2009 Hyundai Tucson

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.

Geared toward single folks more than families, the 2009 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.

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.

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: 20/26 (2WD, manual), 20/25 (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), 18/23 (4WD)