2014 - 2015 Hyundai Tucson

Tucson’s new GDI engines are complemented with all-new standard SACHS Amplitude Selective Damping (ASD) for optimum ride, handling and driving comfort. 2014 Tucson also adds a host of available new refinements, including Hyundai’s Blue Link safety, service and infotainment telematics system, two-stage reclining rear seats and third-generation navigation with a larger seven-inch touchscreen display and HD Radio technology. The 2014 Tucson will be available at Hyundai dealerships in fall of 2013.

2.0-LITER NU GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE

In a segment where GDI engines are not normally found, the addition of the 2.0-liter Nu GDI engine to the Tucson GLS will be popular with consumers. The new 2.0-liter Nu GDI engine produces an estimated 164 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Performance gains were achieved by equipping the engine with an efficient, responsive GDI fuel delivery system. In the Tucson, the engine delivers higher peak torque at lower rpm for enhanced everyday driving dynamics when compared with a similar multi-port fuel injected engine. Equipping the Nu four-cylinder engine with GDI ensures a good balance between performance and fuel economy. The entry-level 2014 Tucson GLS with the 2.0-liter Nu engine will also offer AWD for the first time. AWD was not available on the entry-level 2013 Tucson GL. The Tucson with the 2.0-liter GDI engine achieves an EPA estimated 23 mpg city fuel economy figure with a ULEV emissions rating.

Tucson buyers looking for more horsepower and torque can choose the 2.4-liter Theta II GDI engine, which has been well tested in the Sonata and Santa Fe Sport. This engine has the ability to tow up to 2,000 pounds. With 182 horsepower and 177 lb-ft. of torque, Tucson SE and Limited deliver strong EPA estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg combined, along with outstanding real-world performance feel.

TRANSMISSION

All Tucson models utilize a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control. For 2014, the gated gear shifter has been upgraded to a straight-type with boot for ease of use. Tucson models feature Hyundai’s Active ECO System. Active ECO modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response. By turning on Active ECO, drivers can realize up to a 5-7 percent increase in real-world fuel economy.

REFRESCHED EXTERIOR DESIGN

New projector headlights with LED accents and available wraparound LED taillights stand out from Tucson’s flowing lines, full surfaces and muscular presence. This athletic design language is highlighted by bold, dynamic, graphic elements such as the Hyundai family hexagonal front grille, aggressive lower air intake, sculptured hood creases and sleek greenhouse. Chrome grille accents and door handles lend sophistication to the top-of-the-line Tucson Limited. The profile of Tucson features a sports car-like theme with a double-zigzag treatment for the wheel arches that wrap around the standard 17-inch alloy wheels or the new 18-inch alloy wheel design. Roof rack rails are now available with optional panoramic sunroof and standard shark-fin antenna on Tucson Limited.

THOUGHTFUL INTERIOR DESIGN NOW WITH TWO STAGE RECLINING REAR SEAT

The Tucson has always had outstanding rear legroom and now second row passengers can recline their seats for even more comfort. The 2014 Tucson continues to have more passenger volume than Rogue and Escape at 101.9 cubic feet. The spacious cabin on Tucson Limited is further enhanced for all passengers by the available panoramic sunroof. New beige and brown interior colors add a more premium look and an upgraded instrument panel and upper door trim materials add a more premium feel on SE and Limited models.

The high-tech cockpit comes standard with Hyundai’s signature blue lighting, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, power windows, power door locks, fold-away mirrors and remote keyless entry with alarm and panic button. Now even the front cupholders are illuminated with blue light for nighttime drives. Another premium feature in the Tucson Limited is dual front automatic temperature control with CleanAir Ionizer that helps to kills germs within the system when the heater or air conditioner is running. Other available features include leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, power driver seat with lumbar support, automatic headlights, front wiper de-icer and new floor console-mounted rear vents.

FUN-TO-DRIVE

The 2014 Tucson’s athletic shape is complemented with agile handling. Tucson uses MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems for more precise wheel control and a smoother ride. All four wheels are controlled by coil springs and Sachs Amplitude Selective Damping (ASD), allowing tuning flexibility at smaller damper displacements. The ASD suspension provides:

Improved ride comfort with more body/wheel control
Increased driving comfort without compromised handling
Optimized road surface contact

The front suspension has a 24.5 mm hollow stabilizer bar to save weight, while the rear suspension has a 15 mm (AWD) & 17 mm (FWD) solid stabilizer bar. Larger stabilizer bars help to keep the vehicle flat during cornering and help provide quick turn-in response.

