2015 Hyundai Tucson Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Focusing on why a compact crossover ute was conceived, the 2015 Hyundai Tucson offers a sedan-like ride, some sexy curves and passels of...

Focusing on why a compact crossover ute was conceived, the 2015 Hyundai Tucson offers a sedan-like ride, some sexy curves and passels of value-laden utility to the growing family. Be advised that it won’t conquer mountains or burn up the track, and it won’t get your heart pounding with nimble moves. But it will seat 5 folks in tolerable comfort and, with the rear seatbacks folded, sports a hefty 55.8 cubic feet of luggage or home-improvement toting capability, while allowing 25.7 cubes of grocery stowage behind the rear seat when the kids tag along on a trip to the supermarket.

In any case, this crafty crossover returns in 3 trims for the upcoming model year, starting with the base GLS and progressing to the up-featured SE and then to the flagship Limited. All trims come with standard front-wheel drive (FWD), while full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) again remains an option for the whole stable.

Some significant tweaks to the Tucson’s mechanical components last year added a bit of extra smoothness to the ride and a few more pound-feet of torque, as well as noticeably improved fuel economy, leaving 2015 trims to sport only minor changes. Among said debuting upgrades is the Popular Equipment Package that’s now available to the base GLS, while the Limited sports standard LED taillights for the upcoming year.

Delivered appearance, comfort and convenience bling, therefore, remains, depending on the trim selected, 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, cloth, leatherette or leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat and full power accessories. The 2015 GLS and SE variants each boast air conditioning, as well as Bluetooth hands-fee calling, with all 3 trims toting a 160-watt audio system with single-CD player, 6 speakers and auxiliary audio input.

The Tucson SE, meantime, throws a rear-view camera with a 4.3-inch touchscreen, heated front seats and a roof rack into the mix, with the top-shelf Limited adding BlueLink telematics, dual-zone climate control, a remote garage door opener and satellite radio as standard equipment. Oh, and the Limited also boasts a standard GPS-based navigation system with 7-inch display, too.

Options in the 2015 Tucson lineup, meantime, are reasonably straightforward, a refreshing change from the often confusing welter of often intransigent and always expensive bundles of available add-ons that characterize many of this popular Hyundai’s rivals. A tow hitch and wiring, roof-rack cross rails and the Limited Technology Package, with a panoramic sunroof and 360-watt premium audio, as well as the aforementioned and brand new Popular Equipment Package for the GLS, pretty much covers the more noteworthy options available to this cute ute.

As for power, look for the entry-level GLS to bring its standard 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine back for the upcoming year. Mated with the ubiquitous 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, this admittedly tame powerplant offers 164 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, with mileage running an estimated 23 mpg city/29 highway in FWD-toting versions and 21/25 in those featuring available AWD.

The 2015 Tucson SE and Limited, on the other hand, each come delivered with the returning 2.4-liter I4 that puts out a more pedal-to-the-metal-friendly 182 hp and 177 lb-ft that’s again managed by the 6-speed shiftable automatic. Look for returning mileage estimates of 21/28 in FWD trims and 20/25 in AWD versions, while towing is once again maxed out at some 2,000 pounds with the proper equipment. Oh, and the 2.4-liter I4 is available in Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) garb to satisfy California emissions statutes.

Speaking of California, the new Fuel Cell Tucson, featuring a hydrogen-powered engine complemented by an electric motor, is available for lease in the southern areas of that state, but until hydrogen fueling stations become universally popular, these clean machines will remain merely a local oddity.

Anyhow, standard safety features aboard the traditionally powered 2015 Tucson lineup include, of course, 4-wheel antilock brakes, as well as traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and active front headrests. A remote antitheft alarm also comes standard across this compact crossover’s lineup, while the SE and Limited sport standard front fog/driving lights. Additionally, the Limited boasts, besides the new-for-2015 LED taillights, standard turn-signal-integrated mirrors.