2012 Hyundai Tucson

By:

Cam on 08/08/2011

Topic:

Car Reviews.

Hyundai’s totally epic July

What began as a simple inquiry about Hyundai’s infatuation with Southwestern themed nameplates (turns out there are just 2) led me to a far more important revelation: Hyundai as a brand is scorching hot right now.  Roll out the stats courtesy of Hyundainews.com and see the brand’s 59,561 July sales represent a 10% increase from a year ago, meaning both an all-time July sales record and 7 month YTD record, all of which falls nicely into their 7^th straight month of all-time sales highs.  Oh, and Hyundai took Kelly Blue Book’s top spot for Brand Loyalty in Q2 2011, another first.

Summed up, July went OK for Hyundai. 

While 40 MPG wonders Accent, Elantra and Sonata Hybrid steal attention, the rest of Hyundai’s segments have been catching up.  Take the crossovers: Hyundai’s trio of CUVs Santa Fe, Tucson (that’s c before s), and Veracruz compete in a sweltering class.  Needing to stand out, Tucson received a makeover in 2010 and it’s been blue skies ever since.

A first look at 2012 Tucson doesn’t warrant cooling temps.

2012 Hyundai Tucson Powertrain: 4 is Enough

Performance geeks will note that 2012 Tucson doesn’t come with a V6 option.  That’s fine, because the crossover is light on its feet.  Tucson’s base curb weight is a svelte 3,139 lbs. and at its heaviest (in Limited AWD form) its 3,488 lbs. outclasses 2011 Honda CR-V 4WD (at over 3,500 lbs.).  Tucson’s curb appeal handles base GL’s 2.0 liter and the GLS & Limited’s 2.4 liters just fine.

Accompanying the 2.0L are 165 HP and 146 lb.-ft. of torque; the 2.4L engine gets 176 HP and 168 lb.-ft. of torque.

Hyundai Tucson’s Fuel Economy and Transmission?!

Yes, a smaller more efficient engine means respectable MPGs.  The most modest trim GL comes with a 5 speed manual transmission standard and 6 speed auto with SHIFTRONIC and Active ECO System optional.  The Active Eco System ‘modifies engine and transmission control’ for a smoother throttle response, resulting in up to 7% gains in fuel economy, according to Hyundai.

So what does that mean in terms of numbers?  2.0L FWD autos get 23/31/26 MPG, while the 2.4 liter FWD receives 22/32/25.  GL manuals drop to 20/27/23; GLS and Limited trims have an AWD option which will turn out 21/28/23 MPG.

2012 Hyundai Tucson, the Modern CUV

Hyundai will boast that Active ECO System means Tucson achieves a smaller carbon footprint than Toyota RAV4 and CR-V.  Assisting overall cleanliness is Limited’s CleanAir Ionizer which will purify the cabin when heat or A/C is applied.  And it’s not just Tucson’s air that’s safe: Bluetooth comes standard on GLS and Limited for hands free ease, rearview camera and touchscreen NAV are optional on Limited, and Electronic Stability Control, Brake Assist, Traction Control System, and ABS standard on all three trims.

The safety detail earned Tucson IIHS Top Safety Picks in 2010 and 2011 and it’s looking good for a 3-peat.

Hyundai Tucson – The Bottom Line

Starting at $19,045 the 2012 Hyundai Tucson borrows ‘sleek, assertive’ European flair which Hyundai hopes will make their CUV stand out in a crowd.  With respect to the exterior beauty, it’ll be the all-around effort that makes Tucson rise above the masses.