The 2005 Hyundai Tucson excels when it comes to carrying cargo. Load the composite-lined cargo floor and rear seatbacks through the liftgate or a handy flip-up rear window. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split from either the rear of the Tucson or through the rear side doors by lifting the releases located on the upper outboard part of the seatbacks next to the headrests, which don’t require removal to create a flat load floor. To expand capacity, the front passenger’s seat can also be folded flat. A rear cargo mat helps limit spills, but if some kind of goo does drip all over, the cargo floor can be removed from the Tucson for cleaning. Other useful features of the cargo area include grocery bag holders, underfloor storage, six tie-downs, a 12-volt outlet, a cargo light, a netted cargo pocket, a cargo net, and a cargo cover with storage trays molded into the top.

The 2005 Hyundai Tucson is designed with handy and thoughtful storage spaces throughout, from the innovative trays under the armrests on the doors to the dished bin atop the center of the dashboard. The visor vanity mirror covers have cardholders molded into them, there are bins in each of the four door panels, and several spots are lined with felt or rubber to provide additional grip or to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Determining if the 2005 Hyundai Tucson’s interior was quiet proved difficult on Portland’s roadways, which are chewed up by the use of studded snow tires. But on one long stretch of relatively new blacktop, we got our answer. Front and rear seat riders can converse in normal tones of voice at highway speeds. Not only is the Tucson relatively quiet inside, it’s also free of rattles and squeaks thanks to outstanding build quality.