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2008 Hyundai Tucson

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Overview

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2008 Hyundai Tucson Review

By KBB.com Editors

With the expansion of the Santa Fe into seven-passenger territory, the Tuscon becomes Hyundai's sole competitor in the compact SUV market. Like its big brother, the 2008 Hyundai Tucson is available with either front-wheel or four-wheel drive, making it a capable commuter in snow and rain and an off-road champ in mud or sand. More affordable than a comparably-equipped Honda CR-V or Jeep Compass, the Tucson successfully blends edgy and fun styling with a feature-packed equipment list that includes standard side-curtain airbags and an optional V6 engine. The Tucson's sticker price also includes Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty at no extra cost. And, while the Tucson can't match the Honda CR-V for fit, finish and high resale, it isn't too far off the mark.

You'll Like This Car If...

You'll like the Tucson if you appreciate a space-efficient design wrapped in a stylish package. Designers have emphasized cargo-carrying convenience, including an easy-to-clean composite cargo floor, tie-downs, grocery hooks and under-the-floor storage. Fuel economy is a big benefit, especially with the 140-horsepower four-cylinder engine.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Like other small SUVs, the 2008 Hyundai Tucson isn't really a contender for serious off-road treks, despite its 7.8-inch ground clearance when equipped with four-wheel drive. Comfortable enough on the road with its soft and easy-riding suspension, the Tucson doesn't feel particularly sporty in regular driving.

What's New for 2008

New features include an auxiliary audio input jack, active front head restraints and XM Satellite Radio with three-month free subscription (late availability). Limited trims now come standard with an in-dash six-disc CD changer.

Driving the Tucson

Driving Impressions As long as you don't expect an invigorating experience, the easy-to-drive 2008 Hyundai Tucson delivers satisfying levels of ride, comfort and performance. Pavement transitions and larger bumps or holes might...

toss the passengers around somewhat, but, on the whole, the ride is smooth, even on roads not fully paved. Handling is similar to any small-size SUV, if perhaps less sporty-feeling than, say, a Ford Escape or Mazda Tribute. Visibility is generally good, helped by lengthy rear-door glass, though wide rear pillars impair the view slightly. Tire noise occurs on some surfaces, but overall the Tucson is impressively quiet.

Favorite Features

Four-Wheel-Drive Availability
Always a sensible choice in the snowbelt, the Tuscon's Electronic InterActive Torque Management four-wheel-drive system normally sends 99 percent of engine torque to the front wheels, but can transmit what's needed to the wheels that have the most traction. A dashboard lock button provides a 50/50 torque split when needed for specific terrain, such as off-road use or extremely slippery situations.

Hyundai Warranty and Roadside Assistance
As if Hyundai's comprehensive five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty coverage isn't impressive enough, throw in 24-hour roadside assistance for five years at no extra charge.

2008 Hyundai Tucson Details

Interior

Geared toward single folks more than families, the 2008 Hyundai Tucson has plenty of head and elbow space up front, as well as supportive and reasonably comfortable seats. Rear space is a bit smaller than average for this class, but helpful features make up for some of the loss. The rear seat folds flat in a single motion, without having to remove the cushion, backrest or headrests. A folding front passenger seat provides extra space as well. On the distinctive dashboard, a large hood sits above the gauge cluster. The automatic transmission's shift lever is on the lower dashboard, and the sizable glovebox is within easy reach.

Exterior

Built on a heavily-modified Elantra sedan platform, the Tucson features a fully-independent suspension that helps yield a satisfying ride. Unlike the original Santa Fe, which tended to produce a love-it or hate-it reaction, the Tucson is more conventional in appearance, styled largely like other small-scale SUVs. The Tucson also features a number of standard safety features, including Electronic Stability Control and traction control. Despite a kinship to the Kia Sportage, the two models don't look all that much alike.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The GLS trim version includes anti-lock brakes (ABS), side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, remote keyless entry, power locks, windows and mirrors, AM/FM stereo with CD, Electronic Stability Control, tilt steering column, heated mirrors, XM Satellite Radio, auxiliary input jack and alloy wheels. The Tucson SE adds a V6 engine, four-speed automatic transmission, body-side cladding, fog lamps, cruise control and air conditioning. Heated leather front seats, a six-disc CD changer and automatic climate control go into the Limited model. The V6 is available with a four-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission only, but the four-cylinder can be matched with either a five-speed manual or an automatic.

