Shelby 350H – Unrestored and 30 Years Racing
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2009 Hyundai Tucson Safety Review

July 4, 2009

SAFETY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Five stars, frontal and side impacts
NHTSA

Acceptable, frontal offset; Acceptable, side impact; Good, rear impact; Poor, roof strength
IIHS

visibility is good
Kelley Blue Book

Hyundai claims to have worked hard on protecting occupants in a collision
Car and Driver

The 2009 Hyundai Tucson has a good assemblage of safety features, but its crash-test scores send out a decidedly mixed message.

In NHTSA crash tests, the 2009 Hyundai Tucson earned five stars for all crash zones (from both the front and side in the front and rear seats), as well as four stars for rollover resistance. In IIHS testing, the Tucson earned Acceptable ratings for front and side collisions, but a Poor in the organization's new roof crush test—an important test for taller vehicles like the Tucson.

Car and Driver notes that "Hyundai claims to have worked hard on protecting occupants in a collision." Car and Driver is similarly enthusiastic about safety in the 2009 Hyundai Tucson, predicting that the optional BorgWarner Electronic Interactive Torque Management all-wheel-drive-system "will make safety-conscious buyers smile." The system, the reviewer contends, is "seamless in operation and faster-acting" than systems found in many competitors.

Cars.com points out that "side-impact and side curtain airbags are standard, giving the Tucson a total of six airbags." ConsumerGuide Auto points out that available safety features include "ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags." Edmunds calls the Tucson's list of safety features "impressive," and Automotive.com cites the Tucson's "comprehensive list of active and passive safety features."

Kelley Blue Book looks specifically at visibility in the 2009 Hyundai Tucson. "Visibility is good," the reviewer notes, and is "helped by lengthy rear-door glass, though wide rear pillars impair the view slightly."

Conclusion

The 2009 Hyundai Tucson is not a top pick for those who value safety above all else; the Poor roof-strength result is concerning, even if other scores are positive.

SAFETY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Five stars, frontal and side impactsNHTSAAcceptable, frontal offset; Acceptable, side impact; Good, rear impact; Poor, roof strengthIIHSvisibility is goodKelley Blue BookHyundai claims to have worked hard on protecting occupants in a collisionCar and Driver The 2009 Hyundai Tucson has a good assemblage of safety features, but its crash-test scores send out a decidedly mixed message. In NHTSA crash tests, the 2009 Hyundai Tucson earned five stars for all crash zones (from both the front and side in the front and rear seats), as well as four stars for rollover resistance. In IIHS testing, the Tucson earned Acceptable ratings for front and side collisions, but a Poor in the organization's new roof crush test—an important test for taller vehicles like the Tucson. Car and Driver notes that "Hyundai claims to have worked hard on protecting occupants in a collision." Car and Driver is similarly enthusiastic about safety in the 2009 Hyundai Tucson, predicting that the optional BorgWarner Electronic Interactive Torque Management all-wheel-drive-system "will make safety-conscious buyers smile." The system, the reviewer contends, is "seamless in operation and faster-acting" than systems found in many competitors. Cars.com points out that "side-impact and side curtain airbags are standard, giving the Tucson a total of six airbags." ConsumerGuide Auto points out that available safety features include "ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags." Edmunds calls the Tucson's list of safety features "impressive," and Automotive.com cites the Tucson's "comprehensive list of active and passive safety features." Kelley Blue Book looks specifically at visibility in the 2009 Hyundai Tucson. "Visibility is good," the reviewer notes, and is "helped by lengthy rear-door glass, though wide rear pillars impair the view slightly." ConclusionThe 2009 Hyundai Tucson is not a top pick for those who value safety above all else; the Poor roof-strength result is concerning, even if other scores are positive. 2009 HYUNDAI TUCSON STYLING | [6 out of 10] Cars.com: "the Tucson has a masculine, athletic appearance" Kelley Blue Book: "successfully blends edgy and fun styling" ConsumerGuide Auto: "Tucson lends its basic design to the Sportage at Hyundai's Kia division" Editors at ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

In years past, the Hyundai Tucson was nearly alone in its class to offer electronic stability control and standard side airbags—but other competitors have since caught up. An especially strong competitor to the 2009 Hyundai Tucson is the Honda CR-V, which outclasses the Tucson in terms of design. The CR-V also offers great safety results, a good powertrain, and a noteworthy, roomy interior. Another option is the Escape, which has received some recent updates. For better handling, look to the Mitsubishi Outlander. The Kia Sportage has more rugged styling and a comparable warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain. Still, however, the Hyundai Tucson does stand out in the class for the AWD system with a locking center differential, which helps on muddy inclines.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Hyundai Tucson from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 Hyundai Tucson

Check Financing Rates

for the 2009 Hyundai Tucson

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Hyundai Tucson near you

See the Hyundai Tucson in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

Comments (0 total)

Be the first to post a comment

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy