The shifts in the five-speed manual GL 2.0 2WD Tucson were fluid and the throws were not too long. The clutch wasn't a chore to
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| It's impressive how well the Tucson handles. Not that I would expect anything less from the award-winning Korean car manufacturer. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press) |
Both the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive Tucsons come with a cushy front MacPherson strut suspension with stabilizer bar, and a rear multi-link arrangement with stabilizer bar. The only difference I really felt between the two smooth-riding set-ups was that the V6 AWD's ride was stiffer. Once again, it's a toss up between which one felt better because they are both very comfortable to ride on.
When it came to handling, the power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering leads the P215/65R16 tires with five-spoke aluminum alloy rims on the GL, and P235/60R16 tires with six-spoke aluminum alloy rims on the GLS 2.7 4WD, into corners with precision and stability. It's
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| Cruising on the highway, the AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six-speakers, standard on both models, was swell. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press) |
At highway speeds, I did notice the GL FWD's steering wheel shook, but that was probably due to the alignment, because I didn't notice the shake on the GLS 2.7 4WD, and that one had about 1,500 additional miles on it. Otherwise, cruising on the highway, the AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six-speakers sounded great. What's more, both trim levels come standard with front ventilated and rear solid disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control, making for solid handling, and fast and effective braking, in all weather conditions.