Hyundai Tucson (04-09) - Review

Review by David Ross on
The Tucson is a budget 4x4 that majors on value for money and generous equipment. That's not to say it isn't capable off road and the four-wheel drive versions can cope surprisingly well with tough terrain. But it's on the tarmac where the Hyundai is really designed to spend the majority of its time. Here it is comfortable enough and handles well in corners with good body control, although the suspension is firm which is noticeable in town and over rough roads. There's a good diesel engine available, which is just as well as the petrols are underpowered and thirsty. The model was slightly facelifted for 2009 while a two-wheel drive version was also introduced.
3 out of 5

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3 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£14,595 - £20,702

Used price range:

£2,899 - £13,621

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Well equipped, five-year warranty, decent off road ability, strong diesel engine

Awkward looks, dated and drab interior, firm ride, not very economical

The Tucson is a budget 4x4 that majors on value for money and generous equipment. That's not to say it isn't capable off road and the four-wheel drive versions can cope surprisingly well with tough terrain. But it's on the tarmac where the Hyundai is really designed to spend the majority of its time. Here it is comfortable enough and handles well in corners with good body control, although the suspension is firm which is noticeable in town and over rough roads. There's a good diesel engine available, which is just as well as the petrols are underpowered and thirsty. The model was slightly facelifted for 2009 while a two-wheel drive version was also introduced.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    2.5 out of 5

    "Easily the best engine in the Tucson range is the 2.0-litre diesel. Originally this was a CRTD unit..."

  • Handling

    3 out of 5

    "The Tucson may be an off roader, but it is surprisingly good in corners and there's not too much..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    2.5 out of 5

    "Thanks to a spacious cabin the Tucson is comfortable on the move, although the firm ride takes the..."

  • Practicality

    3.5 out of 5

    "Boot space in the Tucson is fairly good with 540 litres available with the rear seats in place -..."

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5

    "Originally there were two trim levels - GSI and CDX. The GSI is well equipped with power steering,..."

  • Behind the wheel

    2.5 out of 5

    "The cabin of the Tucson is drab and dominated by grey plastics that are scratchy and feel cheap. The..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    3 out of 5

    "The Tucson seems good value, although the similar Kia Sportage is cheaper and equally well equipped..."

  • Green credentials

    2.5 out of 5

    "There's no low emission model in the Tucson line-up and the cleanest engine - the 2.0-litre diesel -..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    3.5 out of 5

    "The Tucson was awarded four stars out of five by Euro NCAP when it was crash tested, which although..."

  • Reliability

    4 out of 5

    "Hyundai has a good reputation for mechanical reliability. It also has the reassurance of a five year..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    2 out of 5

    "The Tucson is a budget offroader that's a cheaper alternative to cars like the Toyota RAV4 but comes..."

  • Buying used

    3 out of 5

    "It isn't as common on the used market as the Toyota RAV4 or Suzuki Grand Vitara, but there are..."

  • Selling

    3 out of 5

    "The diesels will command more than the petrol versions and you could struggle to sell a V6 model."

Gallery

  • Interior Hyundai Tucson (04-09)
  • Exterior Hyundai Tucson (04-09)
  • Exterior Hyundai Tucson (04-09)
  • Exterior Hyundai Tucson (04-09)

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Owners' reviews