2008 Hyundai Tucson Trims and Specs

The base model for this compact SUV comes in front-wheel drive only, built on an independent front and rear suspension for smoother handling. The only engine choice is a 2.0-liter, 140-hp DOHC inline four with five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic with overdrive. Riding on 16-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, the 2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS earns five stars due to its standard four-wheel ABS brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution, traction and stability control, tire monitor, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags. Active head restraints are new this year.

Seating four in two rows, the rear seat split-folds 60/40, expanding the 22-cubic-foot cargo area to 65 cubic feet. The front passenger seat also folds flat. The cargo area features a plastic floor and tie-downs, and a cover can be added, along with a roof rack. The liftgate opens separately from the rear window. Power windows, locks, and heated mirrors, a CD player, air conditioning, intermittent front and rear wipers, a tachometer, and a tilt steering wheel are all standard in the compact SUV. New this year are three months of satellite radio and an MP3 jack. Options add step rails, mudguards, and a first aid kit. A 6-CD changer is also available.

If you're looking for a few more standard features than what you get on the base model of this compact SUV, the 2008 Hyundai Tucson SE offers a bit more comfort and convenience. It also packs more power, with a 173-hp, 2.7-liter DOHC V6 and four-speed automatic transmission. No manual is offered. This extra power means you can tow up to 2,000 pounds, compared to the GLS's 1,500. Fuel economy suffers, however, dropping to 19/24 mpg. Standard ABS brakes, traction and stability control, 16-inch wheels with all-season tires, a tire monitor, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags, along with an independent front and rear suspension provide security and stability on the road. The 2008 Tucson SE also has foglights and a security system.

The front-wheel drive SE upgrades from the GLS by offering a trip computer, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Other standard equipment includes full power features, remote entry, intermittent front and rear wipers, a 6-speaker CD/MP3 player with a new input jack and three months of free satellite radio, and air conditioning. Front and rear cupholders and power outlets in both rows and the cargo area are also included. A cargo net and tie-downs help secure objects in the 22 cubic foot cargo area, which expands to 65 cubic feet with the rear seats down and the front passenger seat folded. A cover is extra, as is a roof rack. A nice option for the 2008 Tucson SE is a sunroof. You can also add step rails and mudguards, and for interior entertainment there's a 6-CD changer.

The front-wheel-drive 2008 Hyundai Tucson Limited is the top of the lineup of this compact SUV. With 5-star safety ratings, a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, and a healthy helping of standard features, this trim provides increasing competition in its segment. For 2008, the Tucson Limited gets new black leather upholstery and a standard 6-CD player with satellite radio and an MP3 input jack. Like the other trims, it adds active head restraints to its safety equipment. This includes 4-wheel ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction and stability control, 16-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags. Foglights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a tire monitor are also standard.

The 173-hp rating comes from a 2.7-liter DOHC V6, matched to a 4-speed automatic. It delivers 178 ft-lbs of torque, can tow up to 2,000 pounds, and achieves 17/24 mpg. Heated leather seats are the big upgrade when you move to a 2008 Tucson Limited. Leather trim adorns the wheels, door, and shifter. Also included are cruise control, a trip computer, full power features, remote entry, heated mirrors, a security system, and a temperature display and compass. Intermittent front and rear wipers help with visibility. The cargo area features tie-downs, a power outlet, a plastic floor, and a net, and can be equipped with a cover and a tray. A roof rack is standard on the Limited. The rear window opens independently of the liftgate. With the rear seats down, capacity extends from 22 to 65 cubic feet, and a folding front passenger seat adds more space.

With over 40 inches of front legroom and 37 inches of rear legroom, the 2008 Hyundai Tucson SE 4WD is pretty roomy for a compact SUV. With the rear seats folded down, the cargo area holds 65 cubic feet, and more room is added when the front passenger seat folds. Equipped with full-time 4WD and a center locking differential, the 2008 Tucson SE 4WD can't be taken off-road, but provides extra assurance in tough road conditions. A 2.7-liter, 173-hp DOHC V6 delivers 178 ft-lbs of torque and comes with only a four-speed shiftable automatic. The SE adds foglights to standard equipment, joining four-wheel disc and ABS brakes, traction and stability control, dual front-side and side curtain airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, and a tire monitor.

Standard features are the same as the front-wheel drive SE's. Full power features, heated mirrors, remote entry, intermittent front and rear wipers, cruise control, a trip computer, a CD/MP3 player, a tachometer, tilt steering, and a trip computer provide driver and passenger comfort. New for the 2008 Tucson SE 4WD are satellite radio and an MP3 input jack. There are power outlets in both rows and in the cargo area, which features a plastic floor, cargo net, and tie-downs. A cover and tray can be added. Other options bundle a sunroof and 6-CD player, and stand-alones include a first aid kit, a roof rack, and side step rails. The 2008 Tucson SE 4WD can tow up to 2,000 pounds and gets an adequate 19/24 mpg.

The front and rear independent suspension in combination with a full-time 4WD system that automatically splits torque 50/50 might explain why owners praise the handling of the 2008 Hyundai Tucson Limited 4WD. The system comes with a locking center differential and is helped by 16-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires and over seven inches of ground clearance. Not meant for off-roading, the 2008 Tucson Limited 4WD nevertheless provides extra stability thanks to 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, and standard traction and stability control. Giving it juice is a 2.7-liter, 173-hp DOHC V6 and 4-speed shiftable automatic. No manual is offered. Dual front-side and side curtain airbags, a tire monitor, and foglights are standard, and the Limited 4WD adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Active head restraints are new this year on all trims.

Combining roominess with some luxury features, the 2008 Tucson Limited 4WD gets updated black leather upholstery and an upgraded sound system featuring a 6-CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, and an MP3 hookup. Other niceties standard only on the Limited include heated seats and leather trim. These join cruise control, a full power setup, intermittent front and rear wipers, remote entry, a security system, and a trip computer. Cupholders serve both rows, and there is a power outlet in each row and the cargo area. Rear seats split-fold 60/40, revealing a 22-cubic-foot trunk that expands to 65 cubic feet. A light, cargo net, and tie-downs are included, and a roof rack adds more space. So does a folding front passenger seat. There are few options remaining for the 2008 Tucson Limited 4WD, but you can add a cargo cover, mudguards, a first aid kit, and side step rails.