Ridgeline vs. Hyundai Tuscon?

[bigdave269]

On my trip to Michigan, I had reserved a Ford Taurus from the rental agency, but on the way, I began to think about having 4WD while I was in the north woods. How would the Taurus handle the spring rains on the back roads? Probably not so well. What if it snowed? It did. My last week in Michigan saw rain and snow every day. So I was quite happy to have the 4WD.

Although I had heard about the Tuscon, I never saw one up close until I rented it. It is not a big SUV by a long shot. It is a five passenger mini wagon, slightly smaller than a CR-V. The SE with Illinois plates that I rented came with 2.7L V6, 4-speed automatic, electroning stability control, ABS, and locking 4WD similar to the set-up on the Ridgeline. There is no low range, and it is a front drive that will deliver power to the rear when the fronts slip. The locking 4WD works until 30 MPH and gradually decreases rear-axle drive until it disengages at 50, according to the manual. It also came equipped with the usual power conveniences, and notably, the stereo had a casette port along with the CD port. I havn't seen that in a while on new cars.

The first leg of my journey was a freeway slog from Metropolitan Airport outside Detroit to the small town of Mio in Oscoda County. This trip was around 200 miles, and was a good way to get to know the mini-ute. Hyundais all suffer from the same problems, and unfortunately, it is a result of it's low price. Road noise was definitely high, and steering was vague on-center, requiring paying close attention to where the car was pointed. It easily drifted lanes, and wind could also alter its direction. The seats and interior were comfortable, but not all-day comfortable like the Ridgeline. Seating position is high, and visibility is good out the front, but small rear-quarter windows made for some hairy blind-spots.

Road manners aside, this ute was light and nimble when the pavement ends. The 16 inch wheels and P235/60R16 All-season tires gave it plenty of clearance, and the short overhangs meant there were good approach and departure angles. Anyone ever driving off-road in northern Michigan knows that sandy soil is the order of the day. With the frost melting and the rain, there was plenty of mud to go through to get to your destination. too. In all that sand and mud, I never felt like I was going to lose control or get stuck and, although it is no Ridgeline, I was certainly glad to have rented it instead of a Taurus. It opened up quite a few areas I would have had to avoid, and my trip certainly would not have been as enjoyable.

When it snowed, the Tuscon felt very capable. It held the road in fair-speed corners, although the ABS program could have been a little better. It did take a while to stop even with the brakes pulsing, much farther than the Ridge would have. That might have been a weight factor, too. But again, I felt secure, and never came close to an accident.

No, I would not run out today to buy this mini-ute. I think if I were in that market, I would be looking much closer at a CR-V or a RAV4 before I ever got to the Tuscon. But the 100K warranty and the low price certainly deliver bang for the buck. Hyundai has definitely come a long way in car production, and this would be on my list far before a Ford Escape or a Saturn Vue. If they keep it up, Honda and Toyota will be looking over their shoulders.

[bigdave269]

A couple more Hyundai pics.