2007 Hyundai Tucson [ 2008 ]

MSRP: $16,995 - $23,845
Invoice: $16,480 - $22,545
MPG: 22 City / 27 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.6
Performance:6.0
Exterior:6.8
Interior:6.6
Safety:6.9
Reliability:7.0
Pros
  • Roomy for four passengers
  • Comes with impressive five-year basic and 10-year powertrain warranties
Cons
  • Sluggish performance from the base four-cylinder engine
  • Some cheap-looking interior materials, such as plastic door handles
  • Some complaints about road noise

Hyundai Tucson

Overall Score - 7.6 (Good)

The Tucson is a good value as a basic compact SUV, but it lags behind competitors in overall driving performance and refinement. If you are in the market for an affordable compact SUV, you should also consider the highly rated Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, or the comparably priced Kia Sportage.

The value-priced 2007 Hyundai Tucson gets high marks for affordability, but is otherwise just considered an acceptable option in the compact SUV segment. As Car and Driver explains, "There isn't a whole lot to love here -- none of Hyundai's products trade on any sort of emotional attraction -- but the lure for buyers is value, newfound quality, and a reassuring warranty." Hyundai's five-year/60,000 basic warranty far surpasses those available with Tucson's class-leading competitors, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Automobile Magazine suggests that, "Ride quality and body control are noteworthy only in relation to other Hyundais." But criticisms are not universal. Newsday finds the Tucson to be a "well-conceived little wagon at a bargain price, with a combination of practicality and on-road manners," and Consumer Guide gave the 2007 Tucson a "Recommended" award.

Edmunds sums up the majority view that "where Hyundai has the others beat is value." However, despite its low sticker price, IntelliChoice only gives the Hyundai Tucson a rating of "average" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership, as compared with other cars in its class.

Tucson Performance - 6.0 (Mediocre)

Reviewers are divided about the Tucson's general performance, and many are disappointed. MSN writes that, although it isn't as fun as the "CR-V, RAV4, Escape or Tribute ... it has a nice ride and good braking ... It just doesn't want to be pushed hard." continue

Tucson Exterior - 6.8 (Mediocre)

The Tucson's design is considered conservatively sporty. MSN finds it "conventional, so much so that I didn't notice a single person craning to look [at the] Tucsons. They sort of blend in with other SUVs." continue

Tucson Interior - 6.6 (Mediocre)

The Tucson's interior receives generally favorable reviews for its roomy and generally comfortable seats. Despite some cheap-looking materials, Car and Driver sums up the view that, "Interior fit and finish is certainly not bottom rung." continue

Tucson Safety - 6.9 (Mediocre)

The 2007 Hyundai Tucson comes equipped with plenty of safety devices, and critics have noticed. As The Car Connection explains, "Where the Tucson shows strongest feature-wise is in the safety department." The Tucson receives respectable (though not perfect) ratings in government and insurance industry crash tests. continue

Tucson Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2007 Hyundai Tucson reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Tucson's basic warranty lasts for five years or 60,000 miles.
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Review Last Updated: 5/2/08