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8th
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Hyundai is one of those manufacturers having had a very good run recently. Why? Because they're releasing well-made, well-designed and well-priced products appealing to a wide audience and for all the right reasons.
As Hyundai makes their way through their lineup of vehicles, the latest to receive a facelift and new engine option is the 2014 Hyundai Tucson.
Armed with a new look and a host of features, the new 2014 Hyundai Tucson is priced to kill the competition and actually oodles of fun to drive.
What is a Hyundai Tucson?
First off, I think it's important to note that in Japan the Hyundai Tucson is known as the Hyundai JM, and JM stands for “Joyful Mover.” Yup. We totally need to adopt that name in North America, just saying.
Otherwise, the Hyundai Tucson is a compact crossover or CUV. In the same realm as the RAV4, CR-V and new Ford Escape, the Tucson has had some stiff competitors over the years who've matched and often surpassed it. However, this latest version stands to push it to the front of the pack, and with good reason.
2014 Hyundai Tucson Price and Specs
With two engine choices, two drivetrains, two transmissions, and six models to choose from, there is essentially a Hyundai Tucson for every need and every customer. And with a starting price of $21,499 it's also highly affordable in base trim, which will get you the 2.0L GL with front-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission.
My particular 2014 Hyundai Tucson tester was the near-top model, a 2.4 GLS with AWD and a 6-speed automatic, starting at $28,899. The 4-cylinder 2.4L is good for 182 horsepower, and the AWD system offers a 50/50 torque split lock option.
Sitting at the top of the pack is the 2014 Hyundai Tucson 2.4 Limited AWD with a 6-speed automatic as well, starting at $33,599.
Driving the 2014 Hyundai Tucson
I thoroughly enjoyed my week behind the wheel of the 2014 Hyundai Tucson. I wasn't entirely sure I would, and went in with no expectations. Immediately I was impressed with the engine's willingness to play and perform, as well as the 6-speed SHIFTRONIC transmission's confidence in gear selection and play. While the temperature did drop a bit throughout the week, making for jerky gear shifts when the Tucson was still cold, it was otherwise an extremely pleasant vehicle to drive.
Power is spot on for the size and girth of the 2014 Hyundai Tucson, and I never felt like I wanted or needed more. This CUV can boogie when asked, and handling is also quite enjoyable. Steering is precise with a good on-centre feel.
While Hyundai claims the 2014 Tucson can achieve a combined fuel rating of 9.1L/100km, I produced a final reading of 12.2L/100km by the end of the week. With mostly highway miles (in traffic) and a bit of city dwelling, I was a bit shocked at how much higher the reading was.
Inside and Out of the 2014 Hyundai Tucson
The face-lifted '14 Tucson is a real looker. I absolutely adore the front fascia complete with revised headlights with white eyebrows and LED accent lights, along with the dual grill and shapely fog lights. The hood and sides are just angular enough to suggest a more aggressive nature and a bit of a sportier character.
While I'm not a huge fan of the mix of brushed aluminum and shiny chrome on the exterior of the 2014 Hyundai Tucson, my particular tester's Laguna Blue Metallic paint colour looked fabulous, especially atop Hyundai's 17” aluminum alloy wheels.
Inside, I'm quite fond of Hyundai's centre stack design. I also think they have one of the best radio systems. Tuning is so quick with satellite radio; the station, artist and song playing display immediately (no delay) and no button-pushing or selecting is required when you find something you like, simply stop touching the dial and it will tune to the station. Perfection.
Heated seats all around (including the rear exterior seats) is a huge, huge bonus especially as the colder weather approaches. My passengers much appreciated this feature in the 2014 Hyundai Tucson.
I was able to find a perfect driving position with great visibility and was very comfortable throughout the week. My son's baby seat also fit on the back bench without trouble. Though I did wish the rear door opening wasn't so angled, as ensuring he didn't bang his head each time I put him in became tiring.
Comparing the 2014 Hyundai Tucson
As I mentioned above, the Tucson has some serious competition in the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape -- there's also Mazda's CX-5. These vehicles all mean business, but the 2014 Hyundai Tucson is suited up and ready to duke it out with the best of them with a host of features and amenities, as well as attractive looks and a great drive; all necessary skills in the cutthroat crossover segment.
As Hyundai makes their way through their lineup of vehicles, the latest to receive a facelift and new engine option is the 2014 Hyundai Tucson.