Due to the suspension geometry and wider track width that enables greater turn angles, Tucson’s turning circle is 34.7 feet – an advantage Tucson drivers will appreciate in their daily driving and parking. In fact, Tucson’s turning diameter bests Honda CR-V and Ford Escape.

THIRD-GENERATION NAVIGATION AND AUDIO TECHNOLOGY

The Tucson Limited offers an optional multifunction seven-inch touch-screen display with navigation. This third-generation display features a simpler user interface, enhanced voice recognition commands and improved navigation screens. The system is more intuitive for commonly used tasks. Simple pop-up messages now appear to help pair a cell phone and the voice recognition software understands street addresses and cities all in one sentence. The route screens display speed limits and details the next three maneuvers. One or two button pushes now complete most functions.

Tucson GLS and SE trims have a 160-watt AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers. This system includes SiriusXM Satellite Radio® and iPod®/USB auxiliary inputs. The SE and Limited trims come equipped with a 4.3-inch color touchscreen audio with standard rearview camera. An available premium audio system with navigation pumps out 360-watts of sound and includes an external amplifier and subwoofer. It also plays compact discs, accesses digital music files employing Bluetooth streaming audio and allows driver and passenger to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from a phone to the audio system.

Available HD Radio technology is also equipped with the Navigation system. An HD Radio icon on the display appears next to the channel frequency to notify the user when a station is broadcasting in HD. Customers can also access additional programming content provided by HD Radio Technology.

HYUNDAI ASSURANCE CONNECTED CARE POWERED BY BLUE LINK®

Hyundai’s industry-leading telematics services program, Assurance Connected Care, is standard on all 2014 Tucsons equipped with Blue Link, for three years. This innovative ownership program provides Hyundai owners with proactive safety and Car Care services via the Hyundai Blue Link telematics system. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle Car Care maintenance scheduling.

Hyundai also recently introduced an all-new mobile app for the Blue Link telematics platform. The mobile app allows subscribers to remotely access various optional Blue Link features and services through compatible mobile devices. Completely redesigned from the ground up, the app has been significantly enhanced from the previous version and boasts a new user experience, faster navigation and innovative new features. Google Android and Apple iOS users can download the app today from Google Play or Apple iTunes, respectively.

Blue Link is an innovative telematics solution that brings seamless connectivity for safety, service and infotainment capabilities and is offered in three packages: Assurance, Essentials and Guidance.

ARCHITECTURE

World-class weight efficiency was one of the program targets for the 2014 Tucson engineering team. Hyundai engineers also targeted an outstanding weight-to-power ratio. Having these targets paid dividends in both performance and fuel economy.

Tucson’s widespread use of high-strength steel provides increased strength at a lower body weight. High-strength steel allows the four-wheel independent suspension to work optimally. At 3,232 pounds, the automatic transmission equipped Tucson GLS is lighter than its competitors while offering more interior room than Escape. This weight efficient unibody architecture allows for Tucson to achieve an EPA estimated 29 mpg estimated EPA highway rating.

ALL-WEATHER PERFORMANCE

To make Tucson even more versatile, Hyundai engineers added an advanced electronic AWD system. The AWD system will automatically activate under any driving condition when needed, distributing the power equally and optimizing driving performance. Under normal driving, the system only distributes power to the front wheels, thereby reducing fuel consumption. The system includes a driver-selectable AWD lock allowing for a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear wheels for off-road and very slippery conditions. The entry-level 2014 Tucson GLS with the 2.0-liter Nu engine will also offer AWD for the first time. AWD was not available on the entry-level 2013 Tucson GL.

For even more driver control, the 2014 Tucson features Hyundai’s Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC). HAC is designed to minimize rolling backwards on steep ascents. By selecting the DBC switch, the Hydro-Electronic Control unit manages the wheel speed sensors, steering angle sensor and acceleration sensor to maintain control and speed on steep declines without having to use the brake. DBC is not available on any other vehicles in the segment and is typically found on luxury SUVs with much higher price tags.