2012 Hyundai Tucson

Value For The Money
Hyundai continues its "value-pricing" philosophy with the 2012 Hyundai Tucson, offering well-equipped vehicles for less money than the competition, as well as an ability to maintain its value over time.

Exterior Design
The 2012 Tucson's sculpted exterior shape still looks fresh after three years on the market and stands out among the crowd.

Five passengers will find convenient access to the Tucson with its wide doors and low floor height. The dashboard and interior panels, although mainly hard plastic, are nicely textured. The controls are within easy reach, feel substantial - the beveled window switches are especially nice – and operate smoothly. Drivers will appreciate nicely shaped (and almost supportive) 6-way adjustable seat (8-way power in the Limited). Second-row passengers may feel a bit claustrophobic due to the low seat cushion height, sloping roof, and high beltline. The 60/40-split seatbacks do not recline and may be too erect for some passengers. Foot room, however, is abundant due to the nearly flat floor in the rear.

What distinguishes the 2012 Hyundai Tucson from the competition is its European sculpted styling. Although the Tucson is a utility vehicle, its shape is not boxy, but rather fresh and athletic. Up front, the Hyundai SUV sports a sculpted hood, aggressive 2-tier grille, and wrap-around headlights. From the side, the vehicle's aerodynamic shape includes a steeply raked windshield and sloping roofline with rear spoiler. On GLS and Limited models, the silver roof rails do double duty: They help accentuate the flowing lines of the vehicle and also carry cargo. Like most vehicles in this category, a large 1-piece rear liftgate allows easy access to the cargo area.

The 2012 Hyundai Tucson offers two 4-cylinder engine choices: a 165-hp 2.0-liter in the base GL and a 176-hp (for ULEV states), 170-hp (for PZEV states) 2.4-liter on the mid-level GLS and top-level Limited models. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the GL, while a 6-speed automatic is standard on the GLS and Limited. Drivers can opt for all-wheel drive on the Tucson GLS or Limited.

Hyundai Tucson GL

2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder
165 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
146 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/26 mpg (manual transmission), 22/29 mpg (automatic)

Hyundai Tucson GLS, Limited

2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder

ULEV:
176 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
168 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm

PZEV:
170 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
163 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg (FWD), 20/27 mpg (AWD)

The 2012 Hyundai Tucson starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $19,145 for the entry-level GL and tops out at around $29,245 for the high-level Limited with all-wheel drive and the Premium Package. Similarly equipped competitors such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 not only cost more than the Tucson, but they do not have Hyundai's longer warranties. The Tucson excels in the 2012 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards beating out historical favorites like the CR-V and RAV4. A look at the Fair Purchase Price on kbb.com shows what others are paying for the Hyundai Tucson in your area, so be sure to check it out before you buy.

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