2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS w/XM 4dr Front-wheel Drive Review Summaries

What reviewers liked most about the Hyundai Tucson:

From a fit-and-finish standpoint, the Tucson is built as well, if not better, than any previous Hyundai.

-- AutoWeek

The cloth seats are comfortable and well cushioned for long-distance travel without having to pause to retune the vertebrae.

-- Cars.com

Not only is the V-6 spirited, it also performs quietly, a characteristic no longer reserved for the higher-priced competition.

-- Cars.com

Even my co-driver, who tugged and pulled at interior trim panels, was impressed by the solid-as-a-rock assembly of the Tucson's cabin.

-- Edmunds.com

Entry-level model comes with the latest safety features (such as stability control and side curtain airbags) that just a few years ago were seen only on luxury-brand SUVs.

-- Edmunds.com

What reviewers liked least about the Hyundai Tucson:

Hyundai must improve its steering, which provides nothing you could describe as "feel"; it's a rubbery and disconnected experience.

-- AutoWeek

Leather reminded us of vinyl as much as cowhide, and interior plastics are hard and uninviting to the touch.

-- AutoWeek

Being car-based and with no 4WD-low setting, we wouldn't advise heavy-duty off-roading or attempting to climb over fallen limbs.

-- Cars.com

Hyundai Tucson Comparisons:

The V6, while stronger than the Japanese competitors' engines, could use more power (Ford's new V6 Escape trumps the Tucson, with 200 hp and 193 lb-ft).

-- AutoWeek

Headroom, legroom and interior volume fall within the segment's range. At 170.3 inches long, it is shorter than the CR-V and Outlander, but its 103.6-inch wheelbase is nearly six inches greater than the RAV4's.

-- AutoWeek

The Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute twins have the edge when it comes to athletic handling.

-- Edmunds.com

Best one-liner about the Hyundai Tucson:

You can leave it in the driveway for others to admire that it's a lot of vehicle for the money-and is a Hyundai.

-- Cars.com