2015 Hyundai Tucson
Changes for the 2015 Hyundai Tucson:
A new Popular Equipment Package debuts for the Tucson GLS model, while the Tucson Limited gains standard LED taillights. Hyundai is also leasing a new Tucson Fuel Cell model to selected Southern California residents.
Model Lineup:
For the 2015 model year, the Hyundai Tucson is available in GLS, SE, and Limited trim levels. The Tucson Fuel Cell is a distinctly different, low-volume variant with restricted availability, and is not discussed in this vehicle summary.
Tucson SE models add a more powerful engine, automatic headlights, fog lights, roof rails, and heated side mirrors. Inside, this model includes leatherette/cloth upholstery, an 8-way power driver’s seat, a 4.3-inch touchscreen audio system with a reversing camera, and more.
Limited models are equipped with leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless passive entry with push-button engine starting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a universal garage door opener, and Blue Link services technology. This version also gets bigger 18-inch aluminum wheels, upgraded trim, a front wiper de-icer, and LED taillights.
Engines and Transmissions:
A 164-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is standard for the Tucson GLS, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. An all-wheel-drive system is optional.
The Tucson SE and Limited are equipped with a 182-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that is available in Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) tune. Like the GLS, the SE and Limited models have a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. An AWD system is optional.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
Both of the Tucson’s engines include Active Eco technology designed to maximize fuel economy. The Tucson GLS with front-wheel drive is the most fuel-efficient model, rated to get 25 mpg in combined driving. The more powerful SE and Limited models are expected to get 24 mpg. Add the optional all-wheel-drive system, and those numbers drop by 2 mpg each.
Safety Ratings:
When it comes to crash protection, the Tucson gets “Good” ratings in all Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) assessments except for the small overlap frontal-impact test, in which the SUV earns a “Poor” rating. In NHTSA testing, the Tucson receives an overall rating of 4 stars, but note that the SUV does not receive fewer than 4 stars in any individual assessment.
Technology Highlights:
All 2015 Tucson models have Bluetooth connectivity with music streaming and a USB port, while the Tucson SE adds a standard reversing camera.
The Tucson Limited includes one year of free Blue Link Connected Care service including Automatic Collision Notification and an SOS Emergency Call button. Additional Blue Link services are free for the first three months of ownership, and include features such as a Car Finder app, the ability to set Geo-Fence boundaries, and smartphone alerts related to programmed curfew times and speed limits.
The Tucson Limited is also required to enjoy the available Proximity Key with push-button starting system, a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer, a touchscreen navigation system with a 7-inch display screen, and a premium sound system with HD Radio.
Written by Christian Wardlaw
September 17, 2014
