2008 Hyundai Tucson Safety Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 47 Tucson reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Hyundai Tucson does extremely well in federal government crash tests. It also comes equipped with plenty of safety devices. As The Car Connection explains, "Where the Tucson shows strongest feature-wise is in the safety department."
The Tucson gets five-star ratings for driver and passenger safety in frontal crash tests, as well as front- and rear-seat safety in side crash tests. Both 2WD and 4WD versions get four-star rollover ratings. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not yet tested the new model, but gave the 2007 Tucson its second-best score of "Acceptable" in frontal offset and side impact tests.
Accident Avoidance
The Tucson also has four-wheel disc brakes with an Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control System.
Crash Protection
The Tucson comes equipped with an impressive roster of air bags: dual front air bags, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and front and rear roof-mounted side-curtain air bags along with seat belt pretensioners. Active head restraints are newly standard for 2008. Hyundai also explains that "for added protection, each door is reinforced with side-impact door beams, and the unibody construction is engineered with high-tensile steel for optimum structural integrity."