Optional Equipment

Because of its abundant standard equipment, options are few on the Tucson. The GLS offers air conditioning, an automatic transmission (which makes air conditioning standard), cruise control and an upgraded audio unit with an MP3-compatible CD player. The SE and Limited offer four-wheel drive, heated front seats, a power sunroof and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.

Under the Hood

The base four-cylinder engine offers economy of purchase and of operation. It's certainly not fast, but it has plenty of performance to deal with traffic and can get up to highway cruising speed at a nimble rate, and for many people that's fast enough. The V6 engine has slightly less fuel economy but doesn't seem to deliver an exceptionally higher level of performance in the bargain. And there is no five-speed manual available with the V6, either.

2.0-liter in-line 4
140 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
136 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/25 (2WD, manual), 19/25 (2WD, automatic)

2.7-liter V6
173 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
178 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 (2WD), 17/23 (4WD)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Hyundai Tucson vehicles for sale near you.

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2008 Hyundai Tucson Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 293 Ratings for the 2005 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

8.5/10
Comfort

8.7/10

Styling

8.8/10

I love my little suv, except....

By Ginny (WA) on Saturday, February 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "good value, good looking, 4wheel drive works well"

Cons: "poor acceleration, boring interior, gas mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"This is a pretty fun car, great value for the price and very reliable, I have not had any mechanical issues with it. It is great for toting small stuff, convenient, easy to maneuver. The 4 wheel drive does great in the snow, and it is a good looking vehicle. That said, the interior is a little plain and there was only one power port. The car is definitely under powered for it's weight, and doesn't have very good acceleration (almost a hesitation). But it is a great value. Comfortable for a large person, too"

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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i love this vehicle

By double d (MD) on Saturday, January 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 81,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun to drive especially in the snow"

Cons: "gas mileage and some road noise"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The only compliant is gas mileage. I have kept the preventive maintance up on it and it hasn't failed me. I have the 4 wheel drive and has not had any issues in the snow. I would buy another one if I needed it!!!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great little truck

By Aaron (NY) on Monday, January 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 110,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "not powerful, just tough."

Cons: "no cruise control"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The only thing I don't like about my truck is that it is not equipped with cruise control. I have driven it 110,000 miles. Never had a check engine light. I use regular gas. It gets a consistent 26 miles to the gallon. I have done nothing but oil changes with BG MOA and BG 44k fuel additive. I drained and filled the transmission once and did a coolant flush once at 60k (both using bg products). I still haven't changed the timing belt (was supposed to be done at 60k). But I'm going to soon! I still haven't changed the spark plugs. That was supposed to be done at 60k as well. I'm a musician on the weekends and this truck has paid for itself many times over just getting me to gigs. It also takes me to my day job. The only upgrade I ever did was a Hyundai one. I got the Hyundai Kenwood/Garmin half-nav. Sounds awesome."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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great running vehicle

By woodys wife (NY) on Thursday, October 11, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 98,700

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "over all ,just great running vehicle"

Cons: "2WD doesnt handle slushy slick roads well,"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned this Tuscon for 6 years and have never had a major money problem with it. Only problem i encounterd was winter driving in upstate NY, because its only 2WD doesnt handle well on slick slushy roads, need sand bags in back for better control."

6 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Most enjoyable car I've ever owned - and reliable

By Cw (NJ) on Saturday, October 06, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 128,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Cheaper than comparable vehicles to buy."

Cons: "None to mention"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I've had nearly no expenses outside normal scheduled maintenance and tire/battery replacement. This vehicle is enjoyable to drive, versitile for pleasure or utility use, and economical to operate. Overall, a real winner!!!"

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Loved this car

By Pam (CO) on Wednesday, September 26, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 73,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Value, value, value."

Cons: "The auto shifting on the highway could be smoother"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've owned my vehicle for 6 years and plan on trading it in for another one. You just can't beat the value for the money, especially when you consider how great the resale value is. You also can't beat the warranty. I've had minimal issues with this vehicle; only standard, minor repairs. I'd keep it a while longer but I want to start over with a new warranty, so I plan on trading it in for the 2013 model."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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See all 293 reviews