New 2009 Hyundai Tucson

As the smallest SUV in Hyundai’s stable, the sleeker 2009 Hyundai Tucson offers generous interior space, thoughtful interior amenities, impressive fuel economy and a well-rounded safety package.

The Tucson receives a bolder front grille and rear treatment for 2009 and is available in three trim levels – the GLS, SE, and Limited. The 2.0-liter, 140-horsepower four-cylinder engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission and provides decent pickup. The 2.7-liter, 173-horsepower V-6 engine is available in the GLS and Limited models and is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® to give you the ability to manually shift through the gears. The optional 4-wheel drive system automatically routes power to the wheels that have best traction, and the driver-selectable 4WD lock provides continuous power for front and rear wheels during off-road adventures.  The Tucson gets 17-20 mpg in the city and 23-25 mpg on the highway and competes with the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V.

Interior amenities include an in-dash 6-disc CD changer audio system with an auxiliary input jack and six speakers for great sound quality. The available automatic temperature control system features the Air Quality System to provide a healthy in-cabin environment. The available heated leather front seats on Limited models provide toasty warmth in the cold weather, along with the available windshield wiper deicer for the ultimate visibility in winter.  In the summertime, the power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof and sliding sunshade lets the cool breezes inside. The standard 60/40 split fold-down rear seat seatback allows the cargo room to balloon to a maximum 65.5 cubic feet, which enables you to haul a variety of items.

Standard safety equipment includes six standards airbags to protect passengers, including dual front, front seat-mounted side, and side curtain airbags. The anti-lock braking system helps to prevent wheel lockup and shorten stopping distances, while the Electronic Stability Control System with Traction Control provides control and improved handling while minimizing wheelspin in precarious weather or road conditions.

It may be small in stature, but the 2009 Hyundai Tucson is a big-time competitor in the small SUV class.