Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
It wears most of the same exterior upgrades as the lower priced GLS, such as the better looking hexagonal grille with upscale chrome trim, beautifully detailed headlight clusters with their strips of premium-like LED DRLs, updated front and rear fascias, and newly shaped tail lamps, although over and above these shared changes the Limited infuses those rear lights with prettier LED-enhanced lenses, as well as a set of turn signals integrated into the side mirror housings, both giving the SUV a more premium look, while larger 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/55R18 Kumho Solus KL21 tires combine for a more capable looking stance with better road holding.
Inside,
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
I was equally taken aback by the Limited model’s extremely supple leather upholstery, much richer feeling than most optional hides in this class, while the seat inserts were perforated for better breathability in summer. The seats were complemented by a stitched leather-like armrest overtop the central storage bin, along with matching armrests on the doors. These were joined by soft padded surfaces ahead of the front passenger and on the door uppers, front and rear, the pliable treatment extending halfway down the door panels as well, although I should
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Getting comfortable in a Limited is easy thanks to an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar, whereas moving down the road was made more enjoyable due to Driver Selectable Steering, which lets you customize your driving experience
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
All of these features joined the long lists of GLS and standard GL items, the former including a leather-wrapped tilt and telescopic steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shift knob, chrome door handles, a centre floor console with rear vents, heated rear seats, the dual-pane panoramic sunroof I mentioned earlier, automatic headlights with LED accents, fog lights, body-coloured mirror housings, and satin silver-finished roof rails.
Of
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
That base model goes for a very accessible $21,499 plus $1,760 for freight and pre-delivery preparation, whereas the GLS ups the price point to $26,899, plus $2,000 more if you want yours with all-wheel drive, while my top-tier Limited AWD tester starts and ends at $33,599, plus
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
As far as powertrains go, there’s a difference between base and higher end models too. That GL trim level I just itemized includes a smaller 16-valve, DOHC, direct injection 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with dual continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) that produces 164 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. In the Tucson’s most basic form it comes mated up to a six-speed manual gearbox driving only the front wheels, the combination resulting in a claimed fuel economy rating of 10.0 L/100km in the city, 7.2 on the highway and 8.7 combined. Add the six-speed automatic with Shiftronic manual-mode to this engine and efficiency numbers get a bit better at 8.9 city, 6.9 highway and 8.0 combined, while stepping
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
The 16-valve, DOHC, direct injection 2.4-litre four comes standard with the GLS FWD, GLS AWD and my Limited AWD tester, and at least when it comes to performance is the engine of choice. It puts out 182 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque for much more spirited performance off the line and on the open road where it really moves along nicely, while its fuel economy rating is 9.9 L/100km in the
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
The 2.4 moves the Tucson away from stoplights briskly and gets quite fun on the open road, the six-speed automatic shifting through its gears with a more positive feel than rivals with CVTs, while the chassis feels lithe and confidence inspiring in the corners, the 18s on my tester aiding the process. The Tucson Limited feels as at home on the highway as it does trolling around town, a terrific little CUV for zipping in and out of inner city traffic. Braking is strong as long as you don’t overcook
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
As capable as the Tucson Limited is through corners I found it even more agreeable as a comfortable day-to-day family hauler. The front seats are roomy and quite supportive, aided by the adjustable lumbar controller I mentioned earlier, and kept me toasty warm during a particular cold spell via two-way seat heaters up front and ditto for the rear window seats, while those rear perches were amply accommodating for a couple of large adults or three smaller ones abreast.
The only items blatantly missing from top-line trim were first, proximity sensing access
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
After manually lifting that tailgate, which granted is a very easy process, you’ll find a sizable 727 litres (25.7 cubic feet) of cargo space, which can be made even larger by dropping the standard 60/40-split rear seatbacks flat for a total of 1,580 litres (55.8 cubic feet). If that’s not enough Hyundai sells crossbars for the roof rack, or you can tow up to 907 kilos (2,000 lbs) behind.
A
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
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