Used 2014 Hyundai Tucson for Sale in California

With an accent on bling-filled journeying, Hyundai’s 2014 Tucson midsize crossover ute offers a little less “ute” but a lot more sport, and therein lies its success. This 5-seat, 5-door mini-hauler packs a smaller cargo space (55.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded) than does most of its competition, but a new-for-2014 suspension damping system is alleged to smooth out the ride and give it some added agility on the road. Those traditional exterior swoops and curves that have distinguished this midsize Hyundai’s profile, as well as a veritable cornucopia of standard features, of course return to give this heady crossover some hefty cachet among commuters and soccer moms.

Also new this year, the once entry-level GS trim is deleted in favor of a now-midlevel SE trim, with the GLS serving as this cute-ute’s base trim. Thus the lineup runs, from least to most well-endowed, the base GLS, the up-featured SE and the top-shelf Limited. Additional tweaks for this year’s Tucson, depending on the trim selected, include telescoping tilt-wheel steering (all trims), available LED taillights (Limited only) and direct injection (DI) technology woven into both 4-cylinder powerplant choices for some extra pep using less gas.

As is traditional, all Tucson editions are delivered with standard front-wheel drive (FWD), but each remains eligible to pack a full-time all-wheel drivetrain (AWD) that once again automatically shifts torque from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip on slippery roads. As well, the driver-selectable 50/50 torque locking feature (front and rear wheels) returns to shepherd everyone efficiently through those more seriously traction-challenged driving conditions.

Power-wise, the base GLS sports the updated 2.0-liter inline direct-injection 4-cylinder (I4) engine, mated with the now-standard (and only) 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Yes, the stick shift is no more this year, but look for 164 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque from this tweaked-out 4-banger, while gas mileage is now estimated at 23 mpg city/29 highway in FWD versions and 21/25 in AWD editions.

Standard in the SE and Limited Tucson variants is a 2.4-liter I4 powerplant, also with the tweaked injection. This peppy 4-banger again mates with the 6-speed shiftable automatic for 182 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Expect an estimated 21/28 in FWD-packing trims and 20/25 in AWD-toting variants.

The newly demoted GLS is slated to boast such standard appearance features as 17-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable mirrors and a rear spoiler, with cloth upholstery, simulated alloy interior trim, reclining rear seats and full power accessories again adorning the cabin. Cruise control also remains standard in this base Tucson trim, while standard telescoping tilt-wheel steering, as well as steering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, each debut this year. Manually adjustable air conditioning returns, too, as does Bluetooth hands-free calling, while entertainment is again offered via a 160-watt system boasting a single-CD player, 6 speakers and satellite radio.

The brand new SE, meanwhile, adds a roof rack, leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated outside mirrors and a rear-view camera to the mix, with the flagship Tucson Limited throwing in 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and Blue Link technology with its 4.3-inch color display touting destination guidance.

Options for all trims are expected to include remote start and a tow hitch, with the SE and Limited trims eligible for available roof-rack crossrails. Meanwhile, only the flagship Limited can be equipped with such available extras as hard-drive-based navigation with a 7-inch touchscreen display, a premium 7-speaker audio upgrade and/or a power-opening panoramic sunroof.

Finally, notable standard safety features in the 2014 Tucson lineup again should include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Daytime running lights are also slated to endow each Tucson trim, as is a remote antitheft alarm, while the SE and Limited ought to additionally boast standard front fog/driving lights.