For the 2013 model year, Hyundai further delights Tucson shoppers by increasing the number of standard features on both Tucson GLS and the top-of-the-line Tucson Limited. The fast growing compact crossover segment now demands comfort features once belonging only to luxury models and favors miles per gallon over miles per hour. The new standard features on Tucson GLS are fog lights, automatic headlight control and heated front seats. The Limited trim level gains proximity key entry with push button start. Tucson packages these luxury comfort features with up to 32 mpg on the highway (EPA estimate) and a distinctive design making it a sophisticated CUV for active lifestyles, with a compact size ideal for singles and couples.
Model Year Changes For 2013 Tucson
Heated front seats on GLS FWD (already standard on GLS AWD from 2012)
Proximity key entry with push button start on Limited trim
Fog lights on GLS
Automatic headlight control on GLS
All of these upgrades help illustrate why more customers are discovering how well Tucson stacks up against the competition. Tucson GLS and Limited are more fuel-efficient on the highway than the Honda CRV, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape four-cylinder equipped models. Tucson accomplishes this while having a longer wheelbase than Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Subaru Forester. The stylish and fuel efficient Tucson has a spot on Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Award Top 10 list and Tucson GLS A/T also has a higher 36-month residual value than Toyota RAV4, further demonstrating that Tucson is one of the smartest compact crossover choices available.
The Tucson features precedent-setting engineering including advanced weight saving technology and two eco-efficient Theta II four-cylinder engines delivering up to 32 mpg on the highway. True to Hyundai form, Tucson applies advanced technologies as standard equipment such as Downhill Brake Control (DBC) and Hillstart Assist Control (HAC). Likewise, to keep its passengers informed and comfortable, Tucson also has an optional panoramic sunroof, touch-screen navigation and a Bluetooth hands-free phone system.
FUEL ECONOMY INNOVATIONS?Tucson automatic transmission 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 seven percent increase in real-world fuel economy.
The GL manual transmission model has a shift indicator to inform drivers of the optimal time to upshift and downshift. Fuel savings in the seven to nine percent range are attainable using the manual Eco Gear Shift Indicator.
CHOICE OF TWO POWERFUL AND FUEL-EFFICIENT POWERTRAINS?The entry-level Tucson GL is equipped with a high output 2.0-liter Theta II four-cylinder engine that produces 165 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 146 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm. Fuel economy estimates for the Tucson GL FWD model with available six speed automatic transmission SHIFTRONIC are 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway. The FWD five-speed manual transmission model gets an estimated 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway. The 2.0-liter Theta-II also offers Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) (intake and exhaust camshaft phaser). Major features include the application of a two-stage Variable Intake System (VIS) which enables switching between long and short intake runners resulting in an across-the-board performance increase. To reduce internal friction, engineers have applied a Diamond-Like-Coating (DLC) to the top surface of the valve tappets resulting in improved fuel efficiency. Engineers also expended considerable time and effort optimizing the oil pressure to achieve an ideal balance between durability and fuel economy.
Tucson GLS and Limited models feature the Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine. The Theta II is rated at an 176 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine features CVVT on both camshafts and a VIS for better engine breathing. In the green states, the 2013 Tucson GLS and Limited models are certified as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) which means they are as clean as many hybrids. Tucson GLS and Limited boast an impressive estimated 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway fuel economy rating with the six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC and FWD. Tucson GLS models also feature Low Rolling Resistance (LRR) silica tires to contribute to the outstanding fuel economy. With AWD, Tucson delivers an estimated 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway, exceeding many competitors’ AWD versions.
Two Available Transmissions:
Hyundai’s commitment to making Tucson extremely fuel efficient continues through the availability of two transmissions: a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control and a five-speed manual transmission.
Hyundai’s six-speed automatic transaxle helps the company meet its goals of improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. For the customer, the six-speed delivers a performance edge while helping improve highway fuel economy. There is no dipstick in the transmission gearbox. Instead it is filled with automatic transmission fluid that isgood for the life of the vehicle under normal usage conditions, thereby reducingmaintenance costs.
Exterior Design ?Key attributes of Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy are demonstrated through the 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, swept back headlights, and sleek greenhouse and wraparound taillights. 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 available Euroflange 18-inch alloy wheels.
Architecture:
World-class weight efficiency was one of the program targets for the Tucson engineering team. In fact, the Tucson leads all of its competitors in weight efficiency. Hyundai engineers also targeted outstanding power-to-weight ratio. Having these targets paid huge dividends in both performance and fuel economy.
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, distributingthe power equally and optimizingdrivingperformance. Under normal driving, the system only distributes power to the front wheels, thereby reducingfuel consumption. The system includes a driver-selectable AWD lock allowingfor a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear wheels for off-road and very slippery conditions.
For even more driver control, the 2013 Tucson features Hyundai’s Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC). HAC is designed to minimize rollingbackwards 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 CR-V, Rogue, Escape or CX-5 and is typically found on luxury SUVs with much higher price tags.
Thoughtful Interior Design?The long wheelbase and generous width of Tucson, combined with Hyundai’s expertise in interior packaging, have produced an interior that delivers class-leading rear legroom. TheTucsonhas 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.
The high-tech cockpit comes standard with Hyundai’s signature blue lighting, proximity key with push button start, power windows, power door locks, fold-away mirrors and remote keyless entry with alarm and panic button. A Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition and steering wheel audio and cruise controls are also available. Another premium feature in the Tucson Limited is a CleanAir Ionizer that automatically 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 dual front automatic temperature control.
The 2013 Tucson optional upgrades include a navigation system with rearview camera and XM NavTraffic. This navigation system also provides Bluetooth streamingaudio capability. This easy-to-use unit can be controlled via a 6.5-inch LCD touch-screen or voice-activation by headliner-mounted microphone. The system comes matched with the 360-watt premium audio system that includes an external amplifier and subwoofer. It plays compact discs, accesses digital music files employingBluetooth streamingaudio or allows driver and passenger to access their personal listeningdevices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from a phone to the audio system.
Advanced Standard Safety Technologies:
Tucson is loaded with life-saving standard safety features including ESC with traction control, six airbags and active front head restraints. Its braking system features four-wheel disc brakes controlled by an advanced four-channel ABS with Brake Assist, providing maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to optimize brake performance with uneven weight distribution.
The Tucson is engineered to provide its passengers with multiple defensive safety layers. The steel unibody has integrated crumple zones and a high-tensile front sub-frame designed to work together to reduce the forces that typically reach the passenger compartment. Particular attention has been paid to increasingthe stiffness of the front side members which have been enlarged and straightened. Also, the center pillars serve as the anchors of a ring structure which improves overall side structure stiffness while also creating more room for the door armrest and seat. All four doors also have internal guard beams to protect passengers in a side-impact collision.
The entire body shell has been made stiffer and lighter thanks to the extensive use of ultra-high tensile strength steel, which comprises 68.9 percent of the shell. Also, the use of Tailor Welded Blanks (TWB) has been expanded on key structural members. TWB assemblies combine steels of different thickness andgrades usinga sophisticated laser weldingand stampingprocess to achieve an optimal stiffness-to-weight ratio. TWBs reduce body weight while enhancingcrash energy management.
A total of six airbags are positioned in the Tucson’s interior. Dual advanced frontal airbags are complemented by front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors that cover both the front and rear seat rows.
Tucson also features a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) which alerts drivers if one or more tires are under inflated.
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