Several years ago, the Tucson was one of the only models in its class to offer standard side airbags and electronic stability control, but over the past several years, other brands are offering them and they're no longer the differentiator.
The Tucson is beginning to look a little outdated in its design, and the new Honda CR-V stands out as an especially strong competitor, with top safety results, a refined powertrain, and a comfortable, roomy interior.
The Escape, though a dated design, has been recently refreshed.
If you're looking for a vehicle that feels sportier, the Subaru Forester is a good alternative--it sits a bit lower and handles more crisply--as is the Mitsubishi Outlander.
One advantage the Tucson holds over most of the competition is that its AWD system has a locking center differential, making it less likely to get stuck on muddy inclines or mixed-traction situations.
Finally, there's also the Kia Sportage, which is closely related to the Tucson but has slightly more distinctive, rugged styling.
Both the 2008 Hyundai Tucson and the Sportage offer an excellent warranty, with 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage.
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 2008 Hyundai TucsonBrowse Used Listings |  2009 Ford EscapeBrowse Used Listings |  2009 Subaru ForesterBrowse Used Listings |  2008 Honda CR-VBrowse Used Listings |  2008 Kia SportageBrowse Used Listings |  2008 Mitsubishi OutlanderBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2008 Hyundai Tucson no longer stands out in its class for performance or safety, but it’s still a great value. |
The 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid is a viable and sturdy contender in the family crossover arena. Gas mileage is excellent for a compact SUV, and optional mechanical all-wheel drive sets it apart from softer competitors. |
It’s significantly improved this year, but the 2009 Subaru Forester remains a unique all-wheel-drive crossover with less power and fewer features, but better carlike handling, than its competition. |
The 2008 Honda CR-V doesn't have hip style or performance on tap, but it has the security, utility, and frugality that many sensible moms want. |
If you can live without top-level refinement and the absolutely latest technology, 2008 Kia Sportage is a fine little SUV, and considering its price, a genuine value. |
Though the first-generation Outlander was often overlooked, the updated 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander has emerged as a well-rounded vehicle--and one of the sportiest-driving small crossovers. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $17,235 | $20,435 | $19,995 | $20,700 | $16,050 | $19,990 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas Flat 4-Cyl | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| 2WD Sport Utility | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicles | 4WD Sport Utility | 2WD Sport Utility | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility |
| Style Name | |||||
| FWD 4-Door I4 Manual GLS *Ltd Avail* | FWD 4-Door I4 Manual XLS | 4-Door Manual X | 2WD 5-Door LX | 2WD 4-Door I4 Manual LX | 2WD 4-Door ES |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | 2 Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| 4 Door Sport Utility | 4 Door | 4 Door | 5 Door | 4 Door | 4-Door Wagon |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Automatic | Manual | NA |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2008 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2009 Ford Escape | 2008 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2009 Subaru Forester | 2008 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2008 Honda CR-V | 2008 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2008 Kia Sportage | 2008 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander | |
