2014 Hyundai Tucson gets direct injection, small price increase

Hyundai introduced the refreshed 2014 Tucson crossover on Wednesday. It will be the first model to get the company's 2.0-liter Nu direct-injection engine; the other option is the 2.4-liter Theta II.

For 2014, the Tucson offers new projector headlights with LED accents and LED taillights. With the Limited trim selected, there are also a shark-fin antenna, roof rails, a panoramic sunroof and 17-inch wheels.

The four-banger makes 164 hp at 6,200 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Hyundai says performance fuel and economy gains were mostly the result of the direct injection. The new motor is rated at 23 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway for 25 combined. The 2.0-liter will come standard in the entry-level Tucson, which will also be offered in all-wheel drive.

The 2.4-liter makes 182 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers are up 8 hp and 9 lb-ft from last year. The engine currently does duty in the Sonata and Santa Fe. The Tucson Limited and SE models will get the bigger engine.

For efficiency, all Tucsons will use a six-speed automatic with manual control. The CUVs also feature Hyundai's Active Eco system, which modifies engine and transmission controls to smooth throttle response.

Inside, the crossover comes with 60/40 split rear seats, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, floor console-mounted vents, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, cup-holder illumination and new interior colors.

The upgraded Tucson Limited gets the sunroof and dual-zone climate control, including an ionizer that kills germs when the air conditioning or heat is active. Options run the gamut from leather heated seats to automatic headlights to a front wiper de-icer.

The 2014 Tucson uses a MacPherson setup up front with a multi-link rear. All four corners are controlled by the company's Sachs Amplitude Selective Damping system, which improves comfort without sacrificing handling, according to Hyundai, and optimizes road-surface contact.

Hyundai's Blue Link safety systems come standard for three years. The CUV also has 19 different storage places and multiple drink holders.

The 2014 Tucson GLS will come in at $22,305, while the top Limited trim costs $28,555. Those are price increases of about $2,000 each.

By Jake Lingeman