2014 Hyundai Tucson gets DI engines, styling tweaks, priced from $21,450*

Wed, 02 Oct 2013

Despite being overhauled for the 2010 model year, not much attention has been paid to the Hyundai Tucson crossover in recent times. But when its overseas twin, the ix35, received modest updates at this year's Geneva Motor Show, we knew it'd only be a matter of time before the US-spec model was blessed with similar tweaks. So, without further ado, meet the ever-so-slightly enhanced 2014 Tucson.

The most significant mid-cycle change is found under the Tucson's hood, where two new direct-injected four-cylinder powerplants are found. On the base end, there's a brand new 2.0-liter "Nu" inline-four, good for 164 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. These numbers represent a loss of one measly horsepower, but five more foot-pounds of torque. Nothing significant here, and fuel economy is only slightly better – 23/29 miles per gallon city/highway versus the 22/29 rating of the 2013 model. Uplevel Tucson models use a revamped 2.4-liter engine, also featuring direct injection, which produces 182 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque – gains of six hp and nine lb-ft, respectively. That said, fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive, automatic transmission model has actually suffered some – 2013's rating of 21/30/25 mpg (city/highway/combined) has fallen slightly to 21/28/24. Both front- and all-wheel drive are available on all trim levels.

As far as visual enhancements go, the 2014 Tucson now uses projector-beam halogen headlamps up front and LED taillamps out back, and redesigned 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted, depending on trim level. Inside, two new cabin colors are available – beige and brown – the navigation system has been enhanced with a choice of two touchscreen interfaces, and there are now two-stage reclining rear seats.

If we're honest, nothing in this list of updates ought to cause any sleepless nights for modern classmates like the Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and upcoming Nissan Rogue. That said, Hyundai does offer very attractive pricing, with the base Tucson GLS starting at $21,450 (*not including $855 for destination) and the loaded Limited AWD coming in at just $27,700. The refreshed 2014 Tucson arrives at dealerships this fall. Scroll down for the complete details in Hyundai's press blast.

REFRESHED 2014 HYUNDAI TUCSON UPS FUN AND VALUE QUOTIENTS

Standard Gasoline Direct Injection Technology and Standard SACHS Amplitude Selective Damping Improve Driving Performance for All

COSTA MESA, Calif., – The Hyundai Tucson, known for its combination of style and function, adds even more value in 2014 with advanced 2.0-liter Nu and 2.4-liter Theta II Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines, enhancing torque and engine responsiveness. With GDI standard on Tucson, like its big-brother Santa Fe, every Hyundai CUV now features this performance-enhancing technology. Tucson is the first Hyundai to receive the 2.0-liter Nu GDI engine in the United States. It will be applied to other models later in the 2014 model year.

Tucson's new GDI engines are complemented with all-new standard SACHS Amplitude Selective Damping (ASD) for optimum ride, handling and driving comfort. 2014 Tucson also adds a host of available new refinements, including Hyundai's Blue Link safety, service and infotainment telematics system, two-stage reclining rear seats and third-generation navigation with a larger seven-inch touchscreen display and HD Radio technology. The 2014 Tucson will be available at Hyundai dealerships in fall of 2013.

New for 2014:

Performance Enhancements

- New 2.0-liter Nu and 2.4-liter Theta II GDI inline four-cylinder engines replace Multi Port Injection (MPI) engines
- Standard SACHS amplitude selective dampers for better ride quality
- Entry-level Tucson GLS with 2.0-liter Nu engine now available with AWD

Safety and Technology Enhancements

- Standard Blue Link and Hyundai Assurance Connected Care on Tucson Limited
- Third generation navigation with larger seven-inch touchscreen and HD Radio technology
- Standard Bluetooth hands-free phone system
- 4.3-inch color LCD touchscreen audio with rearview camera

Interior Enhancements

- Two-stage reclining 60/40 split rear seats
- Standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel
- Floor console mounted rear vents
- Standard-steering-wheel mounted audio and cruise controls
- Cupholder illumination
- New interior colors, beige and brown

Exterior Enhancements

- New projector headlights with LED accents
- LED taillights
- Shark-fin antenna on Limited trim
- Roof side rails with panoramic sunroof
- New 17-inch (standard) and 18-inch (optional) alloy wheel designs

2.0-LITER NU GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE

In a segment where GDI engines are not normally found, the addition of the 2.0-liter Nu GDI engine to the Tucson GLS will be popular with consumers. The new 2.0-liter Nu GDI engine produces an estimated 164 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Performance gains were achieved by equipping the engine with an efficient, responsive GDI fuel delivery system. In the Tucson, the engine delivers higher peak torque at lower rpm for enhanced everyday driving dynamics when compared with a similar multi-port fuel injected engine. Equipping the Nu four-cylinder engine with GDI ensures a good balance between performance and fuel economy. The entry-level 2014 Tucson GLS with the 2.0-liter Nu engine will also offer AWD for the first time. AWD was not available on the entry-level 2013 Tucson GL. The Tucson with the 2.0-liter GDI engine achieves an EPA estimated 23 mpg city fuel economy figure with a ULEV emissions rating.

