2013 Hyundai Tucson

GLS models get a lot of new features this year—fog lights, automatic headlamps, and heated front seats (now on all GLSs, not just all-wheel-drive ones)—but prices are basically the same as last year’s. A proximity key and push-button starting are newly standard on Limited models.

Incorporating some characteristic European styling cues, the 2013 Hyundai Tucson bears a modern design with swooping lines along its sides, front end, and rear. Its muscular look is complemented by a large, sharply slanted windshield which provides excellent visibility for the driver. A curvier and more fluid design, this vehicle is a departure from Hyundai’s more conservative designs of the past, and gives it an appearance that is nearly as upscale as a luxury crossover. Offering a sporty look, the Tucson definitely opens up the market to young families in search of a sleek, modern crossover. The Tucson GL trim level features 17-inch steel wheels and privacy glass, while the Tucson GLS adds 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, and automatic headlights. The upper-level Limited includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a front wiper de-icer, and keyless entry. Available only for the Limited trim, the optional Premium Package includes a panoramic sunroof. The Tucson base GL comes in a choice of six body colors, including Chai Bronze, Diamond Silver, and Garnet Red, while the upper trim levels feature a few more hues to choose from.

The cabin of the 2013 Hyundai Tucson is just as well-designed as its exterior, though perhaps not as dramatic. Made of high quality materials, the controls not only look good, but feel good and durable. All controls are easy to find and simple to operate, and the gauges are well-places and easy to read as well. The black pebble-grain dashboard design is a handsome touch, and makes the Tucson seem fairly upscale alongside the competition. Roomy and comfortable front seats provide plenty of support. Room is a bit more limited in the back seats and perhaps a little snug for taller passengers. The Tucson’s low roofline also makes it difficult for taller passengers to get in and out of the vehicle. Two average-size adults fit well in the rear, though three passengers may present a challenge. Cargo space is fairly limited compared to its major competitors. The Tucson offers just 25.7 cubic feet behind the 60/40-split rear seats, and 55.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Tucson Limited is particularly well-loaded, providing leather upholstery rather than cloth, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated front seats. The Limited also adds audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel.

The 2013 Hyundai Tucson comes with all the basic standard safety features one would expect, including four-wheel, anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, dual front side-mounted airbags, and front and rear head airbags. A solid choice as a family vehicle, the Tucson includes rear door child safety locks and child seat anchors as well. For added protection, the Tucson also includes standard hill descent control with brake assist and a remote anti-theft alarm system. In the past, the Tucson received the designation as a Top Safety Pick, with their highest rating of ?Good? in all impact categories by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, though present ratings have not yet been made. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Tucson four out of five stars for overall impact protection, with four stars for frontal protection and rollover resistance, and five stars for side impact and side pole tests.

The 2013 Hyundai Tucson offers a lot more fun behind the wheel than most other competitors in the crossover market which tend to have a more practical feel on the road. It responsive handling comes in part from its Euro-tuned suspension and excellent steering. Though enjoyable, the ride can also seem a bit firm at times. The Tucson also has an excellent turning circle for a vehicle of its size, and it can maneuver into tight spaces with grace. The brakes, however, are a bit mushy. Five-speed, manual transmission works well, the six-speed automatic comes recommended for its improved efficiency. Passing on the highway comes easy to the Tucson, but improves greatly with the better four-cylinder engine. The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder is a bit lacking in power, though it does come at a lower price. This engine produces 165 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is estimated at 22/29 mpg city/highway and 25 mpg combined when paired with the automatic transmission, and slightly less with the manual, coming in at 20/26 mpg city/highway and 22 mpg combined. The heftier 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, which comes equipped standard with the GLS and Limited trim levels, makes 176 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy stands at 21/30 mpg city/highway and 25 mpg combined for the front-wheel drive version, and the all-wheel drive gets 20/27 mpg city/highway and 23 mpg combined. An all-wheel drive Tucson GL goes from zero to 60 mph in 9.6 seconds, which is about average for a vehicle in its class.

• Ford Escape
• Honda CR-V
• Kia Sportage
• Toyota RAV4