Pleasant SUV

This is actually my roommates car, so I'm reviewing from the standpoint of being an occasional driver-it is not my primary vehicle.

This particular Tuscon is a base model, without many options/frills. However, being a Hyundai, it still has all those little things they include as standard. All kinds of nooks, crannies, storage, cup holders, etc.

It is a lovely shade of navy blue that I have not seen on any other vehicle. It has doors that have that satisfyingly solid thunk when you close them. It seems very solid in this fashion throughout. It has a pretty good road clearance, which is great for cruddy, snow-plow-chunk-type weather, but I wouldn't off-road it. There is heavy use of plastics inside, but not the cheaper-seeming plastic (like the Kia models seem to be full of). The seating of the Tuscon has got to be the most comfortable I've ever been in. The driver seat is highly adjustable as usual. Even back seat passengers enjoy very comfortable seating.

Everything within the driving cockpit is fairly well within reach, with simple controls to use while driving. The heating/cooling controls are the farthest to reach, but not too difficult. This car heats up tremendously-seems to be a trait of Hyundai models. So those with cold winters should appreciate it. The AC not so much, but it puts out an acceptable level.

The back seat split-folds down, as does the front passenger seat, which has proven useful at the hardware store. We've loaded some standard-sized (8 ft.?) lumber, 4x4s and 2x4s, as well as several large sheets of flexible plastic lattice, and once a ladder. We've hauled a straw bale, 25 and 50 lb. bags of dog food, bird food and garden soil, etc. Except for having to clean up the messiness of some loads, it's been pretty good for hauling some things around. Plenty of room for big time grocery shopping. If you leave the back seat up, there is still plenty of room for groceries, and it has little bag hooks to keep them in place even! There is also a flap that hooks onto the back seat, and covers this cargo space for privacy, or just to keep the kids from having wandering fingers.

Having looked at lots of SUVs, I'd say this is one of the safest ones, with standard equipment. It is loaded with airbags! It has driving control- Electronic Stability, etc. that reduce the possibility of rollovers. Much of this equipment would be a costly option on other SUVs.

The Tuscon has a fairly comfortable drive. It is smooth and responsive, although it does not have pickup as quick as my Elantra. Heavy highway traffic coming off an entrance ramp is a bit challenging due to this, although some kind of overdrive seems to eventually kick in. This would probably be my biggest complaint about it overall. It really needs a little more powerful engine. BUT, this vehicle has the best gas mileage (abt. 28 mpg on average) of any SUV I'm aware of, and having a more powerful engine would likely sacrifice that.

This car also has a multi-transmission. You can use automatic or manual shift. You just put it in drive, and slide it over. It has a plus/minus for shifting
up or down. Useful if you have hills, or some other challenge. My roommate has used this, she has driven a stick most of her life. I have not used it, since I'm used to automatic. It seems okay when being used, and if you don't shift up when you should, it seems to do it for you. I can see advantages to it, but I'm somewhat puzzled and uncomfortable with it.

Overall, I would probably be happy to own one, and drive it as my usual vehicle. It's easy to get in and out of, a plus for anyone with arthritic knees. It has a comfy ride quality, and it's very safe. It would be swell for a mom hauling kids around, anyone that likes to shop alot, and gardeners/light handyworkers.