Armed with a new look and a host of features, the new 2014 Hyundai Tucson is priced to kill the competition and actually oodles of fun to drive.
What is a Hyundai Tucson?
First off, I think it's important to note that in Japan the Hyundai Tucson is known as the Hyundai JM, and JM stands for “Joyful Mover.” Yup. We totally need to adopt that name in North America, just saying.
Otherwise, the Hyundai Tucson is a compact crossover or CUV. In the same realm as the RAV4, CR-V and new Ford Escape, the Tucson has had some stiff competitors over the years who've matched and often surpassed it. However, this latest version stands to push it to the front of the pack, and with good reason.
 |
2014 Hyundai Tucson Price and Specs
With two engine choices, two drivetrains, two transmissions, and six models to choose from, there is essentially a Hyundai Tucson for every need and every customer. And with a starting price of $21,499 it's also highly affordable in base trim, which will get you the 2.0L GL with front-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission.
My particular 2014 Hyundai Tucson tester was the near-top model, a 2.4 GLS with AWD and a 6-speed automatic, starting at $28,899. The 4-cylinder 2.4L is good for 182 horsepower, and the AWD system offers a 50/50 torque split lock option.
Sitting at the top of the pack is the 2014 Hyundai Tucson 2.4 Limited AWD with a 6-speed automatic as well, starting at $33,599.
 |
| The 4-cylinder 2.4L is good for 182 horsepower, and the AWD system offers a 50/50 torque split lock option. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Driving the 2014 Hyundai Tucson
I thoroughly enjoyed my week behind the wheel of the 2014 Hyundai Tucson. I wasn't entirely sure I would, and went in with no expectations. Immediately I was impressed with the engine's willingness to play and perform, as well as the 6-speed SHIFTRONIC transmission's confidence in gear selection and play. While the temperature did drop a bit throughout the week, making for jerky gear shifts when the Tucson was still cold, it was otherwise an extremely pleasant vehicle to drive.
Power is spot on for the size and girth of the 2014 Hyundai Tucson, and I never felt like I wanted or needed more. This CUV can boogie when asked, and handling is also quite enjoyable. Steering is precise with a good on-centre feel.
While Hyundai claims the 2014 Tucson can achieve a combined fuel rating of 9.1L/100km, I produced a final reading of 12.2L/100km by the end of the week. With mostly highway miles (in traffic) and a bit of city dwelling, I was a bit shocked at how much higher the reading was.
 |
| I was impressed with the engine's willingness to play and perform, as well as the 6-speed SHIFTRONIC transmission's confidence in gear selection and play. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Inside and Out of the 2014 Hyundai Tucson
The face-lifted '14 Tucson is a real looker. I absolutely adore the front fascia complete with revised headlights with white eyebrows and LED accent lights, along with the dual grill and shapely fog lights. The hood and sides are just angular enough to suggest a more aggressive nature and a bit of a sportier character.
While I'm not a huge fan of the mix of brushed aluminum and shiny chrome on the exterior of the 2014 Hyundai Tucson, my particular tester's Laguna Blue Metallic paint colour looked fabulous, especially atop Hyundai's 17” aluminum alloy wheels.
Inside, I'm quite fond of Hyundai's centre stack design. I also think they have one of the best radio systems. Tuning is so quick with satellite radio; the station, artist and song playing display immediately (no delay) and no button-pushing or selecting is required when you find something you like, simply stop touching the dial and it will tune to the station. Perfection.
Heated seats all around (including the rear exterior seats) is a huge, huge bonus especially as the colder weather approaches. My passengers much appreciated this feature in the 2014 Hyundai Tucson.
I was able to find a perfect driving position with great visibility and was very comfortable throughout the week. My son's baby seat also fit on the back bench without trouble. Though I did wish the rear door opening wasn't so angled, as ensuring he didn't bang his head each time I put him in became tiring.
 |
| Inside, I'm quite fond of Hyundai's centre stack design. I also think they have one of the best radio systems. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Comparing the 2014 Hyundai Tucson
As I mentioned above, the Tucson has some serious competition in the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape -- there's also Mazda's CX-5. These vehicles all mean business, but the 2014 Hyundai Tucson is suited up and ready to duke it out with the best of them with a host of features and amenities, as well as attractive looks and a great drive; all necessary skills in the cutthroat crossover segment.