAV4 was a bare bones, cheap looking car to us and we did not care for its handling in four-wheel drive. The Tahoe and Escape were both OK but offered far less in the way of extras included for the money. The Kia Sorrento was a close second, but the dealership would not negotiate a better price that the Hyundai dealership.

In the end, we wound up with a much more upgraded model than we had expected. We chose the limited edition package that included leather seats with built in warmers in the front seats, a moon roof, the enhanced traction control system, and more for just over $20,000. The SUV is roomy and the seats are especially comfortable offering several adjustments to make them fit just right. The brushed metal accents to the central control area give the SUV a modern, sophisticated look. The limited package also includes a number of other features such as custom paint and wheels, custom floor mats and a six discs CD player.

Driving the SUV is a breeze; the suspension hugs the road even at higher speeds and in windy conditions. All of the controls are easy to reach from the driver’s seat. One element that does take some getting used to is that the controls for the cruise control system are located on a separate lever just behind the driver’s right side. Beyond which is the windshield wiper controls on another lever. More than once I have caught myself flipping on the wipers when reaching for the cruise control. Gauges are all easy to read and there are plenty of indicator lights that warn of any problems before they become critical.

The backseat is said to be designed for three people, but in reality only two adults will fit comfortably. There is ample leg room even with the front seats extended back to their maximums. Another minor issue is that the storage area behind the rear seat is somewhat small. It does come with a retractable cover so you can keep things in the SUV but out of sight. Another nice feature is that you have the option to open either just the rear window or the entire rear hatch.

We choose the larger V-6 2.7L engine and have no complaints about the power that it provides. The continuously variable timing feature helps with gas consumption and performance. We tried driving one with the 4 cylinder engine, but thought it was under-powered for our taste.

Overall we are quite pleased with the Tucson and expect to keep it for several years. This will be especially true if gas prices remain high as we get over 26 miles to the gallon on the highway with our vehicle.