CHICAGO, IL - Crossover SUVs are what consumers want, and the compelling new 2005 Hyundai Tucson aims to deliver. Sized to compete with the stalwart Toyota RAV4 as well as newcomers like the Pontiac Vibe, Mitsubishi Outlander and Suzuki Reno, the Tucson is a small crossover that slots in beneath the Santa Fe in the South Korean automaker’s lineup. Three levels of trim include standard GL, mid-level GLS and upscale LX.

Based on the Elantra sedan’s front-wheel-drive platform, the 2005 Hyundai Tucson shares with that excellent economy sedan its base engine. The Tucson GL is equipped with a 2.0-liter inline four cylinder with variable valve timing, tuned here to make about 140 horsepower and 136 lb.-ft. of torque. Given the GL’s base curb weight of 3,240 pounds, we’d suggest sticking with the standard five-speed manual transmission to make the most of this motor. If you insist, a manually interactive Shiftronic automatic is optional.

Adding four-wheel-drive only taxes the standard four-cylinder, and we’d recommend opting for the 2.7-liter V6 engine, which develops 173 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. The V6 is only available with the Shiftronic automatic transmission. Either engine is covered by a ten-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2005 Hyundai Tucson’s optional 4WD system is Borg-Warner’s Electronic InterActive Torque Management design that can route up to 99 percent of the power to the front wheels. Up to half of the engine’s power can be transferred rearward as road conditions and wheel slippage warrant. A 4WD Lock feature allows the driver to lock the system for a steady 50/50 split, but there is no low gear for serious off-roading.