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Acceleration
"Four-cyl models fine for normal commuting, but lack power for confident highway
merging and passing. V6 about as peppy as 4-cyl engines in Honda CR-V and Toyota
RAV4, though there's still not enough passing punch. No opportunity to test with
manual transmission."
Value
"Both Tucson and similar Kia Sportage are fine light-duty people-movers with
modest off-road capabilities. We prefer versions with the V6; it provides class-competitive
power and is smoother than rivals' fours, though hardly more powerful. Impressive
standard equipment lists, decent road manners, laudable cargo versatility, and
generous warranties qualify these pleasant wagons as Recommended values."
Ride
"An asset, especially for Tucson. Tucson is composed and comfortable around town,
absorbent over all but sharp bumps at highway speeds. Sportage a little stiffer
and can jolt over sharp ridges, though not unpleasant. "
Economy
"Test Tucson AWD GLS averaged 20.8 mpg in city/highway driving, slightly better
than our test averages for V6 AWD Ford Escapes and Mazda Tributes. Note: V6 models
have a 17.2-gal fuel tank, 4-cyls a 15.3-gal tank. Both engines use regular-grade
fuel."
Noise
"Tucson has moderate tire roar on all but ultrasmooth surfaces; tire roar and
body drumming more pronounced in Sportage. Wind rush well-suppressed. Four-cyl
engine coarse and buzzy. V6 quiet at cruise, but strains loudly during rapid
acceleration."
Comfort - Front
"Adequate leg room, generous head room. Seats comfortable, with good side-bolster
support. Tilt steering wheel is standard and helps tailor good driving position.
Thick rear roof pillars compromise over-the-shoulder visibility. Easy entry/exit."
Comfort - Rear
"Available sunroof's housing cuts into rear-seat head room for taller riders.
Comfortable seat, but seatback a little too firm. Leg room good; becomes tight
only for taller passengers with front seats more than halfway back. Some testers
complained of tight toe clearance. Slim door bottoms mildly impede entry/exit."
Controls
"Gauges unobstructed, clearly marked. All controls grouped conveniently in easy-to-reach
center dashboard stack, though low-mounted climate controls can divert driver's
eyes from the road. Cabin materials in both are attractive and well-assembled;
Sportage slightly upscale of Tucson."
Cargo Room
"Rear seatbacks fold without removing rear headrests to create flat load floor.
Tucson's cargo area has handy, removable, washable mat. Clever segmented tray
fits into spare-tire compartment in both Tucson and Sportage. Both also have
separate-opening tailgate window that adds convenience, though gate itself doesn't
open high enough to clear a 6-footer. Poor in-cabin storage space."
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