The 2008 Hyundai Tucson is offered in three trim levels. GLS and Limited come standard with a 140-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Optional on Limited and standard on SE is a 173-horsepower 2.7-liter V6. Four-wheel drive is available only with the V6.
GLS ($17,235) comes with a five-speed manual transmission; power windows, door locks, and mirrors; an 80-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with an auxiliary input jack; XM Satellite Radio; remove keyless entry; roof-rack side rail; and P215/65 tires 16-inch alloy wheels. Air conditioning is optional ($900) on the manual-shift version, but standard on the GLS automatic ($19,335). Cruise control is optional.
SE V6 front-wheel drive ($21,035) and four-wheel drive ($22,735) both come with the four-speed automatic transmission and air conditioning, plus upgraded cloth trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, a 140-watt AM/FM/CD/XM audio system with cassette and MP3, trip computer, illuminated vanity mirrors, cruise control, fog lights, and wider P235/60R16 tires. Mirrors and door handles are body color instead of black, and fender moldings and lower bodyside cladding is gray. A Preferred Equipment Package ($1,200) adds a power tilt-and-slide sunroof and heated front seats.
Limited V6 FWD ($22,885) and 4WD ($24,585) feature leather seats, 200-watt AM/FM/CD/XM audio with six-disc in-dash changer plus six speakers and subwoofer, automatic temperature control with outside temperature display, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with compass, and a rear cargo mat. Exterior trim is monochromatic. The only factory option is the sunroof ($950).
The four-cylinder Limited comes standard with an automatic transmission. The sunroof and 4WD are not be available, but otherwise equipment will be identical to the Limited V6.
Port-installed accessories range from a Bluetooth phone system to roof-rack cross-rails to mud guards and wheel locks.
Safety features on the Tucson include electronic stability control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist, and traction control. Side-impact airbags for torso protection and side curtain airbags designed to provide head protection for passengers in both rows come standard. New for 2008 are active front head restraints and a tire-pressure monitor.