Generous warranty, standard ABS and stability control, roomy passenger and cargo space, attractive interior, standard side and head curtain airbags.
Cons
Low horsepower rating, some cheap interior materials here and there.
What’s new
The Hyundai Tucson is an all-new compact SUV from Hyundai. It rides on the Elantra platform and is intended for buyers who want a smaller package than the midsize Santa Fe.
Edmunds says
Appealing styling, plenty of standard features and Hyundai's impressive warranty make the Tucson a solid competitor in the compact SUV class.
Since the last 5 year review, have solved a few issues. #1) Removing the interior dome lights have solved the battery going dead problem. Maybe its related to the automatic lamp dimmer circuit which activates when you close the door. #2) The trans-axle has not leaked again, and is working fine since repaired a year ago. #3) The door remotes are still intermittent, but I can live with … that. #4) Replaced the tires with Kumho tires, and must say they ride nice. #5) I have confidence once again in the vehicle, and now feel the Purchase was worth it.
10 Year Review
4.63 out of 5 stars
red70, 01/10/2015
2005 Hyundai Tucson LX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
LX 2.7L V6 4WD. I have 63K miles on the vehicle as of today. Just replaced the rear brake pads. Change the oil once per year. Vehicle is still running fine with no problems. I still enjoy driving it. This was a good value for the money.
During the 10 years, there were only 3 main issues. The trans-axle leaking oil, The battery going dead randomly, and the intermittent door locks is … ongoing.
Best car I've ever owned !
5 out of 5 stars
PJ Day, 10/06/2015
2005 Hyundai Tucson LX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
I bought my 2005 Tucson in June 2006 from CARMAX and paid about $16,000 with about 21,000 miles on it. I bought it for the cargo space. I was a bit concerned about a 4 cyl since my husband and I live in the mountains of North Georgia with some serious roads and hills. However, our concerns have never been realized in that this car can hold its own against many other more expensive cars. … It takes to the snow with the front wheel drive like no rear wheel drive car can. I did buy chains but only use them when it's really heavy wet snow. Otherwise this car just goes and goes. The mileage is not the greatest and that really is the only flaw. This car now has 78.984 miles on it and has only had regular 3,000 mile oil changes. I have never even had to replace any kind of light bulb !
The back seats stay down most of the time to maximize cargo space. I used it as my pick up truck until my recently purchased Chevy 04 Silverado became my official pick up truck. The cargo space behind the rear seats when up, is poor but then I never have the seats up anyway.
The dash board plastics have held up unbelievably well and none of the print to name the items has worn off...not even on the electric windows. The ESC performs beautifully and was a standard installation long before other car makers even offered it ! Tucson was ahead of its time.
The seats have worn well although I put seat covers on just after I bought the car. The fact that the back window opens independently of the bottom portion is the envy of neighbors who have SUVs without this option. I can just open the window, reach in the back and pull something out without having to open the whole back door.
My Tucson may not be worth much in resale but given how well its performed to date, there is no way I would sell it ! I read about all the recalls on new cars and just smile. No recalls on my Tucson. I just love it !!!
60,000 miles and now my engine just shuts off
3.63 out of 5 stars
jmartin99, 10/08/2012
2005 Hyundai Tucson GLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
I love my Tucson, and I have not had any issues until I brought it in back in August for its 60,000 mile warranty check up, and Now randomly my engine just shuts off while driving, this is scary. I have read up on many forrums that this is a problem that occurs in the 2005 Tucson. Shouldn't there be a recall???? This is dangerous!
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