Hyundai announced the refreshed 2014 Tucson today, featuring a host of exterior, interior, and mechanical updates for 2014—as well as a shuffled model lineup and a new base price, starting at $22,305.
All Tucson models are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission (last year’s five-speed manual is no longer available); all-wheel drive is a $1500 option on all models. Under the hood, the base engine is the new 2.0-liter Nu (is that a new Nu?) four-cylinder with direct injection. It’s the first U.S. application for this engine, which develops 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. That’s 1 pony more than last year’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but torque is up by 5 lb-ft and the EPA city mileage is 1 mpg better for front-wheel-drive models with the six-speed automatic. Also new for 2014: The 2.0-liter can be paired with all-wheel drive; that setup is rated at 21/25 mpg.
The 2.4-liter also receives direct injection and is now rated at 182 hp, for a bump of 6 hp and 8 lb-ft from last year’s engine. Front-wheel-drive versions are rated at 21/28 mpg; the city rating holds at 21 but the highway rating actually drops by 2 mpg. All-wheel-drive models are 20/25 mpg, down from 20/27 in 2014.
Also new is a Sachs selective damping suspension, which is standard on all models. Hyundai promises “improved ride comfort with more body/wheel control” and “increased driving comfort without compromised handling.” There are other refinements as well, including new projector headlamps with LED accents, new optional LED taillamps, and redesigned standard 17- or optional 18-inch aluminum wheels. Interior updates include redesigned “two-stage” 60/40 reclining rear seats, a standard tilt and telescope wheel, Bluetooth, and standard steering-wheel audio controls.
There are three trim levels for 2014:
• GLS ($22,305) features the 2.0-liter engine. The interior features cloth trim and has standard equipment including A/C, cruise, power windows, locks and mirrors, 17-inch aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, Bluetooth, and satellite radio.
• SE ($24,355) includes the GLS features and offers the 2.4-liter engine, roof rails, fog lights, and lower body-side cladding. Inside there’s a cloth and leatherette interior, a power-operated driver’s seat with lumbar, heated front seats, automatic headlamps, and a 4.3-inch color touch screen with a backup camera.
• Limited ($27,055) builds on the SE with 18-inch aluminum wheels, chrome trim, and pushbutton start; there are leather-trimmed seats, steering wheel, and shifter; dual-zone climate control; auto-dimming mirror; and Blue Link telematics. For those who want it all, a $2650 Technology package adds a panoramic sunroof, navigation with a 7-inch screen, a 360-watt premium audio system, a 90-day subscription to XM NavTraffic, and LED taillights.
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The pricing strategy seems to fall right in line with Hyundai’s recipe for success in the recent years; the Tucson nestles in a sweet spot at least a thousand dollars below the Mazda CX-5 automatic ($23,590), the Honda CR-V ($23,775), and the Ford Escape ($23,595). Hyundai sales suggest that they’re in the right place.
Source: CarAndDriver
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