2005 Hyundai Tucson Trims and Specs

The base model for the new compact SUV offering from Hyundai is the 2005 Tucson GL 2WD, a front-wheel drive sport utility vehicle powered by a 2.0-liter, 140-hp DOHC I4 with 136 lb-ft of torque and a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed shiftable automatic. Five-star front and side impact crash ratings are earned by dual front, front-side, and side curtain airbags, 4-wheel ABS brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels, and traction and stability control.

For an affordable price, the 2005 Hyundai Tucson GL features a full power setup, wheel-mounted cruise control, a CD player, intermittent front and rear wipers, remote entry, heated mirrors, a tachometer, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, and a security system. Rear seats 60/40 split-fold flat for up to 65 cubic feet of cargo space, and the cargo area features tie-downs and a cover, and an interior rack system can be added. A roof rack is also standard. A sunroof is optional. Though drivers are disappointed with the decent 22/27 gas mileage, highway road noise, and an underpowered I4, they love the cargo space and versatility, the reclining rear seats, the long list of standard features, and the easy handling of the 2005 Tucson GL.

Automatic all-wheel drive comes with the 2005 Hyundai Tucson GL 4WD, the base version of the new compact SUV that seats five and can tow up to 1500 pounds. Normally apportioned to the front wheels, the all-wheel drive will automatically slip to a 50/50 torque split when conditions arise, or the driver can hit a button and choose this option manually. The all-wheel drive comes with a locking center differential and combines with 16-inch alloy wheels, traction and stability control, and 4-wheel ABS brakes for a safe (5-star) driving performance. Six airbags are standard, including dual front, front-side, and side curtain.

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter, 140-hp I4 and 5-speed manual transmission, with an option for a 4-speed shiftable auto tran. Power features, wheel-mounted cruise control, intermittent front and rear wipers, storage consoles, a CD player, tachometer, heated mirrors, keyless entry, and a security system are all standard. A roof rack complements the 22.7 cubic foot cargo area, which expands to 65 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. The front passenger seat also folds down. Tie-downs and a cargo cover are included. The only major option is a sunroof. Drivers are very satisfied with the 2005 Tucson GL 4WD, and like the handling, safe feeling behind the wheel, and cargo space. A major complaint is that the dash material is flimsy and plastic.

Moving up from the base model gets you a few more features, but, more importantly, gets you more power in the form of a 2.7-liter DOHC V6 that delivers 173-hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine is mated only to a 4-speed shiftable automatic. The 2005 Hyundai Tucson GLS 2WD is a front-wheel drive compact SUV that seats five in two rows that both recline. Rear seats split-fold 60/40 and fold flat, and the passenger seat also folds down to store longer objects. The cargo area expands from 22 to 65 cubic feet and comes with tie-downs and a cover. A roof rack is standard. Towing capacity with the V6 moves up to 2000 pounds, but the gas mileage worsens to 20/26 mpg.

Like the base model, the 2005 Tucson GLS 2WD features 4-wheel ABS brakes, traction and stability control, and dual front, front-side, and side curtain airbags. It adds foglights, a CD/MP3 player, and leather trim to the overall package, which includes power features, intermittent front and rear wipers, wheel-mounted cruise control, heated mirrors, keyless entry, a security system, and front and overhead storage consoles. A CD changer and a power sunroof are optional. Drivers praise the handling, seat versatility, long list of standard features for a low price, and roominess for a compact. Better gas mileage, less road noise, and sturdier interior materials are common suggestions.

The 2005 Hyundai Tucson LX 2WD is the "luxury" version of this already well-equipped new compact SUV. It is powered by a 2.7-liter, 173-hp DOHC V6 that delivers 178 lb-ft of torque and is matched only to a 4-speed shiftable automatic. The front-wheel drive SUV rides on 16-inch alloy wheels and comes standard with traction and stability control, 4-wheel ABS brakes, foglights, and dual front, front-side, and side curtain airbags. Drivers praise the 5-star crash ratings and solid feel of the 2005 Tucson LX 2WD on the road.

Upgrading from the GLS, the LX adds heated leather seats, a 6-CD changer and MP3 player, and automatic climate control. This is in addition to a full power setup, cruise control, intermittent front and rear wipers, a tachometer, heated mirrors, and a security system. Cupholders and storage consoles are standard, as is an exterior roof rack. The front passenger seat and rear seats fold down to expand the 22 cubic foot trunk to 65 cubic feet, and the 2005 Tucson LS 2WD can tow up to 2000 pounds. A sunroof is the major option left. There are minor complaints about the LS, primarily its low fuel economy, the lack of a 5-speed, some highway noise, and a wish for more engine power. But drivers love the car-like handling, style, and all the features that come at a low price.

Automatic all-wheel drive distinguishes the 2005 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4WD from its front-wheel drive counterpart. With a locking center differential, the all-wheel drive can be engaged with a 50/50 split either automatically or manually, but lack of low-range gearing means it's not a true off-roader. It's there to keep your family safe in rough weather. Other safety features include 4-wheel ABS brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels, traction and stability control, and dual front, front-side, and side curtain airbags. This gives the new compact SUV five stars in crash ratings.

The 2005 Tucson GLS 4WD seats four or five in two rows, both of which recline. Rear seats split-fold flat 60/40 for cargo versatility, and the front passenger seat folds for longer objects. The 22-67 cubic foot trunk comes with tie-downs and a cover, and the whole SUV features privacy glass. Other standard equipment are foglights, a full power setup, CD/MP3 player, leather trim, intermittent front and rear wipers, wheel-mounted cruise control, heated mirrors, a security system, and tilt steering wheel. A roof rack is standard, and load bearing rails can be added. A sunroof and CD changer are available. Handling, surprising roominess, and an affordable price tag are what draw owners to the 2005 Tucson GLS 4WD. Complaints focus on the 20/26 mpg and a somewhat underpowered acceleration performance.

A little more surefootedness in tricky road situations comes with the 2005 Hyundai Tucson LX 4WD, which can be engaged manually or automatically to distribute torque 50/50. The default setting is on front-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive comes with a locking center differential, and works in tandem with the 16-inch alloy wheels, 4-wheel ABS brakes, traction and stability control, and dual front, front-side, and side curtain airbags to win five stars in crash tests. Power comes from a 173-hp, 2.7-liter DOHC V6 and 4-speed shiftable automatic. This helps the 2005 Tucson LX 4WD tow up to 2000 pounds.

The cargo area expands from 22 to 65 cubic feet and features tie-downs and a cover. A roof rack offers more room. Rear seats recline and split-fold flat 60/40, and longer objects fit easily thanks to a folding front passenger seat. Upscale comfort comes in the form of heated leather seats, a 6-CD changer and MP3 player, intermittent front and rear wipers, heated mirrors, automatic climate control, cruise control, full power features, and a security system. Leather trim also decorates the shifter and tilt steering wheel. A sunroof is optional. Though some owners wish it had more options, a 5-speed gearbox, better acceleration, and less interior plastic, most praise the interior room, cargo flexibility, smooth handling, and how much is packed into an affordable sticker price.