2008 Hyundai Tucson Review

Comfort and quality come in mixed doses aboard the 2008 Hyundai Tucson, according to reviews from respected sources and the editors at TheCarConnection.com.

Cars.com reports that "The [Hyundai] Tucson's five-passenger interior includes a 60/40-split flat-folding rear seat...the seats are quite supportive and reasonably comfortable." ConsumerGuide notes that "legroom is adequate... headroom is generous. The seats are comfortable and have good side-bolster support, but the seatback is a little too firm," adding that "testers complained of tight foot space."

Edmunds agrees that in the Tucson, Hyundai has fitted a "generous amount of legroom up front," but suggests that "larger passengers may be a bit cramped in back." Kelley Blue Book points out that the Tucson is "geared toward single folks more than families," adding that "the 2008 Hyundai Tucson has plenty of head and elbow space up front, as well as supportive and reasonably comfortable seats," but warns that "rear space is a bit smaller than average for this class." In the opinion of Mother Proof, "space in this car is comfortable, great for grocery runs, but maybe not the family camping trip. For a trip to the mall, yes; a trip to the national park, not so much."

Cargo and storage space is good aboard the 2008 Hyundai Tucson, but not outstanding. Cars.com reports that "the fully reclining front passenger seat can be folded forward...the plastic cargo floor has multiple tie-down locations." Cargo space totals 22.7 cubic feet with the rear seat up and 65.5 cubic feet with the seat down, which Cars.com points out "falls short of the [rival] Santa Fe's, but the area is easy to access. "

ConsumerGuide adds that the Hyundai Tucson's "seatbacks fold without removing the headrests to create a flat load floor." This source reports "a convenient separate-opening liftgate window," but points out "the gate itself doesn't rise high enough to clear a six-footer's head," and concludes "there is poor in-cabin storage space." The reviewer at Mother Proof admits, "I could make it work if I were judicious with my luggage, but throw in a double-stroller and a Pack and Play and it would be uncomfortable."

The Tucson is assembled with care, but some materials are less than luxurious. Edmunds says "the Hyundai Tucson features a modern cabin design with a straightforward layout and good build quality," but adds that there are "a few too many hard plastic surfaces and standard cloth trim of questionable taste." ConsumerGuide, however, praises the Hyundai Tucson's ergonomic design, saying the Tucson Hyundai's "gauges are unobstructed and clearly marked...all controls are grouped conveniently in the easy-to-reach center dashboard stack."

While Cars.com describes the 2008 Hyundai Tucson as "impressively quiet," ConsumerGuide reports "moderate tire roar on all but ultrasmooth surfaces," adding that the "4-cylinder engine is coarse and buzzy. The V6 is quiet at cruise but strains loudly at full throttle."