Subsequent to the release of the facelifted, European market ix35 at the Geneva Show in March this year and the refreshed Tucson iX in South Korea later in spring, Hyundai has now announced the North American version of the series, which goes on sale this fall as a 2014MY priced from $21,450, excluding freight charges of $855.
The first thing that people look for in a new model year car are the changes on the outside, but in this respect, there's not much to say, as exterior revisions are limited to new projector headlights with LED accents, LED lights at the back, a shark-fin-style antenna on Limited trim, and new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheel designs.
The same holds true for the interior where Hyundai added new beige and brown cabin colors, illuminated cup-holders, floor console mounted rear vents, new two-stage reclining 60/40 split rear seats, along with a new 4.3-inch color LCD touchscreen audio with rearview camera and a third generation navigation with a larger 7-inch touchscreen and HD Radio (depending on the trim model).
More important are the updates under the hood where Hyundai is introducing two new engines, both with direct-injection technology, including a 164hp and 151 lb-ft 2.0-liter four-cylinder that returns an EPA estimated 23 mpg city fuel economy, and a 182 horsepower and 177 lb-ft 2.4-liter unit that achieves 24 mpg combined
The two available powerplants for the Tucson are offered with a standard six-speed automatic, while for the first time, the entry-level 2.0L unit will also offer AWD as an option. Hyundai says it has also made charges to the suspension.