2.4-LITER THETA II GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE

Tucson buyers looking for more horsepower and torque can choose the 2.4-liter Theta II GDI engine, which has been well tested in the Sonata and Santa Fe Sport. This engine has the ability to tow up to 2,000 pounds. With 182 horsepower and 177 lb-ft. of torque, Tucson SE and Limited deliver strong EPA estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg combined, along with outstanding real-world performance feel.

TRANSMISSION

All Tucson models utilize a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control. For 2014, the gated gear shifter has been upgraded to a straight-type with boot for ease of use. Tucson models feature Hyundai's Active ECO System. Active ECO modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response. By turning on Active ECO, drivers can realize up to a 5-7 percent increase in real-world fuel economy.

REFRESHED EXTERIOR DESIGN

New projector headlights with LED accents and available wraparound LED taillights stand out from Tucson's flowing lines, full surfaces and muscular presence. This athletic design language is highlighted by bold, dynamic, graphic elements such as the Hyundai family hexagonal front grille, aggressive lower air intake, sculptured hood creases and sleek greenhouse. Chrome grille accents and door handles lend sophistication to the top-of-the-line Tucson Limited. The profile of Tucson features a sports car-like theme with a double-zigzag treatment for the wheel arches that wrap around the standard 17-inch alloy wheels or the new 18-inch alloy wheel design. Roof rack rails are now available with optional panoramic sunroof and standard shark-fin antenna on Tucson Limited.

THOUGHTFUL INTERIOR DESIGN NOW WITH TWO STAGE RECLINING REAR SEAT

The Tucson has always had outstanding rear legroom and now second row passengers can recline their seats for even more comfort. The 2014 Tucson continues to have more passenger volume than Rogue and Escape at 101.9 cubic feet. The spacious cabin on Tucson Limited is further enhanced for all passengers by the available panoramic sunroof. New beige and brown interior colors add a more premium look and an upgraded instrument panel and upper door trim materials add a more premium feel on SE and Limited models.

The high-tech cockpit comes standard with Hyundai's signature blue lighting, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, power windows, power door locks, fold-away mirrors and remote keyless entry with alarm and panic button. Now even the front cupholders are illuminated with blue light for nighttime drives. Another premium feature in the Tucson Limited is dual front automatic temperature control with CleanAir Ionizer that helps to kills germs within the system when the heater or air conditioner is running. Other available features include leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, power driver seat with lumbar support, automatic headlights, front wiper de-icer and new floor console-mounted rear vents.

FUN-TO-DRIVE

The 2014 Tucson's athletic shape is complemented with agile handling. Tucson uses MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems for more precise wheel control and a smoother ride. All four wheels are controlled by coil springs and Sachs Amplitude Selective Damping (ASD), allowing tuning flexibility at smaller damper displacements. The ASD suspension provides:

- Improved ride comfort with more body/wheel control
- Increased driving comfort without compromised handling
- Optimized road surface contact

The front suspension has a 24.5 mm hollow stabilizer bar to save weight, while the rear suspension has a 15 mm (AWD) & 17 mm (FWD) solid stabilizer bar. Larger stabilizer bars help to keep the vehicle flat during cornering and help provide quick turn-in response.

Due to the suspension geometry and wider track width that enables greater turn angles, Tucson's turning circle is 34.7 feet – an advantage Tucson drivers will appreciate in their daily driving and parking. In fact, Tucson's turning diameter bests Honda CR-V and Ford Escape.

THIRD-GENERATION NAVIGATION AND AUDIO TECHNOLOGY

The Tucson Limited offers an optional multifunction seven-inch touch-screen display with navigation. This third-generation display features a simpler user interface, enhanced voice recognition commands and improved navigation screens. The system is more intuitive for commonly used tasks. Simple pop-up messages now appear to help pair a cell phone and the voice recognition software understands street addresses and cities all in one sentence. The route screens display speed limits and details the next three maneuvers. One or two button pushes now complete most functions.

Tucson GLS and SE trims have a 160-watt AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers. This system includes SiriusXM Satellite Radio® and iPod®/USB auxiliary inputs. The SE and Limited trims come equipped with a 4.3-inch color touchscreen audio with standard rearview camera. An available premium audio system with navigation pumps out 360-watts of sound and includes an external amplifier and subwoofer. It also plays compact discs, accesses digital music files employing Bluetooth streaming audio and allows driver and passenger to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from a phone to the audio system.

Available HD Radio technology is also equipped with the Navigation system. An HD Radio icon on the display appears next to the channel frequency to notify the user when a station is broadcasting in HD. Customers can also access additional programming content provided by HD Radio Technology.

