Test Drive: 2011 Hyundai Tucson GLS AWD

2011 Hyundai Tucson GLS AWD. Click image to enlarge

With its car-like unit body construction and fully independent suspension (front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link rear) the Tucson’s handling is nimble and it feels stable in corners, although the ride can be a bit firm over bad pavement – not unlike a lot of other vehicles these days.

Interior impressions

The Tucson’s combination “leatherette” and fabric seat upholstery is a great idea: the leatherette is easy to keep clean and the cloth seat inserts are warmer when you sit on them. Even so, both front seats have seat heaters with high and low temperature settings.

The cabin has adequate room for four or five adults. The front seats are comfortable and the driver’s seat has a manual height adjuster, but no lumbar adjuster. I liked the wide footwells and large footrest for the driver’s left foot, the upright positioning of the power window buttons, and the padded centre armrest. The Tucson’s tilt/telescopic steering wheel and console shifter are positioned well and the instruments are easy to see, although the small blue digital display between the gauges can be hard to read – it includes fuel and coolant displays, gear selection, average fuel economy, average speed, trip timer, driving range, ‘Eco’ driving reminder, and trip odometer. The larger black-on-blue display in the centre dash is much easier to read from a distance although it is subject to glare. iPods and phones can be placed in the lower centre console where there are auxiliary and USB ports and two 12-volt outlets.

At the rear, adult passengers have generous footroom under the front seats, and adequate headroom and kneeroom. There’s a fold-down centre armrest with two cupholders, map pockets on the back of front seats, and door pockets. The rear side windows go all the way down.

Standard equipment on the Tucson GLS includes the ‘leatherette’ seats with fabric inserts (exclusive to the GLS), front seat heaters, leather-wrapped tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, air conditioning, power windows and locks, AM/FM/MP3/CD audio system with XM satellite radio and six speakers, USB and iPod integration, auxiliary port, Bluetooth hands-free phone, cruise control, keyless entry, alarm, tinted rear windows, and split folding seatbacks.

Standard safety features in the Tucson include front, side and curtain airbags, five head restraints and active front seat head restraints, three-point safety belts at all five seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, and two outboard rear Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child-seat anchors.

Access to the cargo area is via a hatchback which opens and closes easily, however the loading height is fairly high and the cargo area behind the rear seats is smaller than most of its competitors. A removeable, sliding cover keeps the cargo area’s contents private. The cargo floor and rear seatbacks are carpeted but the side walls are not. A small bin on the right side behind the wheelwell is handy for milk jugs; underneath the floor is a temporary spare tire and hidden storage space for small items.

Verdict

The Tucson offers an interesting combination of expressive styling, roomy cabin, decent fuel economy, and good value, but cargo space is below average and the ride is a bit stiff.