INTRODUCTION:
Hyundai introduced their Tucson compact SUV in the United States in 2005. While
a reliable and nice “entry-level” SUV, it was apparent that it desperately needed
a redesign. In 2010, Hyundai introduced the newly-redesigned, second-generation
Tucson. With an all-new design, new power plants, and an affordable price,
Hyundai had a hit. Today, let’s take a look at the 2014 Hyundai Tucson SE FWD,
as rented from Enterprise Rent-a-Car.
EXTERIOR:
Walk up to the Hyundai Tucson, and you’re greeted by a smiling front end. The
hood integrates nicely into the front grille, and, for 2014, the Tucson borrows
LED-accented headlamps from Hyundai’s Kia brand of vehicles. Continue around
the exterior, and you’ll see that the Tucson SE includes 17” alloy wheels,
tinted dark gray. The tail lamps flow nicely into the tailgate. This particular
Tucson was finished in Sterling Gray Metallic. Note that the Tucson SE doesn’t designate
its trim level on the tailgate.
INTERIOR/TECHNOLOGY:
Step inside the Hyundai Tucson, and you’re (kind of) reminded of the late 1990s
and early 2000s. Firstly, there is no push-button ignition, not even on the
Limited trim level. All Tucson trim levels use a standard keyless entry remote
that Hyundai has been using on most of their vehicles since at least the late
1990s. The separate key is also one that Hyundai has used on most of their
vehicles since the mid-1990s. This particular Tucson featured the Ebony interior.
The seats are leather, but include a rather odd-looking cloth insert in the
seat centers. Both front seats are two-stage heated, and they are rather comfortable.
The driver’s seat is power-adjustable with basic adjustments, but the passenger’s
seat is manually-adjustable. The steering wheel integrates controls for the
cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, voice command system, and
stereo system. The gauges are easy to read (they tilt towards the driver for
easier viewing), and the monochromatic central display in between the two
gauges is easy to read as well. A basic driver’s information center comes standard.
The radio was an A/M-F/M radio (no HD radio, unlike its siblings), a
single-disc CD/MP3 player, iPod/USB jacks (they require a special adapter to be
purchased from Hyundai in order to function correctly), and a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary
input jack (these are all located in the lower center console). The radio
featured SIRIUS-XM Satellite Radio with an active subscription. The four-inch
color touch-screen display proved tedious to use, though one could get used to
using it on a daily basis. Voice recognition, powered by Nuance, understands
voice commands well, though it takes its time to perform the action requested
by the user. The six-speaker non-premium sound system sounded excellent and
crisp. The steering wheel isn’t leather-wrapped, and should be on a sport trim
level like this. The glove box, center console, and other storage compartments
inside the car are very large, and provide an abundance of storage for larger
items. The rear seat is comfortable, and, since this is a Hyundai Elantra-based
SUV, it sits low to the ground for easy entry and exit. The rear seat folds,
though only the backrest. The rear seat also features a fold-down center armrest,
though it doesn’t offer any storage. There is a temporary, non-matching “doughnut-style”
spare tire under a nice, folding rear cargo mat. 12-volt DC power outlets are
naturally located throughout the vehicle, and a single-zone, manual climate
control system with manual rear controls is also included. This particular
Tucson didn’t include the panoramic moonroof that is available on the
top-of-the-line Limited trim level.
PERFORMANCE/DRIVING:
The Hyundai Tucson offers two GDi (Gasoline Direct injection) inline
four-cylinder (I4) engines: a 2.0-liter and a 2.4-liter. The 2.0-liter, available
exclusively on the base GLS trim level, offers 158 horsepower. The larger
2.4-liter, standard on the upper-level SE (this trim level) and Limited trim
levels, offers 182 horsepower. A towing package is available, though this did
not have it. For 2014, Hyundai dropped both the GL trim level, making the GLS
trim level the base trim level, as well as the previously-available six-speed
manual transmission, leaving only a six-speed automatic transmission with
manual shifting modes as the only available transmission for 2014. FWD (this
vehicle) or AWD are offered across the Tucson lineup. On the road, the Tucson
drives just like a car, more particularly, its Hyundai Elantra counterpart. Fuel
economy is rather good, considering this is an SUV. Steering was effortless;
though I had to stretch my legs a bit in order to reach the pedals (they weren’t
power-adjustable). The interior was surprisingly quiet, considering its buzzy
four-cylinder engine. The Tucson would be a good candidate for longer trips
with the family or a group of friends.
SUMMARY:
In summary, the 2014 Hyundai Tucson SE FWD is a great vehicle for those looking
for a compact SUV on a budget, but don’t want something as compact as a Jeep
Compass or Patriot. This particular 2014 Hyundai Tucson SE FWD, without
options, retailed for $23,603.00, based upon a paper I found in the vehicle’s
glove compartment.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Base
Price, Without Options, MSRP: $23,603.00
Options
on This Vehicle: N/A, No Options
This
Vehicle’s Price, With Options, MSRP: $23,603.00
Exterior
Color: Sterling Gray Metallic
Interior
Color/Style:
Engine:
2.4L GDi (Gasoline Direct injection) Inline Four-Cylinder (I4), 182 HP
Transmission:
6-Speed Automatic, Manual Shifting Available
Drive:
Front-Wheel-Drive (FWD)
Mileage,
at Review: 10,094 Miles
-Vincent
D., Vincent’s Auto Reviews
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