HYUNDAI ASSURANCE CONNECTED CARE POWERED BY BLUE LINK®

Hyundai's industry-leading telematics services program, Assurance Connected Care, is standard on all 2014 Tucsons equipped with Blue Link, for three years. This innovative ownership program provides Hyundai owners with proactive safety and Car Care services via the Hyundai Blue Link telematics system. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle Car Care maintenance scheduling.

Hyundai also recently introduced an all-new mobile app for the Blue Link telematics platform. The mobile app allows subscribers to remotely access various optional Blue Link features and services through compatible mobile devices. Completely redesigned from the ground up, the app has been significantly enhanced from the previous version and boasts a new user experience, faster navigation and innovative new features. Google Android and Apple iOS users can download the app today from Google Play or Apple iTunes, respectively.

Blue Link is an innovative telematics solution that brings seamless connectivity for safety, service and infotainment capabilities and is offered in three packages: Assurance, Essentials and Guidance.

BLUE LINK® PACKAGES

Blue Link Assurance package:

Safety:

- Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance
- SOS Emergency Assistance
- Enhanced Roadside Assistance

Car Care:

- Maintenance Alert
- Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification
- Recall Advisor
- Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Web Vehicle Diagnostics
- Service Link
- Blue Link Essentials package:

Remote Access:

- Remote Door Lock/Unlock
- Remote Horn and Lights
- Remote Vehicle Start
- Car Finder

Vehicle Safeguard:

- Stolen Vehicle Recovery
- Stolen Vehicle Slowdown
- Vehicle Immobilization
- Alarm Notification
- Panic Notification
- Valet Alert
- Geo-Fence
- Speed Alert
- Curfew Alert

Blue Link Guidance package:

- TBT (Turn-by-turn) Navigation Service
- POI Search by advanced voice recognition system and by Web and download
- Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition
- Traffic
- Gas Station Locations and Gas Prices
- Eco-Coach
- Restaurant Ratings
- Weather
- More details on Hyundai Blue Link are available at www.HyundaiBlueLink.com.

ARCHITECTURE

World-class weight efficiency was one of the program targets for the 2014 Tucson engineering team. Hyundai engineers also targeted an outstanding weight-to-power ratio. Having these targets paid dividends in both performance and fuel economy.

Tucson's widespread use of high-strength steel provides increased strength at a lower body weight. High-strength steel allows the four-wheel independent suspension to work optimally. At 3,232 pounds, the automatic transmission equipped Tucson GLS is lighter than its competitors while offering more interior room than Escape. This weight efficient unibody architecture allows for Tucson to achieve an EPA estimated 29 mpg estimated EPA highway rating.

ALL-WEATHER PERFORMANCE

To make Tucson even more versatile, Hyundai engineers added an advanced electronic AWD system. The AWD system will automatically activate under any driving condition when needed, distributing the power equally and optimizing driving performance. Under normal driving, the system only distributes power to the front wheels, thereby reducing fuel consumption. The system includes a driver-selectable AWD lock allowing for a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear wheels for off-road and very slippery conditions. The entry-level 2014 Tucson GLS with the 2.0-liter Nu engine will also offer AWD for the first time. AWD was not available on the entry-level 2013 Tucson GL.

For even more driver control, the 2014 Tucson features Hyundai's Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC). HAC is designed to minimize rolling backwards on steep ascents. By selecting the DBC switch, the Hydro-Electronic Control unit manages the wheel speed sensors, steering angle sensor and acceleration sensor to maintain control and speed on steep declines without having to use the brake. DBC is not available on any other vehicles in the segment and is typically found on luxury SUVs with much higher price tags.

STORAGE GALORE

The 2014 Tucson features a total of 19 different storage places and drink holders:

- Console storage tray
- Glove box
- Overhead sunglass storage
- Armrest storage compartment with tray
- Two front seat drink holders
- Two rear center armrest drink holders
- Four bottle holders – one in each door
- Four map pockets – one in each door
- Two seatback pockets
- Cargo area storage compartment

Advanced Standard Safety Technologies: PART OF HYUNDAI'S ASSURANCE COMMITMENT

- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control
- Active front head restraints
- Four-wheel disc brakes
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Steel unibody with integrated crumple zones
- High-tensile front sub-frame
- Internal guard beams on all four doors
- Center pillars serve as the anchors of a ring structure
- Body shell made stiffer and lighter due to extensive use of ultra-high tensile strength steel, which comprises 68.9 percent of the shell
- Tailor Welded Blanks (TWB) on key structural members
- Three-point belts are provided at all five seating positions
- Front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters
- Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child-seat anchors
- Dual advanced frontal airbags
- Front seat-mounted side-impact airbags
- Roof-mounted side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors that cover both the front and rear seat rows
- Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Assurance includes Assurance Connected Care that provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Hyundai Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services, complimentary for three years. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.

By Steven J. Ewing