Vehicle: 2005 Hyundi Tucson GLS V6 AWD
Price as tested: CDN$28850

Performance: There are 2 engines available in the Tucson. An Elantra-derived 2.0L 4 banger with 140 hp or the V6 in our tester, which is a 2.7L DOHC 24-valver that bumps out 173 horses or 178 lb/ft of torque. Hyundai’s engines really have gone a long way in the last couple of years. The NVH and level of refinement have reached the high helm of Japanese standard, which is a match for the best of Toyota and Nissan. This engine is also flexible at every rpm. With maximum torque arrives at 4 grand, the bottom end response is excellent given Tucson’s weight. The Shiftronic 4-speed manmatic is crisp and smooth, its also willing to upshifts whenever the driver needs it to be. Its also allow you to rev into redline before upshifting, which encourages more enthuisastic driving demanor unlike many of the more protective programs out there.

Handling: Tucson is based on next generation Elantra, which shares platform with the new Kia Spectra and Sportage. The chassis is stiff and completely feel of flex and rattles. This Hyundai’s AWD is a front-bias variety which means the system only works when it detects any slippage from any of the offending wheels. There are pros and cons to this kind of system. The pros are there are fewer mechanical parts and drive mostly like a front-drive family sedan all the time. On the other hand, the cons are when the computer detects the slippage, its probably a little too late when you are driven too hot into a corner. Despite of my criticism of this concept, the system in Tucson is a fast reacting one as I tested it on a slippery surface. Its a more responsive one than Honda’s RealTime although still a no match to full-time AWD. Dynamically speaking, Tucson is quite impressive. The body rolls are very well controlled, so as its understeer. The steering has decent responsive and feedback although its somewhat vague on-center, which is the biggest dynamic drawback. Pushed into a corner, Tucson feels like a sporty jacked-up family sedan instead of an SUV thanks to its sporty setting. If Hyundai is willing to give it a full-time AWD, its dynamic package would be hardly matched in mini-ute segment.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, Tucson’s brakes are some of the best in this segment. It has excellent pedal feel and modulation while the ABS only kicks in when absoultely necessary.

Interior: Inside the Tucson, its very well laid-out. The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. There are 3 large dials for climate control which is very effective in chilly weather. All the switchgears are finished in a very high-quality fashion which means they are solid and excellently put together. The center console scores well with tasteful aluminum trim, as well as chrome around the dials for climate control. Although you still find some cheap pieces in minor places, its overall use of materials have beaten most competitors including RAV4 and Equinox. The leather seats are supportive and comfortable.

With the versatile 60/40 split fold-down rear seats and a low liftover, Hyundai desingers score another point for cargo accessibility and layout. They are also smart enough to design a tailgate window that open seperately.

Conclusion: After Hyundai succeed with the excellent Santa Fe, this Korean giant will have another homerun with Tucson. Its not only drives exceptionally well and come with an excellent pacakge, its also represents a great value when compare to its immediate competitions.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2005 HYUNDAI TUCSON GLS V6 AWD
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Performance: 4.75/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 5/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.75/5